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Updated: Nov 3, 2025
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to the Unilateral Hemisphere of Rat Brain
Published on: October 22, 2016
Modification of rectal function and emotion by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in humans
Yuuichi Aizawa1, Joe Morishita1, Michiko Kano1
1Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan.
Abstract:
Gut microbiota may affect function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). However, there have been a few studies on modification of brain-gut interactions with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the DLPFC. We hypothesized that stimulation of the right or left DPFC by rTMS modifies the brain-gut interactions in humans. Subjects were 25 healthy males. Viscerosensory evoked potential (VEP) with sham (0 mA) or actual (30 mA) electrical stimulation (ES) of the rectum was taken after sham, low frequency rTMS at 0.1 Hz, and high frequency rTMS at 10 Hz to the right or left DLPFC. Rectal tone was measured with a rectal barostat. Visceral perception and emotion were analyzed using ordinates scale, rectal barostat, and viscerosensory evoked potential. Low frequency rTMS to the right DLPFC significantly reduced the visceral sensation and emotion composite score evoked by ES at 30 mA (p < 0.05). Plasma ACTH was significantly increased by high frequency rTMS to the right or left DLPFC (p < 0.05). Rectal fine contractions were significantly induced by low frequency rTMS to the right or left DLPFC and high frequency rTMS to the right DLPFC (p < 0.05). These results suggest that stimulation of the right or left DPFC by rTMS modifies the brain-gut interactions in humans.
Insights
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) alters brain-gut interactions. Low-frequency rTMS to the right DLPFC reduced visceral sensation, while high-frequency rTMS increased ACTH levels and induced rectal contractions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The gut microbiota influences dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) function.
- Limited research exists on modifying brain-gut interactions using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the DLPFC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if rTMS applied to the right or left DLPFC can modify brain-gut interactions in humans.
- To explore the effects of different rTMS frequencies and stimulation sites on visceral perception, emotion, and physiological responses.
Main Methods:
- 25 healthy males underwent sham or active (30 mA) rectal electrical stimulation (ES).
- Viscerosensory evoked potentials (VEP), rectal tone (barostat), and visceral perception/emotion scores were measured.
- Participants received sham, low-frequency (0.1 Hz), or high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS to the right or left DLPFC prior to ES.
Main Results:
- Low-frequency rTMS to the right DLPFC significantly decreased visceral sensation and emotion scores (p < 0.05).
- High-frequency rTMS to either DLPFC significantly increased plasma ACTH levels (p < 0.05).
- Both low- and high-frequency rTMS (to specific DLPFC sites) induced significant rectal fine contractions (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- rTMS applied to the DLPFC modulates brain-gut interactions.
- Specific rTMS protocols targeting the DLPFC can influence visceral perception, emotional responses, and gut motility.
