Mechanisms of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Interventions: Influence on Human Neurochemistry and Functional Connectivity

Mechanisms of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Interventions: Influence on Human Neurochemistry and Functional Connectivity

The aim of this project is to increase our understanding of how two different protocols of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), inhibitory (1 Hz) and excitatory (5 Hz), applied over the primary motor cortex of the presumed dominant hemisphere, affect functional connectivity and neurochemistry in the brain.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation method which is effective for treating both psychiatric and non-psychiatric disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, pain syndromes and for improving motor function in neurodegenerative diseases or following stroke. rTMS uses series of brief pulses of magnetic field applied to the surface of the head for a period of time (e.g. 20 minutes). The effects of rTMS are transient, and critically dependent upon the location, frequency and intensity of stimulation. Several studies have provided evidence that rTMS can influence the excitability and function of neurons (neuromodulation) for up to one hour, both near to, and distant from, the site of stimulation. However it is still unclear how these transient local and distant changes in function induced by specific rTMS protocols are mediated. In this project we will combine expertise in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and rTMS neuromodulation to develop and test protocols for examining the changes produced by non-invasive brain stimulation on healthy subjects. rTMS will be applied outside the scanner using standard TMS coils and MRI/S at 7 Tesla will be acquired before and immediately after rTMS. Our aim is to increase the understanding of how the two different rTMS protocols, inhibitory (1 Hz) and excitatory (5 Hz), applied over the primary motor cortex of the presumed dominant hemisphere, affect functional connectivity and neurochemistry in the brain.

Inclusion Criteria:

Those volunteers who are evaluated as normal and not met exclusion criteria will be potential candidates for this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

The following participants will be excluded from this study, including but not limited to:

• Females
• Left handed males
• Participants who never underwent MRI at 7 Tesla

Participants with:

• any type of bio-implant activated by mechanical, electronic, or magnetic means (e.g. cochlear implants, pacemakers, neurostimulators, bio stimulators, electronic infusion pumps.)
• any type of ferromagnetic bio-implant that could potentially be displaced or damaged, such as aneurysm clips, metallic skull plates, etc.
• non-removable piercing or permanent eyeliner
• retained metal in their body, either from a medical procedure or an injury

Participants who:

• have been diagnosed by a physician as having a psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, neurological and/or cardiovascular disease
• have cardiac or known circulatory impairment, and/or the inability to perspire (poor thermoregulatory function)
• have hyper- or hypotension or arrhythmias
• have known conditions which can lead to emergency medical care
• had a head injury that caused them to lose consciousness for more than 30 minutes or have amnesia for more than 24 hours
• had a brain tumor or stroke
• had one or more seizures, or been given a diagnosis of epilepsy
• have a history of sleep apnea or head trauma that may have caused Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• have a history of anxiety, syncope, panic attacks and/or claustrophobia
• cannot adhere to the experimental protocol for any reason
• started taking chemotherapy or immunomodulatory agents, or had any radiation treatment that could affect the brain
• are currently on any medication