Atomoxetine enhances a short-term model of plasticity in humans.

Abstract

To evaluate the role of 2 noradrenergic drugs in modulating use-dependent plasticity in humans. Double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled crossover design. A laboratory in a hospital. A convenience sample of 10 healthy subjects. An established paradigm that measures motor memory as a short-term model of use-dependent plasticity. Subjects attended 3 sessions, separated by at least 1 week to allow drug washout. Subjects received atomoxetine (Strattera), venlafaxine (Effexor), or placebo. Increase in the proportion of movements into the training target zone (TTZ), an indicator of enhanced plasticity. Atomoxetine, but not venlafaxine, significantly increased movements into the TTZ. These results support a role for norepinephrine in enhancing cortical plasticity and suggest potential benefits in using these drugs for improving motor recovery after stroke.