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Yeh CH, Lin PC, Tseng RY, Chao YP, Wu CT, Chou TL, Chen RS, Gau SSF, Ni HC, Lin HY. Lack of effects of eight-week left dorsolateral prefrontal theta burst stimulation on white matter macro/microstructure and connection in autism. Brain Imaging Behav 2024:10.1007/s11682-024-00874-x. [PMID: 38492129 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Whether brain stimulation could modulate brain structure in autism remains unknown. This study explored the impact of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on white matter macro/microstructure in intellectually able children and emerging adults with autism. Sixty autistic participants were randomized (30 active) and received active or sham cTBS for eight weeks twice per week, 16 total sessions using a double-blind (participant-, rater-, analyst-blinded) design. All participants received high-angular resolution diffusion MR imaging at baseline and week 8. Twenty-eight participants in the active group and twenty-seven in the sham group with good imaging quality entered the final analysis. With longitudinal fixel-based analysis and network-based statistics, we found no significant difference between the active and sham groups in changes of white matter macro/microstructure and connections following cTBS. In addition, we found no association between baseline white matter macro/microstructure and autistic symptom changes from baseline to week 8 in the active group. In conclusion, we did not find a significant impact of left DLPFC cTBS on white matter macro/microstructure and connections in children and emerging adults with autism. These findings need to be interpreted in the context that the current intellectually able cohort in a single university hospital site limits the generalizability. Future studies are required to investigate if higher stimulation intensities and/or doses, other personal factors, or rTMS parameters might confer significant brain structural changes visible on MRI in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hung Yeh
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chun Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Rung-Yu Tseng
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Chao
- Deparment of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Te Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Li Chou
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rou-Shayn Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Chang Ni
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, No.5 Fusing St. Gueishan, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Yuan Lin
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Oberman LM, Benussi A. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Across the Lifespan: Impact of Developmental and Degenerative Processes. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:581-591. [PMID: 37517703 PMCID: PMC10823041 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a pivotal noninvasive technique for investigating cortical excitability and plasticity across the lifespan, offering valuable insights into neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes. In this review, we explore the impact of TMS applications on our understanding of normal development, healthy aging, neurodevelopmental disorders, and adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases. By presenting key developmental milestones and age-related changes in TMS measures, we provide a foundation for understanding the maturation of neurotransmitter systems and the trajectory of cognitive functions throughout the lifespan. Building on this foundation, the paper delves into the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, and adolescent depression. Highlighting recent findings on altered neurotransmitter circuits and dysfunctional cortical plasticity, we underscore the potential of TMS as a valuable tool for unraveling underlying mechanisms and informing future therapeutic interventions. We also review the emerging role of TMS in investigating and treating the most common adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders and late-onset depression. By outlining the therapeutic applications of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques in these disorders, we discuss the growing body of evidence supporting their use as therapeutic tools for symptom management and potentially slowing disease progression. The insights gained from TMS studies have advanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms in both healthy and disease states, ultimately informing the development of more targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Oberman
- National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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3
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Smith JR, Hopkins CE, Xiong J, Luccarelli J, Shultz E, Vandekar S. Use of ECT in Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability: A Single Site Retrospective Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:963-982. [PMID: 36528758 PMCID: PMC10276173 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are heterogenous and prevalent conditions which may occur in isolation or as a co-morbidity. Psychiatric co-morbidity is common with limited treatment options. Preliminary research into electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for these conditions has been encouraging. Thus, further research in this patient population is warranted. We conducted a 10-year retrospective review of the electronic medical record and identified intellectually capable individuals with ASD (IC-ASD), and those with ASD+ID or ID who received at least three ECT treatments. 32 patients were identified of which 30 (94%) experienced positive clinical response, defined as a clinical global impression-improvement (CGI-I) score of 3 or less. The average retrospective CGI-I score across all groups was 1.97, and results of a t-test performed on CGI-I scores indicated improvement across all groups [t = - 16.54, df = 31, p < 0.001, 95% CI = (1.72, 2.22)]. No significant adverse events were identified based on clinical documentation. Our findings further support previous ECT research in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Smith
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Village of Vanderbilt, 1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 2200, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, 110 Magnolia Circle, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
| | - Corey E Hopkins
- Division of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Jiangmei Xiong
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, 2424 West End Avenue, Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | - James Luccarelli
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth Shultz
- Division of General Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1601 23rd Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Simon Vandekar
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, 2424 West End Avenue, Suite 1100, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
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Smith JR, DiSalvo M, Green A, Ceranoglu TA, Anteraper SA, Croarkin P, Joshi G. Treatment Response of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Intellectually Capable Youth and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychol Rev 2023; 33:834-855. [PMID: 36161554 PMCID: PMC10039963 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09564-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To examine current clinical research on the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of pediatric and young adult autism spectrum disorder in intellectually capable persons (IC-ASD). We searched peer-reviewed international literature to identify clinical trials investigating TMS as a treatment for behavioral and cognitive symptoms of IC-ASD. We identified sixteen studies and were able to conduct a meta-analysis on twelve of these studies. Seven were open-label or used neurotypical controls for baseline cognitive data, and nine were controlled trials. In the latter, waitlist control groups were often used over sham TMS. Only one study conducted a randomized, parallel, double-blind, and sham controlled trial. Favorable safety data was reported in low frequency repetitive TMS, high frequency repetitive TMS, and intermittent theta burst studies. Compared to TMS research of other neuropsychiatric conditions, significantly lower total TMS pulses were delivered in treatment and neuronavigation was not regularly utilized. Quantitatively, our multivariate meta-analysis results report improvement in cognitive outcomes (pooled Hedges' g = 0.735, 95% CI = 0.242, 1.228; p = 0.009) and primarily Criterion B symptomology of IC-ASD (pooled Hedges' g = 0.435, 95% CI = 0.359, 0.511; p < 0.001) with low frequency repetitive TMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis data indicate that TMS may offer a promising and safe treatment option for pediatric and young adult patients with IC-ASD. However, future work should include use of neuronavigation software, theta burst protocols, targeting of various brain regions, and robust study design before clinical recommendations can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R Smith
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center at Village of Vanderbilt, 1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 2200, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, 110 Magnolia Circle, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Maura DiSalvo
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Alan and Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Allison Green
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Alan and Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Tolga Atilla Ceranoglu
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Alan and Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | | | - Paul Croarkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, 1216 2nd Street Southwest, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Gagan Joshi
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Psychopharmacology, and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Alan and Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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Kloc ML, Shultes MG, Davi Pressman R, Liebman SA, Schneur CA, Broomer MC, Barry JM, Bouton ME, Holmes GL. Early-life seizures alter habit behavior formation and fronto-striatal circuit dynamics. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 145:109320. [PMID: 37352815 PMCID: PMC10527711 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can occur comorbidly with epilepsy; both are complex, disruptive disorders that lower quality of life. Both OCD and epilepsy are disorders of hyperexcitable circuits, but it is unclear whether common circuit pathology may underlie the co-occurrence of these two neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we induced early-life seizures (ELS) in rats to examine habit formation as a model for compulsive behaviors. Compulsive, repetitive behaviors in OCD utilize the same circuitry as habit formation. We hypothesized that rats with ELS could be more susceptible to habit formation than littermate controls, and that altered behavior would correspond to altered signaling in fronto-striatal circuits that underlie decision-making and action initiation. Here, we show instead that rats with ELS were significantly less likely to form habit behaviors compared with control rats. This behavioral difference corresponded with significant alterations to temporal coordination within and between brain regions that underpin the action to habit transition: 1) phase coherence between the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and dorsomedial striatum (DMS) and 2) theta-gamma coupling within DMS. Finally, we used cortical electrical stimulation as a model of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to show that temporal coordination of fronto-striatal circuits in control and ELS rats are differentially susceptible to potentiating and suppressive stimulation, suggesting that altered underlying circuit physiology may lead to altered response to therapeutic interventions such as TMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Kloc
- Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Group, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Madeline G Shultes
- Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Group, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - R Davi Pressman
- Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Group, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Samuel A Liebman
- Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Group, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Carmel A Schneur
- Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Group, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Matthew C Broomer
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont College of Arts and Sciences, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Jeremy M Barry
- Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Group, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Mark E Bouton
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont College of Arts and Sciences, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Gregory L Holmes
- Epilepsy, Cognition, and Development Group, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA
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Jannati A, Oberman LM, Rotenberg A, Pascual-Leone A. Assessing the mechanisms of brain plasticity by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:191-208. [PMID: 36198876 PMCID: PMC9700722 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique for focal brain stimulation based on electromagnetic induction where a fluctuating magnetic field induces a small intracranial electric current in the brain. For more than 35 years, TMS has shown promise in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders in adults. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to the TMS technique with a focus on repetitive TMS (rTMS) protocols, particularly theta-burst stimulation (TBS), and relevant rTMS-derived metrics of brain plasticity. We then discuss the TMS-EEG technique, the use of neuronavigation in TMS, the neural substrate of TBS measures of plasticity, the inter- and intraindividual variability of those measures, effects of age and genetic factors on TBS aftereffects, and then summarize alterations of TMS-TBS measures of plasticity in major neurological and psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, depression, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. Finally, we discuss the translational studies of TMS-TBS measures of plasticity and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jannati
- Neuromodulation Program, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Neuromodulation Program, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, USA.
- Guttmann Brain Health Institute, Institut Guttmann, Barcelona, Spain.
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Elmaghraby R, Sun Q, Ozger C, Shekunov J, Romanowicz M, Croarkin PE. A Systematic Review of the Safety and Tolerability of Theta Burst Stimulation in Children and Adolescents. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:494-503. [PMID: 35670061 PMCID: PMC8617062 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is often used in clinical practice and research protocols for adults with neuropsychiatric disorders. There are substantial knowledge gaps related to the application of TBS in children and adolescents. This systematic review examined the safety and tolerability of TBS in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of human TBS studies in children and adolescents was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following inclusion criteria were applied: 1) articles in English language only; 2) studies that included child and adolescent participants (up to 21 years of age); 3) studies that administered intermittent TBS or continuous TBS or both to participants; 4) studies that had an outcome measure; and 5) availability of full text material. The primary outcome measures were tolerability and safety. When feasible, the clinical effects were reviewed. RESULTS Twenty relevant articles met the criteria for inclusion. The reported adverse events were mild and similar to what is noted in adult studies. The most common symptom was headache. One case report described a seizure induced by TBS. Collectively, the studies were heterogeneous but the methodologic quality of randomized trials was high. CONCLUSIONS TBS interventions in children may have similar safety, tolerability, and feasibility as compared to adults. However, long-term, follow-up studies of TBS are lacking. Future dose-ranging studies with systematic assessment of adverse events will be important in the translation of findings with TBS from adults to youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Elmaghraby
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Can Ozger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Julia Shekunov
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Magdalena Romanowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Paul E Croarkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Barhoun P, Fuelscher I, Do M, He JL, Cerins A, Bekkali S, Youssef GJ, Corp D, Major BP, Meaney D, Enticott PG, Hyde C. The role of the primary motor cortex in motor imagery: A theta burst stimulation study. Psychophysiology 2022; 59:e14077. [PMID: 35503930 PMCID: PMC9540768 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
While mentally simulated actions activate similar neural structures to overt movement, the role of the primary motor cortex (PMC) in motor imagery remains disputed. The aim of the study was to use continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to modulate corticospinal activity to investigate the putative role of the PMC in implicit motor imagery in young adults with typical and atypical motor ability. A randomized, double blind, sham‐controlled, crossover, offline cTBS protocol was applied to 35 young adults. During three separate sessions, adults with typical and low motor ability (developmental coordination disorder [DCD]), received active cTBS to the PMC and supplementary motor area (SMA), and sham stimulation to either the PMC or SMA. Following stimulation, participants completed measures of motor imagery (i.e., hand rotation task) and visual imagery (i.e., letter number rotation task). Although active cTBS significantly reduced corticospinal excitability in adults with typical motor ability, neither task performance was altered following active cTBS to the PMC or SMA, compared to performance after sham cTBS. These results did not differ across motor status (i.e., typical motor ability and DCD). These findings are not consistent with our hypothesis that the PMC (and SMA) is directly involved in motor imagery. Instead, previous motor cortical activation observed during motor imagery may be an epiphenomenon of other neurophysiological processes and/or activity within brain regions involved in motor imagery. This study highlights the need to consider multi‐session theta burst stimulation application and its neural effects when probing the putative role of motor cortices in motor imagery. A controlled continuous theta burst stimulation protocol was adopted to examine the role of the primary motor cortex in motor imagery. While corticospinal excitability was suppressed in individuals with typical motor ability, no changes in imagery performance were detected after applying active stimulation to the motor regions. This suggests that motor regions may not be causally implicated in motor imagery and/or that multiple stimulation sessions may be required when inducing cognitive‐behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Barhoun
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Fuelscher
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Do
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason L He
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andris Cerins
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Soukayna Bekkali
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - George J Youssef
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Corp
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan P Major
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dwayne Meaney
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christian Hyde
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Jannati A, Ryan MA, Kaye HL, Tsuboyama M, Rotenberg A. Biomarkers Obtained by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 39:135-148. [PMID: 34366399 PMCID: PMC8810902 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method for focal brain stimulation that is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction where small intracranial electric currents are generated by a powerful fluctuating magnetic field. Over the past three decades, TMS has shown promise in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders in adults. However, the use of TMS in children has been more limited. We provide a brief introduction to the TMS technique; common TMS protocols including single-pulse TMS, paired-pulse TMS, paired associative stimulation, and repetitive TMS; and relevant TMS-derived neurophysiological measurements including resting and active motor threshold, cortical silent period, paired-pulse TMS measures of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, and plasticity metrics after repetitive TMS. We then discuss the biomarker applications of TMS in a few representative neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, and developmental stuttering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jannati
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary A. Ryan
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harper Lee Kaye
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Division of Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Melissa Tsuboyama
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Aykan S, Puglia MH, Kalaycıoğlu C, Pelphrey KA, Tuncalı T, Nalçacı E. Right Anterior Theta Hypersynchrony as a Quantitative Measure Associated with Autistic Traits and K-Cl Cotransporter KCC2 Polymorphism. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:61-72. [PMID: 33635423 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to use theta coherence as a quantitative trait to investigate the relation of the polymorphisms in NKCC1 (rs3087889) and KCC2 (rs9074) channel protein genes to autistic traits (AQ) in neurotypicals. Coherence values for candidate connection regions were calculated from eyes-closed resting EEGs in two independent groups. Hypersynchrony within the right anterior region was related to AQ in both groups (p < 0.05), and variability in this hypersynchrony was related to the rs9074 polymorphism in the total group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, theta hypersynchrony within the right anterior region during eyes-closed rest can be considered a quantitative measure for autistic traits. Replicating our findings in two independent populations with different backgrounds strengthens the validity of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simge Aykan
- Department of Physiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Meghan H Puglia
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Canan Kalaycıoğlu
- Department of Physiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Timur Tuncalı
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erhan Nalçacı
- Department of Physiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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11
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Huashuang Z, Yang L, Chensheng H, Jing X, Bo C, Dongming Z, Kangfu L, Shi-Bin W. Prevalence of Adverse Effects Associated With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:875591. [PMID: 35677871 PMCID: PMC9168239 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.875591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies have suggested that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may represent a novel technique with both investigative and therapeutic potential for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a full spectrum of the adverse effects (AEs) of TMS used in ASD has not been specifically and systematically evaluated. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of AEs related to TMS in ASD and to further explore the potentially related factors on the AEs. METHODS A systematic literature research of articles published before 31 December 2020 was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, PsycINFO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, and WANFANG DATA. AEs reported in the studies were carefully examined and synthesized to understand the safety and tolerability of TMS among ASD. Then, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the potentially related factors on the AEs. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021239827. RESULTS Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) of AEs was calculated (overall AEs: 25%, 95% CI 18-33%; headache: 10%, 95% CI 3-19%; facial discomfort: 15%, 95% CI 4-29%; irritability 21%, 95% CI 8-37%; pain at the application site: 6%, 95% CI 0-19%; headedness or dizziness: 8%, 95% CI 0-23%). All reported AEs were mild and transient with relatively few serious AEs and can be resolved after having a rest or medication. In addition, the following variables showed no significant change in overall prevalence of AEs: the purpose of using TMS, mean age of participants, whether the stimulation site was dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC), intensity of TMS, and the number of stimulation sessions. CONCLUSION The overall prevalence of reported AEs of TMS among ASD was 25%. No identified ASD-specific risk factors for TMS-induced AEs were found. Further studies are needed to clarify the variation in the prevalence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=239827, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021239827.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Huashuang
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hou Chensheng
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Jing
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Chen Bo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Gaozhou, China
| | - Zhang Dongming
- Department of Neurology, Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Liang Kangfu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Wang Shi-Bin
- Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Sasaki R, Kojima S, Onishi H. Do Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genetic Polymorphisms Modulate the Efficacy of Motor Cortex Plasticity Induced by Non-invasive Brain Stimulation? A Systematic Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:742373. [PMID: 34650418 PMCID: PMC8505675 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.742373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) of the human primary motor cortex (M1) are widely used in basic and clinical research to induce neural plasticity. The induction of neural plasticity in the M1 may improve motor performance ability in healthy individuals and patients with motor deficit caused by brain disorders. However, several recent studies revealed that various NIBS techniques yield high interindividual variability in the response, and that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype (i.e., Val/Val and Met carrier types) may be a factor contributing to this variability. Here, we conducted a systematic review of all published studies that investigated the effects of the BDNF genotype on various forms of NIBS techniques applied to the human M1. The motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which can evaluate M1 excitability, were investigated as the main outcome. A total of 1,827 articles were identified, of which 17 (facilitatory NIBS protocol, 27 data) and 10 (inhibitory NIBS protocol, 14 data) were included in this review. More than two-thirds of the data (70.4–78.6%) on both NIBS protocols did not show a significant genotype effect of NIBS on MEP changes. Conversely, most of the remaining data revealed that the Val/Val type is likely to yield a greater MEP response after NIBS than the Met carrier type in both NIBS protocols (21.4–25.9%). Finally, to aid future investigation, we discuss the potential effect of the BDNF genotype based on mechanisms and methodological issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Sasaki
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sho Kojima
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
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13
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Jannati A, Ryan MA, Block G, Kayarian FB, Oberman LM, Rotenberg A, Pascual-Leone A. Modulation of motor cortical excitability by continuous theta-burst stimulation in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1647-1662. [PMID: 34030059 PMCID: PMC8197744 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether change in motor evoked potential (ΔMEP) induced by continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) of motor cortex (M1) distinguishes adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from neurotypicals, and to explore the contribution of two common polymorphisms related to neuroplasticity. METHODS 44 adult neurotypical (NT) participants (age 21-65, 34 males) and 19 adults with ASD (age 21-58, 17 males) prospectively underwent M1 cTBS. Their data were combined with previously obtained results from 35 NT and 35 ASD adults. RESULTS ΔMEP at 15 minutes post-cTBS (T15) was a significant predictor of diagnosis (p = 0.04) in the present sample (n=63). T15 remained a significant predictor in a larger sample (n=91) and when partially imputed based on T10-T20 from a yet-greater sample (N=133). T15 also remained a significant predictor of diagnosis among brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Met+ and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4- subjects (p's < 0.05), but not among Met- or ε4+ subjects (p's > 0.19). CONCLUSIONS ΔMEP at T15 post-cTBS is a significant biomarker for adults with ASD, and its utility is modulated by BDNF and APOE polymorphisms. SIGNIFICANCE M1 cTBS response is a physiologic biomarker for adults with ASD in large samples, and controlling for BDNF and APOE polymorphisms can improve its diagnostic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jannati
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mary A Ryan
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Block
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fae B Kayarian
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay M Oberman
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, USA; Guttman Brain Health Institute, Institut Guttman de Neurorehabilitació, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
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14
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Reduced visual cortical plasticity in autism spectrum disorder. Brain Res Bull 2021; 170:11-21. [PMID: 33545310 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence implicating altered NMDA-receptor function in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To investigate potential alterations in NMDA-dependent cortical plasticity in ASD, we examined the effect of visual high-frequency stimulation (HFS) on changes in plasticity in the visual cortex, measured by persistent changes in visual evoked potentials (VEPs), in individuals with ASD (n = 16) and neurotypical controls (NT; n = 15). VEPs were elicited by a checkerboard circle (0.83 Hz, 2-min blocks) at baseline and at 2, 4, and 20 min following exposure to HFS (8.87 Hz, 2 min), previously shown to induce LTP-like changes in the visual cortex. Difference waves were created by subtracting VEPs measured at baseline from each Post-HFS measure, and group differences assessed. We found that HFS resulted in reduced short-term potentiation of VEPs in ASD compared to NT participants. Thus, whilst ASD participants showed significant potentiation of the VEP immediately after HFS, this enhancement was not maintained, and only persisted into the second post-HFS assessment block in NT participants. Notably, ASD individuals who self-reported being more sensitive to visual stimuli showed greater shorter-term potentiation following visual HFS. Critically, there were no group differences in degree of neural entrainment to the visual HFS, or in attentional vigilance and task performance. These findings suggests that visual cortical plasticity is atypical in ASD, results consistent with reported altered NMDA receptor function in ASD.
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Kayarian FB, Jannati A, Rotenberg A, Santarnecchi E. Targeting Gamma-Related Pathophysiology in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Transcranial Electrical Stimulation: Opportunities and Challenges. Autism Res 2020; 13:1051-1071. [PMID: 32468731 PMCID: PMC7387209 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A range of scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities correlates with the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among these are alterations of brain oscillations in the gamma-frequency EEG band in adults and children with ASD, whose origin has been linked to dysfunctions of inhibitory interneuron signaling. While therapeutic interventions aimed to modulate gamma oscillations are being tested for neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and frontotemporal dementia, the prospects for therapeutic gamma modulation in ASD have not been extensively studied. Accordingly, we discuss gamma-related alterations in the setting of ASD pathophysiology, as well as potential interventions that can enhance gamma oscillations in patients with ASD. Ultimately, we argue that transcranial electrical stimulation modalities capable of entraining gamma oscillations, and thereby potentially modulating inhibitory interneuron circuitry, are promising methods to study and mitigate gamma alterations in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1051-1071. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Brain functions are mediated by various oscillatory waves of neuronal activity, ranging in amplitude and frequency. In certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, reduced high-frequency oscillations in the "gamma" band have been observed, and therapeutic interventions to enhance such activity are being explored. Here, we review and comment on evidence of reduced gamma activity in ASD, arguing that modalities used in other disorders may benefit individuals with ASD as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fae B. Kayarian
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Jannati
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuromodulation Program and Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emiliano Santarnecchi
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation and Division of Cognitive Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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