TMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increases GABA concentration in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in major depression
Background: The antidepressant mechanisms of left dorsolateral prefrontal TMS are poorly understood but may involve projections to downstream targets in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). TMS modulates activity and functional connectivity within the VMPFC, but it is unknown whether TMS has specific effects on particular neuronal subtypes. Inhibitory interneurons are a potential therapeutic target. GABA levels are reduced in depressives and normalize with electroconvulsive and SSRI therapies, and TMS potentiates GABAB-neurotransmission acutely in motor cortex.
Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: M. Dubin, X. Mao, R. Gordon, G. Kang, C. Liston, D. Shungu Source Type: research