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A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
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Sex differences in brain excitability revealed by concurrent iTBS/fNIRS
Rebecca L D Kan1, Bella B B Zhang1, Tim T Z Lin1
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Asian Journal of Psychiatry
|April 10, 2024
Summary
Biological sex influences brain responses to intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. These sex differences in neural activity are amplified by iTBS and depend on stimulation intensity, informing precision psychiatry.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Sex differences are crucial for optimizing psychiatric treatments.
- Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) is a promising non-invasive neuromodulation therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate real-time neural response differences to iTBS between biological sexes.
- To identify mechanisms mediating potential sex differences in iTBS response.
Main Methods:
- Concurrent iTBS and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) were employed.
- The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC), a key clinical target, was monitored.
- Experiments involved healthy participants under varying stimulation intensities and cognitive tasks.
Main Results:
- A significant biological sex difference in absolute hemoglobin concentrations was observed in the lDLPFC.
- iTBS amplified this sex difference in lDLPFC hemoglobin levels.
- Cognitive tasks did not amplify the observed sex difference.
- The iTBS-induced amplification of the sex difference was modulated by stimulation intensity.
Conclusions:
- Biological sex significantly impacts neural responses to iTBS in the lDLPFC.
- Stimulation intensity is a key factor modulating sex differences in iTBS effects.
- Findings support the need for sex-specific adjustments in iTBS protocols for personalized psychiatric treatment.
