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Ehrhardt SE, Wards Y, Rideaux R, Marjańska M, Jin J, Cloos MA, Deelchand DK, Zöllner HJ, Saleh MG, Hui SCN, Ali T, Shaw TB, Barth M, Mattingley JB, Filmer HL, Dux PE. Neurochemical Predictors of Generalized Learning Induced by Brain Stimulation and Training. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1676232024. [PMID: 38531634 PMCID: PMC11112648 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1676-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Methods of cognitive enhancement for humans are most impactful when they generalize across tasks. However, the extent to which such "transfer" is possible via interventions is widely debated. In addition, the contribution of excitatory and inhibitory processes to such transfer is unknown. Here, in a large-scale neuroimaging individual differences study with humans (both sexes), we paired multitasking training and noninvasive brain stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS) over multiple days and assessed performance across a range of paradigms. In addition, we varied tDCS dosage (1.0 and 2.0 mA), electrode montage (left or right prefrontal regions), and training task (multitasking vs a control task) and assessed GABA and glutamate concentrations via ultrahigh field 7T magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Generalized benefits were observed in spatial attention, indexed by visual search performance, when multitasking training was combined with 1.0 mA stimulation targeting either the left or right prefrontal cortex (PFC). This transfer effect persisted for ∼30 d post intervention. Critically, the transferred benefits associated with right prefrontal tDCS were predicted by pretraining concentrations of glutamate in the PFC. Thus, the effects of this combined stimulation and training protocol appear to be linked predominantly to excitatory brain processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane E Ehrhardt
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yohan Wards
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Reuben Rideaux
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Małgorzata Marjańska
- Department of Radiology, Centre for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Jin Jin
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Siemens Healthcare Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Martijn A Cloos
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Dinesh K Deelchand
- Department of Radiology, Centre for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Helge J Zöllner
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Muhammad G Saleh
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Steve C N Hui
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Tonima Ali
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Thomas B Shaw
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Markus Barth
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jason B Mattingley
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Hannah L Filmer
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paul E Dux
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Coelho DRA, Gersten M, Jimenez AS, Fregni F, Cassano P, Vieira WF. Treating neuropathic pain and comorbid affective disorders: Preclinical and clinical evidence. Pain Pract 2024. [PMID: 38572653 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropathic pain (NP) significantly impacts quality of life and often coexists with affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. Addressing both NP and its psychiatric manifestations requires a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic options. This study aimed to review the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for NP and comorbid affective disorders to describe their mechanisms of action and how they are commonly used in clinical practice. METHODS A review was conducted across five electronic databases, focusing on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for NP and its associated affective disorders. The following combination of MeSH and title/abstract keywords were used: "neuropathic pain," "affective disorders," "depression," "anxiety," "treatment," and "therapy." Both animal and human studies were included to discuss the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of these interventions. RESULTS Pharmacological interventions, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, modulate neural synaptic transmission to alleviate NP. Topical agents, such as capsaicin, lidocaine patches, and botulinum toxin A, offer localized relief by desensitizing pain pathways. Some of these drugs, especially antidepressants, also treat comorbid affective disorders. Non-pharmacological techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and photobiomodulation therapy, modulate cortical activity and have shown promise for NP and mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS The interconnection between NP and comorbid affective disorders necessitates holistic therapeutic strategies. Some pharmacological treatments can be used for both conditions, and non-pharmacological interventions have emerged as promising complementary approaches. Future research should explore novel molecular pathways to enhance treatment options for these interrelated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Richer Araujo Coelho
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maia Gersten
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Felipe Fregni
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paolo Cassano
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Melo L, Beaupain MC, Ghanavati E, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA. Neurochemical mechanisms underlying serotonergic modulation of neuroplasticity in humans. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:421-430. [PMID: 38574852 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in animals and humans have shown that cortical neuroplasticity can be modulated by increasing serotonin levels by administering selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, little is known about the mechanistic background, especially the contribution of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, which depend on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the relevance of drivers of plasticity (glutamate- and GABA-dependent processes) for the effects of serotonin enhancement on tDCS-induced plasticity in healthy humans. METHODS A crossover, partially double-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled study was conducted in 21 healthy right-handed individuals. In each of the 7 sessions, plasticity was induced via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Anodal, cathodal, and sham tDCS were applied to the left motor cortex under SSRI (20 mg/40 mg citalopram) or placebo. Short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) were monitored by paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for 5-6 h after intervention. RESULTS Under placebo, anodal tDCS-induced LTP-like plasticity decreased SICI and increased ICF. In contrast, cathodal tDCS-elicited LTD-like plasticity induced the opposite effect. Under 20 mg and 40 mg citalopram, anodal tDCS did not affect SICI largely, while ICF was enhanced and prolonged. For cathodal tDCS, citalopram converted the increase of SICI and decrease of ICF into antagonistic effects, and this effect was dosage-dependent since it lasted longer under 40 mg when compared to 20 mg. CONCLUSION We speculate that the main effects of acute serotonergic enhancement on tDCS-induced plasticity, the increase and prolongation of LTP-like plasticity effects, involves mainly the glutamatergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Melo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marie C Beaupain
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Elham Ghanavati
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany; Bielefeld University, University Hospital OWL, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site - Bochum/Marburg, Germany
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Nguyen TXD, Kuo CW, Peng CW, Liu HL, Chang MY, Hsieh TH. Transcranial burst electrical stimulation contributes to neuromodulatory effects in the rat motor cortex. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1303014. [PMID: 38146544 PMCID: PMC10749301 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1303014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Transcranial Burst Electrical Stimulation (tBES) is an innovative non-invasive brain stimulation technique that combines direct current (DC) and theta burst stimulation (TBS) for brain neuromodulation. It has been suggested that the tBES protocol may efficiently induce neuroplasticity. However, few studies have systematically tested neuromodulatory effects and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms by manipulating the polarity of DC and TBS patterns. This study aimed to develop the platform and assess neuromodulatory effects and neuronal activity changes following tBES. Methods Five groups of rats were exposed to anodal DC combined with intermittent TBS (tBES+), cathodal DC combined with continuous TBS (tBES-), anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS+ and tDCS-), and sham groups. The neuromodulatory effects of each stimulation on motor cortical excitability were analyzed by motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) changes. We also investigated the effects of tBES on both excitatory and inhibitory neural biomarkers. We specifically examined c-Fos and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-65) using immunohistochemistry staining techniques. Additionally, we evaluated the safety of tBES by analyzing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Results Our findings demonstrated significant impacts of tBES on motor cortical excitability up to 30 min post-stimulation. Specifically, MEPs significantly increased after tBES (+) compared to pre-stimulation (p = 0.026) and sham condition (p = 0.025). Conversely, tBES (-) led to a notable decrease in MEPs relative to baseline (p = 0.04) and sham condition (p = 0.048). Although tBES showed a more favorable neuromodulatory effect than tDCS, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between these two groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, tBES (+) exhibited a significant activation of excitatory neurons, indicated by increased c-Fos expression (p < 0.05), and a reduction in GAD-65 density (p < 0.05). tBES (-) promoted GAD-65 expression (p < 0.05) while inhibiting c-Fos activation (p < 0.05), suggesting the involvement of cortical inhibition with tBES (-). The expression of GFAP showed no significant difference between tBES and sham conditions (p > 0.05), indicating that tBES did not induce neural injury in the stimulated regions. Conclusion Our study indicates that tBES effectively modulates motor cortical excitability. This research significantly contributes to a better understanding of the neuromodulatory effects of tBES, and could provide valuable evidence for its potential clinical applications in treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Xuan Dieu Nguyen
- School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Kuo
- School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Peng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Li Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuan Chang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Li X, Chen L, Yu K, Zhuang W, Zhu H, Xu W, Yan H, Qi G, Zhou D, Wu S. Impact of twice-a-day transcranial direct current stimulation intervention on cognitive function and motor cortex plasticity in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Gen Psychiatr 2023; 36:e101166. [PMID: 38155843 PMCID: PMC10753710 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-invasive brain stimulation has improved cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and some studies suggest a close relationship between cognition and plasticity. However, the clinical benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients still need to be evaluated. Aims This study examined the role of tDCS in improving cognition and whether the improved cognition is related to altered cortical plasticity. Methods 124 patients with AD were randomly assigned to active tDCS (n=63) or sham tDCS (n=61). The tDCS was applied at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for 30 treatment sessions across 6 weeks (5 days per week, 2 days off). The Mini-Mental State Examination and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) were used for cognition evaluation at baseline, week 2 and week 6. The cortical plasticity was represented by motor-evoked potential (MEP) measured with an electromyogram. Results The results showed that multiple courses of active tDCS can improve the cognitive functions of patients with AD, especially in the memory domain (word recall, recall of test instructions and word recognition). In addition, the damaged MEP level was enhanced following active treatment. In the active tDCS group, the improvements in ADAS-Cog total and subitem (word recall and word recognition) scores were negatively correlated with the enhancement of MEP. Conclusions Our research indicates for the first time that twice-a-day tDCS may improve the cognitive function of patients with AD. This study also suggests that cognitive dysfunction may be related to impaired cortical plasticity, which warrants mechanistic investigations of the relationship between cognition and plasticity in the future. Trial registration number ChiCTR1900021067.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital & Affiliated Mental Health Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Yu Yao Third People’s Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kunqiang Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People’s Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenhao Zhuang
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital & Affiliated Mental Health Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yu Yao Third People’s Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenqiang Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People’s Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, Taizhou Second People's Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gangqiao Qi
- Department of Psychiatry, Taizhou Second People's Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital & Affiliated Mental Health Centre, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaochang Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People’s Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
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Chan MMY, Choi CXT, Tsoi TCW, Shea CKS, Yiu KWK, Han YMY. Effects of multisession cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation with cognitive training on sociocognitive functioning and brain dynamics in autism: A double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized EEG study. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1604-1616. [PMID: 37918630 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few treatment options are available for targeting core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The development of treatments that target common neural circuit dysfunctions caused by known genetic defects, namely, disruption of the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance, is promising. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is capable of modulating the E/I balance in healthy individuals, yet its clinical and neurobiological effects in ASD remain elusive. OBJECTIVE This double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial investigated the effects of multisession cathodal prefrontal tDCS coupled with online cognitive remediation on social functioning, information processing efficiency and the E/I balance in ASD patients aged 14-21 years. METHODS Sixty individuals were randomly assigned to receive either active or sham tDCS (10 sessions in total, 20 min/session, stimulation intensity: 1.5 mA, cathode: F3, anode: Fp2, size of electrodes: 25 cm2) combined with 20 min of online cognitive remediation. Social functioning, information processing efficiency during cognitive tasks, and theta- and gamma-band E/I balance were measured one day before and after the treatment. RESULTS Compared to sham tDCS, active cathodal tDCS was effective in enhancing overall social functioning [F(1, 58) = 6.79, p = .012, ηp2 = 0.105, 90% CI: (0.013, 0.234)] and information processing efficiency during cognitive tasks [F(1, 58) = 10.07, p = .002, ηp2 = 0.148, 90% CI: (0.034, 0.284)] in these individuals. Electroencephalography data showed that this cathodal tDCS protocol was effective in reducing the theta-band E/I ratio of the cortical midline structures [F(1, 58) = 4.65, p = .035, ηp2 = 0.074, 90% CI: (0.010, 0.150)] and that this reduction significantly predicted information processing efficiency enhancement (b = -2.546, 95% BCa CI: [-4.979, -0.113], p = .041). CONCLUSION Our results support the use of multisession cathodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex combined with online cognitive remediation for reducing the elevated theta-band E/I ratio in sociocognitive information processing circuits in ASD patients, resulting in more adaptive regulation of global brain dynamics that is associated with enhanced information processing efficiency after the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody M Y Chan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Coco X T Choi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Tom C W Tsoi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Caroline K S Shea
- Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Klaire W K Yiu
- Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yvonne M Y Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; University Research Facility in Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience (UBSN), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Leow LA, Marcos A, Nielsen E, Sewell D, Ballard T, Dux PE, Filmer HL. Dopamine Alters the Effect of Brain Stimulation on Decision-Making. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6909-6919. [PMID: 37648451 PMCID: PMC10573748 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1140-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), show promise in treating a range of psychiatric and neurologic conditions. However, optimization of such applications requires a better understanding of how tDCS alters cognition and behavior. Existing evidence implicates dopamine in tDCS alterations of brain activity and plasticity; however, there is as yet no causal evidence for a role of dopamine in tDCS effects on cognition and behavior. Here, in a preregistered, double-blinded study, we examined how pharmacologically manipulating dopamine altered the effect of tDCS on the speed-accuracy trade-off, which taps ubiquitous strategic operations. Cathodal tDCS was delivered over the left prefrontal cortex and the superior medial frontal cortex before participants (N = 62, 24 males, 38 females) completed a dot-motion task, making judgments on the direction of a field of moving dots under instructions to emphasize speed, accuracy, or both. We leveraged computational modeling to uncover how our interventions altered latent decisional processes driving the speed-accuracy trade-off. We show that dopamine in combination with tDCS (but not tDCS alone nor dopamine alone) not only impaired decision accuracy but also impaired discriminability, which suggests that these manipulations altered the encoding or representation of discriminative evidence. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first direct evidence implicating dopamine in the way tDCS affects cognition and behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT tDCS can improve cognitive and behavioral impairments in clinical conditions; however, a better understanding of its mechanisms is required to optimize future clinical applications. Here, using a pharmacological approach to manipulate brain dopamine levels in healthy adults, we demonstrate a role for dopamine in the effects of tDCS in the speed-accuracy trade-off, a strategic cognitive process ubiquitous in many contexts. In doing so, we provide direct evidence implicating dopamine in the way tDCS affects cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ann Leow
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Anjeli Marcos
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Esteban Nielsen
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - David Sewell
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Timothy Ballard
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Paul E Dux
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Hannah L Filmer
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
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8
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Veeraiah P, Jansen JFA. Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at Ultra-High-Field: Assessing Human Cerebral Metabolism in Healthy and Diseased States. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040577. [PMID: 37110235 PMCID: PMC10143499 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is a highly energetic organ. Although the brain can consume metabolic substrates, such as lactate, glycogen, and ketone bodies, the energy metabolism in a healthy adult brain mainly relies on glucose provided via blood. The cerebral metabolism of glucose produces energy and a wide variety of intermediate metabolites. Since cerebral metabolic alterations have been repeatedly implicated in several brain disorders, understanding changes in metabolite levels and corresponding cell-specific neurotransmitter fluxes through different substrate utilization may highlight the underlying mechanisms that can be exploited to diagnose or treat various brain disorders. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive tool to measure tissue metabolism in vivo. 1H-MRS is widely applied in research at clinical field strengths (≤3T) to measure mostly high abundant metabolites. In addition, X-nuclei MRS including, 13C, 2H, 17O, and 31P, are also very promising. Exploiting the higher sensitivity at ultra-high-field (>4T; UHF) strengths enables obtaining unique insights into different aspects of the substrate metabolism towards measuring cell-specific metabolic fluxes in vivo. This review provides an overview about the potential role of multinuclear MRS (1H, 13C, 2H, 17O, and 31P) at UHF to assess the cerebral metabolism and the metabolic insights obtained by applying these techniques in both healthy and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandichelvam Veeraiah
- Scannexus (Ultra-High-Field MRI Center), 6229 EV Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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9
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Ziminski JJ, Frangou P, Karlaftis VM, Emir U, Kourtzi Z. Microstructural and neurochemical plasticity mechanisms interact to enhance human perceptual decision-making. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002029. [PMID: 36897881 PMCID: PMC10032544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Experience and training are known to boost our skills and mold the brain's organization and function. Yet, structural plasticity and functional neurotransmission are typically studied at different scales (large-scale networks, local circuits), limiting our understanding of the adaptive interactions that support learning of complex cognitive skills in the adult brain. Here, we employ multimodal brain imaging to investigate the link between microstructural (myelination) and neurochemical (GABAergic) plasticity for decision-making. We test (in males, due to potential confounding menstrual cycle effects on GABA measurements in females) for changes in MRI-measured myelin, GABA, and functional connectivity before versus after training on a perceptual decision task that involves identifying targets in clutter. We demonstrate that training alters subcortical (pulvinar, hippocampus) myelination and its functional connectivity to visual cortex and relates to decreased visual cortex GABAergic inhibition. Modeling interactions between MRI measures of myelin, GABA, and functional connectivity indicates that pulvinar myelin plasticity interacts-through thalamocortical connectivity-with GABAergic inhibition in visual cortex to support learning. Our findings propose a dynamic interplay of adaptive microstructural and neurochemical plasticity in subcortico-cortical circuits that supports learning for optimized decision-making in the adult human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Ziminski
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Polytimi Frangou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vasilis M Karlaftis
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Uzay Emir
- Purdue University School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Zoe Kourtzi
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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10
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Ritland BM, Neumeier WH, Jiang SH, Smith CD, Heaton KJ, Hildebrandt AM, Jabbar MA, Liao HJ, Coello E, Zhao W, Bay CP, Lin AP. Short-term neurochemical effects of transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation using 7T magnetic resonance spectroscopy. J Neuroimaging 2023; 33:279-288. [PMID: 36495053 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose was to explore the effects of transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) on neurochemical concentrations (brainstem, anterior cingulate cortex [ACC], dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC], ventromedial prefrontal cortex [VMPFC], and the posterior cingulate cortex [PCC]) using ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance spectroscopy. METHODS This double-blinded study tested 32 healthy males (age: 25.4 ± 7.3 years) on two separate occasions where participants received either a 20-minute TNS or sham session. Participants were scanned at baseline and twice post-TNS/sham administration. RESULTS There were no group differences in concentration changes of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamine, myoinositol (mI), total N-acetylaspartate, total creatine (tCr), and total choline between the baseline scan and the first post-TNS/sham scan and between the first and second post-TNS/sham scan in the brainstem, ACC, DLPFC, VMPFC, and PCC. Between the baseline scan and the second post-TNS/sham scan, changes in tCr (mean difference = 0.280 mM [0.075 to 0.485], p = .026) and mI (mean difference = 0.662 mM [0.203 to 1.122], p = .026) in the DLPFC differed between groups. Post hoc analyses indicated that there was a decrease in tCr (mean change = -0.201 mM [-0.335 to -0.067], p = .003) and no change in mI (mean change = -0.327 mM [-0.737 to 0.083], p = .118) in the TNS group; conversely, there was no change in tCr (mean change = -0.100 mM [-0.074 to 0.274], p = .259) and an increase in mI (mean change = 0.347 mM [0.106 to 0.588], p = .005) in the sham group. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that a single session of unilateral TNS slightly decreased tCr concentrations in the DLPFC region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M Ritland
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William H Neumeier
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sam H Jiang
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carl D Smith
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristin J Heaton
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Audrey M Hildebrandt
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Muhammad A Jabbar
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hui Jun Liao
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eduardo Coello
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wufan Zhao
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Camden P Bay
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander P Lin
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Krause MR, Vieira PG, Pack CC. Transcranial electrical stimulation: How can a simple conductor orchestrate complex brain activity? PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001973. [PMID: 36716309 PMCID: PMC9886255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is one of the oldest and yet least understood forms of brain stimulation. The idea that a weak electrical stimulus, applied outside the head, can meaningfully affect neural activity is often regarded as mysterious. Here, we argue that the direct effects of tES are not so mysterious: Extensive data from a wide range of model systems shows it has appreciable effects on the activity of individual neurons. Instead, the real mysteries are how tES interacts with the brain's own activity and how these dynamics can be controlled to produce desirable therapeutic effects. These are challenging problems, akin to repairing a complex machine while it is running, but they are not unique to tES or even neuroscience. We suggest that models of coupled oscillators, a common tool for studying interactions in other fields, may provide valuable insights. By combining these tools with our growing, interdisciplinary knowledge of brain dynamics, we are now in a good position to make progress in this area and meet the high demand for effective neuromodulation in neuroscience and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Krause
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (MRK); (PGV); (CCP)
| | - Pedro G. Vieira
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (MRK); (PGV); (CCP)
| | - Christopher C. Pack
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (MRK); (PGV); (CCP)
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12
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Isik M, Eskikurt G, Erdogan ET. Neuromodulation of the left auditory cortex with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has no effect on the categorical perception of speech sounds. Neuropsychologia 2023; 178:108442. [PMID: 36481255 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Temporal cue analysis in auditory stimulus is essential in the perception of speech sounds. The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on auditory temporal processing remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether tDCS applied over the left auditory cortex (AC) has a polarity-specific behavioral effect on the categorical perception of speech sounds whose temporal features are modulated. Sixteen healthy volunteers in each group were received anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS. A phonetic categorization task including auditory stimuli with varying voice onset time was performed before and during tDCS, and responses were analyzed. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups (anode, cathode, sham) and within the groups (pre-tDCS, during tDCS) in comparisons of the slope parameter of the identification function obtained from the phonetic categorization task data. Our results show that a single-session application of tDCS over the left AC does not significantly affect the categorical perception of speech sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mevlude Isik
- Neurological Sciences Research and Application Center (İSÜCAN), Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Gokcer Eskikurt
- Department of Physiology, Istinye University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ezgi Tuna Erdogan
- Department of Physiology, Koç University, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
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13
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Lu K, Hong Y, Tao M, Shen L, Zheng Z, Fang K, Yuan F, Xu M, Wang C, Zhu D, Guo X, Liu Y. Depressive patient-derived GABA interneurons reveal abnormal neural activity associated with HTR2C. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 15:e16364. [PMID: 36373384 PMCID: PMC9832822 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder with suicide behavior (sMDD) is a server mood disorder, bringing tremendous burden to family and society. Although reduced gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) level has been observed in postmortem tissues of sMDD patients, the molecular mechanism by which GABA levels are altered remains elusive. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from five sMDD patients and differentiated the iPSCs to GABAergic interneurons (GINs) and ventral forebrain organoids. sMDD GINs exhibited altered neuronal morphology and increased neural firing, as well as weakened calcium signaling propagation, compared with controls. Transcriptomic sequencing revealed that a decreased expression of serotoninergic receptor 2C (5-HT2C) may cause the defected neuronal activity in sMDD. Furthermore, targeting 5-HT2C receptor, using a small molecule agonist or genetic approach, restored neuronal activity deficits in sMDD GINs. Our findings provide a human cellular model for studying the molecular mechanisms and drug discoveries for sMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqin Lu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuan Hong
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Mengdan Tao
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Luping Shen
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhilong Zheng
- Department of NeurobiologyKey Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu ProvinceNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Kaiheng Fang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Fang Yuan
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Min Xu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Chun Wang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Dongya Zhu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xing Guo
- Department of NeurobiologyKey Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu ProvinceNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina,Co‐innovation Center of NeuroregenerationNantong UniversityJiangsuChina
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Neural Regeneration, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineSchool of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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14
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Hupfeld KE, McGregor HR, Hass CJ, Pasternak O, Seidler RD. Sensory system-specific associations between brain structure and balance. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 119:102-116. [PMID: 36030560 PMCID: PMC9728121 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Nearly 75% of older adults in the US report balance problems. Although it is known that aging results in widespread brain atrophy, less is known about how brain structure relates to balance in aging. We collected T1- and diffusion-weighted MRI scans and measured postural sway of 36 young (18-34 years) and 22 older (66-84 years) adults during eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open-foam, and eyes closed-foam conditions. We calculated summary measures indicating visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular contributions to balance. Across both age groups, thinner cortex in multisensory integration regions was associated with greater reliance on visual inputs for balance. Greater gyrification within sensorimotor and parietal cortices was associated with greater reliance on proprioceptive inputs. Poorer vestibular function was correlated with thinner vestibular cortex, greater gyrification within sensorimotor, parietal, and frontal cortices, and lower free water-corrected axial diffusivity across the corona radiata and corpus callosum. These results expand scientific understanding of how individual differences in brain structure relate to balance and have implications for developing brain stimulation interventions to improve balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Hupfeld
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - H R McGregor
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C J Hass
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - O Pasternak
- Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; University of Florida Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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15
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tDCS modulates speech perception and production in second language learners. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16212. [PMID: 36171463 PMCID: PMC9519965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20512-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate identification and pronunciation of nonnative speech sounds can be particularly challenging for adult language learners. The current study tested the effects of a brief musical training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on speech perception and production in a second language (L2). The sample comprised 36 native Hebrew speakers, aged 18-38, who studied English as L2 in a formal setting and had little musical training. Training encompassed musical perception tasks with feedback (i.e., timbre, duration, and tonal memory) and concurrent tDCS applied over the left posterior auditory-related cortex (including posterior superior temporal gyrus and planum temporale). Participants were randomly assigned to anodal or sham stimulation. Musical perception, L2 speech perception (measured by a categorical AXB discrimination task) and speech production (measured by a speech imitation task) were tested before and after training. There were no tDCS-dependent effects on musical perception post-training. However, only participants who received active stimulation showed increased accuracy of L2 phoneme discrimination and greater change in the acoustic properties of L2 speech sound production (i.e., second formant frequency in vowels and center of gravity in consonants). The results of this study suggest neuromodulation can facilitate the processing of nonnative speech sounds in adult learners.
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16
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Nandi T, Puonti O, Clarke WT, Nettekoven C, Barron HC, Kolasinski J, Hanayik T, Hinson EL, Berrington A, Bachtiar V, Johnstone A, Winkler AM, Thielscher A, Johansen-Berg H, Stagg CJ. tDCS induced GABA change is associated with the simulated electric field in M1, an effect mediated by grey matter volume in the MRS voxel. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:1153-1162. [PMID: 35988862 PMCID: PMC7613675 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has wide ranging applications in neuro-behavioural and physiological research, and in neurological rehabilitation. However, it is currently limited by substantial inter-subject variability in responses, which may be explained, at least in part, by anatomical differences that lead to variability in the electric field (E-field) induced in the cortex. Here, we tested whether the variability in the E-field in the stimulated cortex during anodal tDCS, estimated using computational simulations, explains the variability in tDCS induced changes in GABA, a neurophysiological marker of stimulation effect. METHODS Data from five previously conducted MRS studies were combined. The anode was placed over the left primary motor cortex (M1, 3 studies, N = 24) or right temporal cortex (2 studies, N = 32), with the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital ridge. Single voxel spectroscopy was performed in a 2x2x2cm voxel under the anode in all cases. MRS data were acquired before and either during or after 1 mA tDCS using either a sLASER sequence (7T) or a MEGA-PRESS sequence (3T). sLASER MRS data were analysed using LCModel, and MEGA-PRESS using FID-A and Gannet. E-fields were simulated in a finite element model of the head, based on individual structural MR images, using SimNIBS. Separate linear mixed effects models were run for each E-field variable (mean and 95th percentile; magnitude, and components normal and tangential to grey matter surface, within the MRS voxel). The model included effects of time (pre or post tDCS), E-field, grey matter volume in the MRS voxel, and a 3-way interaction between time, E-field and grey matter volume. Additionally, we ran a permutation analysis using PALM to determine whether E-field anywhere in the brain, not just in the MRS voxel, correlated with GABA change. RESULTS In M1, higher mean E-field magnitude was associated with greater anodal tDCS-induced decreases in GABA (t(24) = 3.24, p = 0.003). Further, the association between mean E-field magnitude and GABA change was moderated by the grey matter volume in the MRS voxel (t(24) = -3.55, p = 0.002). These relationships were consistent across all E-field variables except the mean of the normal component. No significant relationship was found between tDCS-induced GABA decrease and E-field in the temporal voxel. No significant clusters were found in the whole brain analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the electric field induced by tDCS within the brain is variable, and is significantly related to anodal tDCS-induced decrease in GABA, a key neurophysiological marker of stimulation. These findings strongly support individualised dosing of tDCS, at least in M1. Further studies examining E-fields in relation to other outcome measures, including behaviour, will help determine the optimal E-fields required for any desired effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Nandi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK; NeuroImaging Center (NIC), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Germany.
| | - Oula Puonti
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - William T Clarke
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Caroline Nettekoven
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Helen C Barron
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK; Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Taylor Hanayik
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Emily L Hinson
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Adam Berrington
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Velicia Bachtiar
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Anderson M Winkler
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, United States
| | - Axel Thielscher
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Heidi Johansen-Berg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK; Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK
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17
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Bazzari AH, Bazzari FH. Advances in targeting central sensitization and brain plasticity in chronic pain. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMaladaptation in sensory neural plasticity of nociceptive pathways is associated with various types of chronic pain through central sensitization and remodeling of brain connectivity. Within this context, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the mechanisms and efficacy of certain non-pharmacological pain treatment modalities. These include neurostimulation, virtual reality, cognitive therapy and rehabilitation. Here, we summarize the involved mechanisms and review novel findings in relation to nociceptive desensitization and modulation of plasticity for the management of intractable chronic pain and prevention of acute-to-chronic pain transition.
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18
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Arif Y, Embury CM, Spooner RK, Okelberry HJ, Willett MP, Eastman JA, Wilson TW. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation of the occipital cortices induces polarity dependent effects within the brain regions serving attentional reorientation. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:1930-1940. [PMID: 34997673 PMCID: PMC8933319 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous brain stimulation studies have targeted the posterior parietal cortex, a key hub of the attention network, to manipulate attentional reorientation. However, the impact of stimulating brain regions earlier in the pathway, including early visual regions, is poorly understood. In this study, 28 healthy adults underwent three high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS) visits (i.e., anodal, cathodal, and sham). During each visit, they completed 20 min of occipital HD‐tDCS and then a modified Posner task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were transformed into the time‐frequency domain and significant oscillatory events were imaged using a beamformer. Oscillatory response amplitude values were extracted from peak voxels in the whole‐brain maps and were statistically compared. Behaviorally, we found that the participants responded slowly when attention reallocation was needed (i.e., the validity effect), irrespective of the stimulation condition. Our neural findings indicated that cathodal HD‐tDCS was associated with significantly reduced theta validity effects in the occipital cortices, as well as reduced alpha validity effects in the left occipital and parietal cortices relative to anodal HD‐tDCS. Additionally, anodal occipital stimulation significantly increased gamma amplitude in right occipital regions relative to cathodal and sham stimulation. Finally, we also found a negative correlation between the alpha validity effect and reaction time following anodal stimulation. Our findings suggest that HD‐tDCS of the occipital cortices has a polarity dependent impact on the multispectral neural oscillations serving attentional reorientation in healthy adults, and that such effects may reflect altered local GABA concentrations in the neural circuitry serving attentional reorientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasra Arif
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christine M Embury
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Rachel K Spooner
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hannah J Okelberry
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Madelyn P Willett
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jacob A Eastman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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19
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Deelchand DK, Ho ML, Nestrasil I. Ultra-High-Field Imaging of the Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cord. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2021; 29:643-653. [PMID: 34717851 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging with ultra-high field magnets (≥7T) provides superior signal-to-noise, spatial resolution and tissue contrast; but also greater safety concerns, longer scanning times, and increased distortion and field inhomogeneity. Brain and spinal cord anatomic microstructure and function imaged in greater detail offers improved lesion detection, delineation, and characterization. The ongoing development of novel imaging contrasts and translation of cutting-edge sequences will aid more accurate, sensitive, and precise diagnosis, interventional planning, and follow-up for a variety of pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Kumar Deelchand
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, 2021 6th Street Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mai-Lan Ho
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Igor Nestrasil
- Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA.
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20
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Mai G, Howell P. Causal Relationship between the Right Auditory Cortex and Speech-Evoked Envelope-Following Response: Evidence from Combined Transcranial Stimulation and Electroencephalography. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:1437-1454. [PMID: 34424956 PMCID: PMC8971082 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Speech-evoked envelope-following response (EFR) reflects brain encoding of speech periodicity that serves as a biomarker for pitch and speech perception and various auditory and language disorders. Although EFR is thought to originate from the subcortex, recent research illustrated a right-hemispheric cortical contribution to EFR. However, it is unclear whether this contribution is causal. This study aimed to establish this causality by combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and measurement of EFR (pre- and post-tDCS) via scalp-recorded electroencephalography. We applied tDCS over the left and right auditory cortices in right-handed normal-hearing participants and examined whether altering cortical excitability via tDCS causes changes in EFR during monaural listening to speech syllables. We showed significant changes in EFR magnitude when tDCS was applied over the right auditory cortex compared with sham stimulation for the listening ear contralateral to the stimulation site. No such effect was found when tDCS was applied over the left auditory cortex. Crucially, we further observed a hemispheric laterality where aftereffect was significantly greater for tDCS applied over the right than the left auditory cortex in the contralateral ear condition. Our finding thus provides the first evidence that validates the causal relationship between the right auditory cortex and EFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangting Mai
- Hearing Theme, National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG1 5DU, UK.,Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.,Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London WC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Peter Howell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University College London, London WC1H 0AP, UK
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21
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Silva-Filho E, Albuquerque J, Bikson M, Pegado R, da Cruz Santos A, do Socorro Brasileiro-Santos M. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation associated with an aerobic exercise bout on blood pressure and autonomic modulation of hypertensive patients: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Auton Neurosci 2021; 235:102866. [PMID: 34380099 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this article was to evaluate the effects of an aerobic exercise bout associated with a single session of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left temporal lobe on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in hypertensive people. After met the inclusion criteria, twenty hypertensive people were randomized to active-tDCS or sham-tDCS group. Initially, they provided their sociodemographic data, a blood sample, and went through an evaluation of the cardiorespiratory performance. Then, a single session of tDCS with an intensity of 2 mA over the left lobe during 20 min was carried out. After tDCS, it was performed a session of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during 40 min. BP during 24 h and HRV measurements were performed before (baseline) and after the intervention. Systolic BP during sleep time decreased in the active-tDCS group (p = 0.008). Diastolic BP showed a significant decrease 3 h after the intervention in the active-tDCS group (p = 0.01). An intragroup comparison showed a significant decrease in systolic BP 3 h after intervention only for the active-tDCS group (p = 0.04). Besides, there was a trend toward a difference in wake for diastolic BP for active-tDCS (p = 0.07). Lastly, there were no changes in the HRV for both groups. It is suggested that anodal tDCS associated with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can decrease systolic and diastolic BP of hypertensive people during sleep time and 3 h after the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Silva-Filho
- Associated Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | - Jéssica Albuquerque
- Department of Social Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of The City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Rodrigo Pegado
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Santa Cruz, Brazil
| | - Amilton da Cruz Santos
- Associated graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
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Melo L, Mosayebi-Samani M, Ghanavati E, Nitsche MA, Kuo MF. Dosage-Dependent Impact of Acute Serotonin Enhancement on Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effects. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:787-797. [PMID: 34106250 PMCID: PMC8538892 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonergic system has an important impact on basic physiological and higher brain functions. Acute and chronic enhancement of serotonin levels via selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor administration impacts neuroplasticity in humans, as shown by its effects on cortical excitability alterations induced by non-invasive brain stimulation, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Nevertheless, the interaction between serotonin activation and neuroplasticity is not fully understood, particularly considering dose-dependent effects. Our goal was to explore dosage-dependent effects of acute serotonin enhancement on stimulation-induced plasticity in healthy individuals. METHODS Twelve healthy adults participated in 7 sessions conducted in a crossover, partially double-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled study design. Anodal and cathodal tDCS was applied to the motor cortex under selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (20 mg/40 mg citalopram) or placebo medication. Motor cortex excitability was monitored by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. RESULTS Under placebo medication, anodal tDCS enhanced, and cathodal tDCS reduced, excitability for approximately 60-120 minutes after the intervention. Citalopram enhanced and prolonged the facilitation induced by anodal tDCS regardless of the dosage while turning cathodal tDCS-induced excitability diminution into facilitation. For the latter, prolonged effects were observed when 40 mg was administrated. CONCLUSIONS Acute serotonin enhancement modulates tDCS after-effects and has largely similar modulatory effects on motor cortex neuroplasticity regardless of the specific dosage. A minor dosage-dependent effect was observed only for cathodal tDCS. The present findings support the concept of boosting the neuroplastic effects of anodal tDCS by serotonergic enhancement, a potential clinical approach for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Melo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany,International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Mohsen Mosayebi-Samani
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Elham Ghanavati
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany,Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Dortmund, Germany,Correspondence: Min-Fang Kuo, MD, PhD, Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystraße 67, 44139 Dortmund, Germany ()
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Beheshti I, Ko JH. Modulating brain networks associated with cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease. Mol Med 2021; 27:24. [PMID: 33691622 PMCID: PMC7945662 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00284-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a relatively well characterised neurological disorder that primarily affects motor and cognitive functions. This paper reviews on how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to modulate brain networks associated with cognitive deficits in PD. We first provide an overview of brain network abnormalities in PD, by introducing the brain network modulation approaches such as pharmacological interventions and brain stimulation techniques. We then present the potential underlying mechanisms of tDCS technique, and specifically highlight how tDCS can be applied to modulate brain network abnormality associated with cognitive dysfunction among PD patients. More importantly, we address the limitations of existing studies and suggest possible future directions, with the aim of helping researchers to further develop the use of tDCS technique in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Beheshti
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 130-745 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.,Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ji Hyun Ko
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 130-745 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada. .,Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. .,Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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