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Abstract :
[en] Maintaining optimal performance during a working memory task requires not only to detect target items but also to discard fillers. Following signal detection theory, the ability to discriminate target from non-target stimuli is estimated by d prime (d'). Here we assessed whether d' was modulated by the oscillating circadian signal during a 42-hour constant routine while participants performed 13 sessions of auditory 3-back task. We also tested whether the individual vulnerability to sleep loss predicted by the PERIOD3 gene polymorphism would influence this cognitive modulation imposed by sleep/wake regulation.
From a sample of about 400 screened volunteers, thirty-five healthy young volunteers (age 19-26; 17 females) were recruited based on the PER3 polymorphism (twelve 5/5 and twenty-three 4/4 homozygotes). A linear mixed model tested on d’ the effect of circadian rhythmicity (based on melatonin level) and PER3 polymorphism. Given that 3back sessions were not administered at equidistant points, we used ranges to center each individual performance on dim light melatonin onset (DLMO).
Analyses on d’ showed an effect of circadian oscillation (F(12,302) = 16.05, p< 0.0001), but also an interaction between gene and circadian oscillation (F(12,302)=1,88, p = 0.0362). This interaction was mainly characterized by a worst d’ in PER35/5subjects in the range covering a period between 21 and 23 hours after the DLMO (W=47; p = 0.0426).
These results showed that circadian rhythm influence the discriminative ability under constant routine condition. Interestingly, we observed a better performance in PER34/4in the phase preceding the DLMO, but only in situation of high sleep pressure. Those results show that discriminative ability is differently affect by sleep homeostasis in PER3 polymorphism at the same circadian phase. We interpret this as a bigger vulnerability to sleep loss in PER35/5individuals in the period just before the wake maintenance zone.