Exploring the Effects of Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Brain Metabolites: A Concurrent
Gizem Vural1,2,3, Aldo Soldini1,4, Frank Padberg1
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital LMU, Munich, Germany.
Human Brain Mapping
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) increases glutamine/glutamate (Glx) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This brain stimulation technique showed sex-specific effects on other metabolites, suggesting personalized approaches are needed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique.
- Its impact on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) metabolites is not fully understood.
- DLPFC is a key target for treating mental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate tDCS effects on DLPFC metabolites (GABA, Glu, Glx, NAA).
- To explore potential sex-specific responses to tDCS.
- To examine metabolite changes during and after stimulation.
Main Methods:
- 41 healthy adults received active or sham bifrontal tDCS within a 3T MRI scanner.
- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) measured metabolite levels before, during, and after tDCS.
- MRS data was collected from a voxel in the left DLPFC.
Main Results:
- Active tDCS significantly increased Glx levels in the left DLPFC compared to sham.
- Increased Glx levels persisted post-stimulation.
- Females showed reduced NAA and GABA under active tDCS, unlike males.
Conclusions:
- Prefrontal tDCS elevates Glx in the left DLPFC, with sustained effects.
- Sex differences in neurochemical response to tDCS were observed.
- Stimulation intensity did not explain sex differences, indicating complex individual responses.
Keywords:
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)glutamine/glutamate (Glx)magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
