Circadian fluctuations in glucocorticoid level predict perceptual discrimination sensitivity

•Cortisol and auditory perception in N = 68 human adults at 5 times of day•Higher momentary cortisol levels predicted better pitch discrimination•This glucocorticoid effect held under a set statistical control models•Paves way for studies on neuroendocrinological constraints sensation Slow neurobiological rhythms, such as the circadian secretion (GC) hormones, modulate variety body functions. Whether how endocrine fluctuations also exert an influence perceptual abilities is largely uncharted. Here, we show that phasic increases GC availability prove beneficial to discrimination. In age-varying sample healthy participants, characterize covariation saliva with sensitivity discrimination task five time points across sleep-wake cycle. First, were captured well by relative wake-up overall sleep duration. Second, within individuals, higher just prior behavioral testing ability, expressed steepened psychometric curve. This GCs controls. 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Task difficulty was titrated based just-noticeable difference (JND). separate linear mixed-effects models test salivary cohort, understand fluctuation turn, represented slope Each model additional, confounders revealed comparison, accounted daytime measurement (expressed modeled using polynomial regressors second, third order) total (conditional R2 .75; S1 full details). Increased (? ?.16, standard error [SE] .04, p .001, log Bayes factor10 (logBF) 3.2) while over best described cubic trend ?.15, SE .07, .025, logBF ?.13). 2A, captures decline evening 2C). considerable improvement fit inclusion session-specific random intercepts attests (likelihood ratio test; ?21 69.5, < 31.9). Overall did differ significantly younger (?21 2.05, .15, ?1.9; 2B). Neither exhibit clear participants' improve fit, 1.0, .31, ?2.4). analysis 3), probed power measured sensitivity. indicated best-fitting model, operationalized function, influenced cortisol, .47; S2 line increased led heightened .13, .004, 1.4). specifically, illustrated 3A (right panel), increase one unit log(nmol/L) curve 10th JND. To interpret examined per individual. On average, changed 2.71 nmol/L (±sd 0.85 nmol/L) course experiment. subject-specific slopes added illustrative purposes (left consistently observable participants. additional including state- within-subjects) trait-level between-subjects) provided support cortisol-driven participant (within-subject cortisol: ? 1.2; between-subject .23, .56, ?2.7; methods S3 expected, significant compared ?.52, .18, .005, 1.3; 3B). precisely, shallower nearly Participant‘s proved predictor females showing ?.36, .049, –.84; S1). Participants' sleepiness (assessed Karolinska Sleepiness Scale; methods) bias (indicated point subjective equality [PSE] function), performance. these predictors tests, > .067, logBFs ?1.2). Lastly, whether would differentially two groups, despite comparable adults. However, respective interaction .91, .34, investigate ran probing bias. found PSE .44, .2, .027, ?.34). .98, ?2.9, S4). One concern aimed target obvious repetition close succession, three hours). Reassuringly, no training time-of-day outcome evident S2). session 1.6, .21, ?2.1) (linear, quadratic, trend) (all .4, ?2.5). considered possibility link could reflect indirect absence any above) rendered scenario unlikely, still formally causal mediation analysis. 3C, comparison estimated (cubic showed comparably small non-significant change (?.042, 95% confidence [CI] [–.13, .04] vs. ?.029, CI[–.13, .07]) accounting (?.013, CI[–.07, .04]). other words, increasing does provide potentially relationship. abilities, if so, degree? out gather decisive data seemingly simple question. mixed between- within-participants multiple samples assessments cycle, indeed ability. first result lending credibility approach cortisol. highly consistent cortisol-level displacement dependent 2A), concert (taking place 2 3) variance degree. Statistically, dissecting person person) versus state-level session) covaried robustness size 3A: one's own steepens 1/10 JND pitch. Essentially, positive steepness series analyses underscores directness putative causality fills gaps knowledge behavior. will discuss mechanisms, limitations, below. imply that, centrally available accompanied objective ability discriminate broadly view activity preparing action (Habib 2001Habib Gold P.W. Chrousos G.P. stress.Endocrinol. Metab. North Am. 30: 695-728Abstract (298) Enhanced certainly into view. What mechanistic bring be? aim briefly cover mechanistically conceivable paths—one relating established dependence receptor tuning GC-related GABAergic signaling. ample now malfunction Hossain 2008Hossain Hajman Charitidi Erhardt Zimmermann Knipper Prenatal dexamethasone impairs behavior