The impact of a focused behavioral intervention on brain cannabinoid signaling and interoceptive function: Implications for mood and anxiety
Otto Muzik, Timothy Mann, John J. Kopchick, Asadur Chowdury, Mario A. Yacou, Jamie Vadgama, Daniel Bonello, Vaibhav A. Diwadkar
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative November 30, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbii.2023.100035 (opens in new tab)
The journal has published a correction to this paper. Read the correction (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4 |
| Population | Male controls |
| Intervention | cold exposure |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Insula Anterior cingulate cortex Orbitofrontal cortex Prefrontal cortex Cognition |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | A six-week Wim Hof method intervention increased global CB1 receptor binding by approximately 20% and enhanced engagement of interoceptive and executive brain regions during cold stress. |
Abstract
The Wim Hof method (WHM) is a behavioral intervention technique that consists of deep breathing exercises, cold exposure and meditation. In light of the crucial role of the cannabinoid system in modulating neurotransmitter release through a negative feedback mechanism that aims at the maintenance of network homeostasis, our study investigated changes in cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor binding following a longitudinal (6 weeks) WHM intervention in 4 male controls using the F18]FMPEP-d2 PET tracer, an inverse CB1 receptor agonist. Results revealed a global increase in CB1 receptor binding of ~20%, with largest increases found in brain regions associated with the interoceptive network such as the anterior cingulate, the orbitofrontal cortex OFC), the anterior insular cortex (AIC) and the brainstem. Furthermore, in the same participants a whole-body cold-stress paradigm was used to systematically evoke sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. Post-intervention, participants showed increased engagement of regions like the anterior insula and the orbitofrontal cortex that have been respectively classified as belonging to the brain’s interoceptive (AIC) and executive (OFC) sub-networks. Our results suggest that a relatively short 6-week WHM intervention positively impacts brain markers that have been associated with stress resistance, mood, anxiety and interoceptive function.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
Citations in the library
Cites 12
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being JAMA Internal Medicine January 6, 2014
- The Influence of Buddhist Meditation Traditions on the Autonomic System and Attention BioMed Research International 2015
- A novel Wim Hof psychophysiological training program to reduce stress responses during an Antarctic expedition Journal of International Medical Research April 1, 2022
- The Effects of Cold Exposure Training and a Breathing Exercise on the Inflammatory Response in Humans: A Pilot Study Psychosomatic Medicine February 23, 2022
- From State-to-Trait Meditation: Reconfiguration of Central Executive and Default Mode Networks. eNeuro November 1, 2019
and 7 more in the library