Rationale
The benzodiazepine lorazepam enhances the potential for inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) synapses in the cortex to stabilize postsynaptic, excitatory activity by synchronizing discharge rates at frequencies of
around 40 Hz. Treatment with lorazepam also affects contour integration processes, suggesting that GABAA-mediated synchronization plays a role in visuospatial organization. This conclusion is supported by other physiological studies
that link visual feature integration with neuronal synchronization.
Objectives
One experiment was conducted to assess variations in dynamic figural priming as a result of lorazepam administration.
Methods
Observers were presented a modified version of a figural priming paradigm designed to investigate the effects of dynamic synchronization
on visual feature integration. The priming paradigm consisted of premask crosses presented in a square arrangement within
the same phase of a multiphase premask matrix oscillating at 40 Hz. Observers responded to a subsequently presented target
square. The modification consisted of line elements presented at various distances relative to the unspecified extension of
the lines making up the premask crosses. It was expected that priming effects would be enhanced for lines terminating close
to the unspecified extension but only following administration of lorazepam.
Results
As anticipated, priming was enhanced substantially when the premask crosses flickered around static lines that terminated
adjacent to the unspecified extension between the premask crosses. This effect was maximal following treatment with lorazepam.
Conclusions
This finding supports the idea that GABAA-enhanced inhibitory synchronization mediates continuity coding during early visual processing.
Keywords Lorazepam - Diazepam - Benzodiazepine - Visual binding - Synchronization - Temporal factors