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Evidence for striatal dopamine release during a video game

Author

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  • M. J. Koepp

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • R. N. Gunn

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • A. D. Lawrence

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • V. J. Cunningham

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • A. Dagher

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • T. Jones

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • D. J. Brooks

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • C. J. Bench

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

  • P. M. Grasby

    (MRC Cyclotron Unit, Hammersmith Hospital
    Imperial College School of Medicine)

Abstract

Dopaminergic neurotransmission may be involved in learning, reinforcement of behaviour, attention, and sensorimotor integration1,2. Binding of the radioligand 11C-labelled raclopride to dopamine D2 receptors is sensitive to levels of endogenous dopamine, which can be released by pharmacological challenge3,4,5,6,7,8. Here we use 11C-labelled raclopride and positron emission tomography scans to provide evidence that endogenous dopamine is released in the human striatum during a goal-directed motor task, namely a video game. Binding of raclopride to dopamine receptors in the striatum was significantly reduced during the video game compared with baseline levels of binding, consistent with increased release and binding of dopamine to its receptors. The reduction in binding of raclopride in the striatum positively correlated with the performance level during the task and was greatest in the ventral striatum. These results show, to our knowledge for the first time, behavioural conditions under which dopamine is released in humans, and illustrate the ability of positron emission tomography to detect neurotransmitter fluxes in vivo during manipulations of behaviour.

Suggested Citation

  • M. J. Koepp & R. N. Gunn & A. D. Lawrence & V. J. Cunningham & A. Dagher & T. Jones & D. J. Brooks & C. J. Bench & P. M. Grasby, 1998. "Evidence for striatal dopamine release during a video game," Nature, Nature, vol. 393(6682), pages 266-268, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:393:y:1998:i:6682:d:10.1038_30498
    DOI: 10.1038/30498
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    Cited by:

    1. Michaela Rice & Alexis Lease & MaLia Walker & Kira Bailey, 2021. "Shooting Your Accuracy in the Foot? Examining the Short-Term Effect of Playing an Action or Strategy Video Game on Cognitive Control," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Yu-Fang Lin & Megan F. Liu & Mu-Hsing Ho & Yen-Kuang Lin & Yu-Ling Hsiao & Ming-Hsu Wang & Chia-Chi Chang & Jed Montayre, 2022. "A Pilot Study of Interactive-Video Games in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-14, March.
    3. Brice Corgnet & Roberto Hernán-González & Eric Schniter, 2015. "Why real leisure really matters: incentive effects on real effort in the laboratory," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 18(2), pages 284-301, June.
    4. Sally Radovick & Eli Hershkovitz & Aline Kalisvaart & Marco Koning & Kristine Paridaens & Maged N. Kamel Boulos, 2018. "Gamification Concepts to Promote and Maintain Therapy Adherence in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency," J, MDPI, vol. 1(1), pages 1-10, August.
    5. Valerio Ricci & Domenico De Berardis & Giuseppe Maina & Giovanni Martinotti, 2023. "Internet Gaming Disorders and Early Onset Psychosis in Young People: A Case Study and Clinical Observations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-10, February.
    6. Geoffrey L. Ream & Luther C. Elliott & Eloise Dunlap, 2011. "Playing Video Games While Using or Feeling the Effects of Substances: Associations with Substance Use Problems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-20, October.
    7. Scott Cunningham & Benjamin Engelstätter & Michael R. Ward, 2016. "Violent Video Games and Violent Crime," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 82(4), pages 1247-1265, April.

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