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Dynamic Functional Connectivity Within the Fronto-Limbic Network Induced by Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation: A
Yingying Tang1,2, Xiong Jiao1,3, Junjie Wang1,4
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|October 2, 2019
Summary
This study used TMS-fMRI to track brain changes after intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS). Findings show iTBS effects evolve from local activation to broader network changes over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is increasingly used in cognitive research and clinical settings.
- Understanding the dynamic temporal effects of TMS on stimulated brain regions and networks is crucial but remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of TMS effects within the fronto-limbic network.
- To explore how intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) influences functional connectivity and neural activation over time.
Main Methods:
- A multi-session TMS-fMRI experiment was conducted on 10 healthy volunteers.
- Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) was applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
- Resting-state fMRI data were acquired immediately after (TP2) and 15 minutes after (TP3) iTBS, compared to pre-stimulation (TP1), analyzing fALFF and functional connectivity (FC) in 74 fronto-limbic ROIs.
Main Results:
- Immediate iTBS effects included increased FC between left SFG/IFG and right MidFG, and decreased FC within the left OrG.
- Longer-term effects showed altered FC between IFG/amygdala and IFG/OrG, and increased FC between left MidFG/OrG.
- Significant increases in mean fALFF were observed in left SFG, MidFG, ventral CG, and IFG at TP3 compared to TP2.
Conclusions:
- Combining TMS and fMRI enables tracking of TMS after-effects within the fronto-limbic network.
- iTBS effects dynamically evolve over time, transitioning from local neural activation to influencing connected remote regions within the fronto-limbic network.
