High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves refractory depression by influencing catecholamine and brain-derived neurotrophic factors
by
Yukimasa T, Yoshimura R, Tamagawa A, Uozumi T,
Shinkai K, Ueda N, Tsuji S, Nakamura J.
Department of Psychiatry,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health,
1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu,
Fukuoka 807-8555, Japan.
Pharmacopsychiatry. 2006 Mar;39(2):52-9.


ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive and easily tolerated method of altering cortical physiology. To date, numerous open and sham controlled clinical trials have explored the antidepressant potential of rTMS. In the present study, we investigated clinical trials of high-frequency rTMS (20 Hz) for treatment of refractory depression, and also examined the effect of rTMS on plasma levels of catecholamine metabolites and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). METHODS: Twenty-six depressed inpatients who met the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder and had failed to respond to treatment with at least two antidepressant drugs given at adequate doses (above 150 mg/day in an equivalent dose of imipramine) and durations (at least 4 weeks for each drug) were enrolled in this study. Eleven were males, 15 females. The ages of the subjects ranged from 19 to 78 years old (mean +/- SD = 52.9 +/- 17.8). All patients were administered left prefrontal 20 Hz rTMS at 80 % MT (total 800 pulses a day) over ten daily sessions. The plasma levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The plasma levels of BDNF were also measured with the sandwich ELISA method. RESULTS: The mean 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D) score of 20.5 +/- 5.2 before rTMS was significantly decreased to 15.6 +/- 7.3 after rTMS. Nine of 26 patients (35 %) demonstrated some improvement (Ham-D >/= 25 %) by rTMS. The levels of plasma MHPG, but not those of HVA, were significantly reduced after rTMS treatment, and a negative correlation was observed between the change in plasma MHPG levels and the change in scores of agitation. In addition, the plasma levels of BDNF were significantly increased by 23 % in responders and partial responders, but not in nonresponders, after rTMS treatment, and a trend for association was found between the changes in Ham-D scores and changes in plasma BDNF levels in all patients after rTMS treatment. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that rTMS treatment brings about some improvement in refractory depression, especially for symptoms such as agitation, by influencing MHPG and BDNF, which is in accordance with previous reports showing that BDNF was increased by various antidepressants treatments.
rTMS
rTMS versus ECT
Vagus stimulation
rTMS: long-term benefits?
ECT versus rTMS for severe depression
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
2008: Neurostar TMS therapy licensed to treat depression
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS) to treat refractory depression


Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Good Drug Guide

The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family