Atomoxetine Enhances a Short-Term Model of Plasticity in Humans

Schema of study. Abbreviation: PO, per os.

Illustration of the TMS paradigm modeling use-dependent plasticity. At baseline, TMS evoked movement in a consistent direction in subjects (ie extension, abduction), designated here by the black lines radiating from the accelerometer. Subjects then performed training movements in approximately the opposite direction (ie flexion, adduction) to baseline (black arrow). Posttraining, the direction of TMS-evoked thumb movements changed from the baseline direction to the trained direction (black lines falling into the training target zone, TTZ), close to a 180° change from baseline.

Average vital signs for each condition across time. The effects of the drugs did not differ significantly from placebo.

Increase in proportion of movements in TTZ, organized by total elapsed training time (in minutes) and drug administered. Significant comparisons are denoted by group (P, placebo; V, venlafaxine; A, atomoxetine) and total elapsed training at time of measurement (10, 20, or 30min), on the higher group of the comparison. *P<.001.

Individual subject scores (increase in proportion of movements in TTZ) across conditions after 30 minutes of training. Subjects represented by different symbols.