Deep TMS of the insula using the H-coil modulates dopamine release: a crossover [11C] PHNO-PET pilot trial in healthy humans

Journal: Brain Imaging and Behavior 12(5):1306-1317 (2017)

Authors: S Malik, M Jacobs, S.S Cho, I Boileau, D Blumberger, M Heilig, A Wilson, Z.J Daskalakis, A.P Strafella, A Zangen, B Le Foll

Background:

Modulating the function of the insular cortex could be a novel therapeutic strategy to treat addiction to a variety of drugs of abuse as this region has been implicated in mediating drug reward and addictive processes. The recent advent of the H-coil has permitted the targeting of deeper brain structures which was not previously feasible.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to bilaterally target the insular region using the H-coil with repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and subsequently measure changes in dopamine levels using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with [11C]-(+)-propyl-hexahydro-naphtho-oxazin (PHNO).

Methods:

This was a within-subject, crossover, blinded and sham-controlled pilot study. Eight healthy, right-handed subjects, aged 19–45, participated in the investigation. All subjects underwent 3 PHNO-PET scans preceded by rTMS (sham, 1 Hz or 10 Hz), on 3 separate days.

Results:

Low frequency rTMS (1 Hz), targeting the insular cortex, significantly decreased dopamine levels in the substantia nigra, sensorimotor striatum and associative striatum.

Conclusions:

Replicating this study in tobacco smokers or alcoholics would be a logical follow-up to assess whether H-coil stimulation of the bilateral insula can be employed as a treatment option for addiction.

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