Journal: Brain Imaging and Behavior (2017)
Authors: Malik S, Jacobs M, Cho S-S, Boileau I, Blumberger D, Heilig M, Wilson A, Daskalakis ZJ, Strafella AP, Zangen A, Le Foll B
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.
