The Impact of tDCS on Substrates of Emotion Processing Using fMRI in Healthy Volunteers
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 47
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Change in perfusion
研究概览
简要总结
This experimental study investigated how MRI-compatible transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) modulates neural and cognitive responses to social criticism in healthy volunteers.
Participants underwent two MRI sessions - one with active and one with sham stimulation - in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design.
During stimulation, they completed resting-state and task-based fMRI scans including exposure to critical, neutral, and praising auditory comments, followed by behavioral and self-report measures of rumination, mood, and implicit self-esteem.
详细描述
This study aimed to examine the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on emotional and self-referential processing. Healthy right-handed female participants completed two identical MRI sessions separated by at least 48 hours and a maximum of 2 weeks. The localization of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was determined during the first session. Anatomical data were first acquired using a high-resolution T1-weighted structural scan. Participants were then briefly removed from the MRI scanner to define the stimulation target using two complementary methods: (1) the standard scalp position F3 according to the 10-20 international EEG system, and (2) an individualized neuronavigation procedure targeting the mid-center of the left middle frontal gyrus (Brodmann areas 9/46) based on each participant's structural MRI. For the actual tDCS sessions, only the neuronavigation-derived DLPFC target was used for electrode placement.
In each session, participants received either active or sham MRI-compatible tDCS (1.5 mA, 20 minutes) applied over the left DLPFC with the cathode placed over the contralateral supra-orbital region. The order of stimulation (active vs. sham) was randomized and counterbalanced. The location of the DLPFC electrode placement was based During fMRI, participants completed multiple scans: a T1 structural scan, resting-state sequences (pre-, during-, and post-stimulation), resting-state sequences (pre-, during-, and post-auditory criticism task with blocks of critical, neutral, and praising comments), and an arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion sequence.
Self-report measures of state rumination (Momentary Ruminative Self-focus Inventory, MRSI) and mood (visual analogue scales) were collected before and after stimulation and after the criticism paradigm. An implicit self-esteem task (Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, IRAP) followed the MRI session. Trait questionnaires and a blood sample for DNA (e.g. 5-HTTLPR) analysis were collected at baseline only.
The primary goal was to assess whether active tDCS modulates neural and behavioral markers of self-referential processing and emotional regulation compared with sham stimulation.
No serious adverse events occurred during the study. Minor sensations (tingling, mild scalp discomfort) were transient and self-limited.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Crossover
- 主要目的
- Basic Science
- 盲法
- Single (Participant)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 35 Years（Adult）
- 性别
- Female
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Female participants aged 18-35 years.
- •Right-handed, healthy volunteers.
- •No current or past psychiatric or neurological disorder as assessed by structured clinical interview (M.I.N.I.).
- •MRI-compatible (no metal implants, pacemaker, or contraindications for MRI scanning).
- •Not taking psychotropic medication.
- •Fluent in Dutch.
- •Provided written informed consent.
排除标准
- •Current or past major depressive episode or any other psychiatric disorder.
- •History of epilepsy or seizures in participant
- •History of neurological illness or neurosurgical intervention.
- •Pregnancy.
- •Claustrophobia or inability to tolerate MRI environment.
- •Metal implants or other MRI-incompatible devices.
- •Skin lesions or dermatological conditions at electrode sites.
- •Unstable medical condition.
- •Use of medication that could influence brain activity or mood.
研究组 & 干预措施
Active tDCS
Participants receive MRI-compatible transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using a NeuroConn DC-Stimulator MR. A constant current of 1.5 mA is applied for 20 minutes with the anodal electrode positioned over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using neuronavigation and the cathodal electrode positioned over the contralateral supra-orbital area. Stimulation is delivered while participants are in the MRI scanner.
干预措施: tDCS (Device)
Sham tDCS
Participants receive sham MRI-compatible transcranial direct current stimulation using a NeuroConn DC-Stimulator MR. The electrodes are positioned identically to the active condition. The current is ramped up and down during the first 30 seconds to mimic the initial sensation of stimulation, after which no current is delivered for the remainder of the 20-minute session. Stimulation is administered while participants are in the MRI scanner.
干预措施: tDCS (Device)
结局指标
主要结局
Change in perfusion
时间窗: Baseline; during tDCS; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit)
Cerebral blood flow measured using arterial spin labeling (ASL) functional MRI before and after tDCS and after the criticism paradigm. Unit of Measure: mL/100 g/min
Neural reactivity to praise and criticism
时间窗: Periprocedural
Blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal change during blocks of praising, neutral, and critical comments measured using task-based fMRI. Unit of Measure: Percent signal change (or beta values from the general linear model)
Resting-state functional connectivity within emotion-regulation networks
时间窗: Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit)
Functional connectivity strength between prefrontal and limbic regions measured using resting-state fMRI before, during, and after tDCS. Unit of Measure: Fisher-z transformed correlation coefficients
次要结局
- Change in momentary rumination(Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit))
- Implicit self-esteem (Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, IRAP)(Baseline and post tDCS)
- Spatial deviation between targeting methods(Baseline (prior to any intervention))
- Mood ratings-tension(Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit))
- Momentary mood ratings - fatigue(Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit))
- Momentary mood ratings - vigor(Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit))
- Momentary mood ratings - anger(Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit))
- Momentary mood ratings - depressed mood(Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit))
- Momentary mood ratings - cheerfulness(Baseline; immediately post-tDCS; and immediately post-criticism paradigm (single study visit))
研究者
Sara De Witte
Dr.
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel