Attention, suggestion, context and expectation can all exert top-down influence on bottom-up processes (e.g., stimulus-driven mechanisms). Identifying the functional neuroanatomy that subserves top-down influences on sensory information processing can unlock the neural substrates of how suggestion can modulate behavior. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we scanned 10 healthy participants (five men) viewing five bistable figures. Participants received a directional cue to perceive a particular spatial orientation a few seconds before the bistable figure appeared. After presentation, participants pressed a button to indicate their locking into the one desired orientation of the two possible interpretations. Participants additionally performed tests of impulse control and sustained attention. Our findings reveal the role of specific frontostriatal structures in selecting a particular orientation for bistable figures, including dorsolateral prefrontal regions and the putamen. Additional contrasts further bolstered the role of the frontostriatal system m the top-down processing of competing visual perceptions. Separate correlations of behavioral variables with fMRI activations support the idea that the frontostriatal system may mediate attentional control when selecting among competing visual perceptions. These results may generalize to other psychological functions. With special relevance to clinical neuroscience and applications involving attention, expectation and suggestion (e.g., hypnosis), our results address the importance of frontostriatal circuitry in behavioral modulation.
KeywordsTop-down effect; cognitive control; coruco-striato-thalamocortical (CSTC) circuits; attention; expectation; hypnosis; self-regulation; impulse control 1 The ability to manipulate one's own emotions, thoughts, or actions upon direction from the self or another person. Emotion regulation can be a form of self-regulation, but it could also be induced by a caregiver's actions. 2 The reduction in the probability, speed, or vigor of the normal response to a stimulus based upon instruction from the self or other. It is often measured by scale scores on a questionnaire or by a task that requires one to withhold or delay a response. 3 The literature typically uses the appellation "emotional-regulation" to mean the reduction, increase, or sustaining of an emotional response (e.g., fear, anger, or pleasure) based upon the actions of the self or another. 4 The ability to inhibit, activate or sustain a response, including the capacity to inhibit a dominant response in order to perform a subdominant response. In temperament research individual differences in effortful control are measured as a factor score that combines scales dealing with attention and the ability to regulate behavior on command.NIH Public Access