What drives the striatum?
Functional MRI studies on conflict and control

We have previously shown that the striatum is activated not only during
inhibition of a prepotent response, but also in anticipation of such
inhibition. We want to perform two experiments to better understand the
relation between anticipation of inhibition and striatal activation. We will
use tasks that contain a series of Go-trials requiring a response, intermixed
with Go-trials in which a stop-signal is presented and subjects have to refrain
from responding. Brain activation will be measured using functional MRI.

To better understand the relation between anticipation of inhibition and
striatal activation. Experiment 1 aims to differentiate between response
inhibition and response conflict. Experiment 2 aims to test the effects of
subjective expectations of stop-signals on striatal activation. Study 3 aims to
test the effects of response side on brain activation.

This study consists of three studies. Prior to the functional MRI session,
subjects are trained on the task.

Subjects will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan session of
approximately 80 minutes. MRI is a non-invasive technique, so there is no need
for special preparation for the subject. There are no known risks associated
with the MRI acquisition and the data are solely used for research purposes.
However, structural cerebral pathology may be noticed. If medical treatment is
indicated, the subject will be notified.

There are no direct benefits for the subjects, but their participation in this
study helps broaden the knowledge of the functioning of frontal-striatal
circuits. As these circuits are affected in psychiatric illnesses, the
knowledge obtained from the current studies may lead to a better strategy for
investigating these illnesses.