Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

TMS: Using the Theta-Burst Protocol to Explore Mechanism of Plasticity in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism
Published on: December 28, 2010
Fluoxetine does not influence response to continuous theta burst stimulation in human motor cortex
Duncan K Austin1,2, Lourenço M D Amador1,3, Lucia M Li1,4
1University College London, London, UK.
Aim:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are thought to exert a clinical effect through various mechanisms, including through alteration in synaptic plasticity. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can induce temporary changes in synaptic excitability in cerebral cortex that resemble long-term potentiation and long-term depression that serve as a measure of synaptic plasticity in vivo. A version of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation called continuous theta burst stimulation can induce inhibition of cortical excitability that can be measured through a motor evoked potential. Previous work has suggested that this response can be modulated by administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Method:
Thirty-one healthy volunteers received both fluoxetine 20 mg and placebo in randomly ordered sessions, followed by spaced continuous theta burst stimulation to motor cortex. Changes in Motor Evoked Potentials were then recorded over 60 min.
Results:
The response to spaced continuous theta burst stimulation did not differ significantly between fluoxetine and placebo sessions. Spaced continuous theta burst stimulation produced a paradoxical excitatory response in an unexpected number of participants.
Conclusion:
A single dose of fluoxetine 20 mg does not influence the response to continuous theta burst stimulation. Previous results suggesting an effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on inhibitory non-invasive brain stimulation protocols may be due to insufficiently large sample sizes.
More Related Videos
11:11Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on the Primary Motor Cortex by Online Combined Approach with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: September 23, 2017
06:42Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Paracrine Signaling
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Sympathetic Activation
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes