Modulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functional connectivity after intermittent theta-burst stimulation in depression: Combining findings from fNIRS and fMRI

• DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103028
• Publication Date: 2022-05-02T15:53:09Z
• Authors: Wiebke Struckmann; Robert Bodén; Malin Gingnell; David Fällmar; Jonas Persson
• Keywords: Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; Functional near-infrared spectroscopy

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can assess modulation of connectivity networks following repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment depression. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is well suited for concurrent application during rTMS sessions to capture immediate blood oxygenation (oxy-Hb) effects, however limited spatial resolution. To understand network effects behind such a prefrontal fNIRS response rTMS, and test whether signal may be predictive response, we linked data from fMRI within clinical intervention study. 42 patients with ongoing depression were recruited randomized receive active or sham intermittent theta-burst (iTBS) over dorsomedial cortex (dmPFC) twice daily ten days at target intensity. Oxy-Hb was recorded first, fifth, final day iTBS, probe holders located laterally TMS coil regions corresponding left right dorsolateral (dlPFC). scanning performed before after whole iTBS course. analyses then using dlPFC seeds parcels brain atlas showing most overlap locations treatment. After dlPFC-connectivity insula/operculum reduced compared sham. The insula showed reduction that correlated an improvement symptoms. In addition, posterior parietal iTBS. Finally, oxy-Hb dlPFC-seed first change precentral temporal regions. By linking findings these two different methods, this study suggests changes both salience central executive affect