Does rTMS Induce Synaptic Plasticity?

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Trial end date: 2025-02-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The purpose of this study is to utilize the radioactive positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [11C]UCB-J to investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on synaptic plasticity. UCB-J has been validated as a marker for synaptic density. We will use this tracer to examine if rTMS leads to changes in synaptic plasticity, specifically changes in synaptic density, in individuals receiving rTMS for MDD. If rTMS is proven effective for increasing synaptic plasticity, there is a significant potential of a new applicable treatment for a variety of diseases that affect brain physiology.

• Phase: Phase 1
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Davidzon, Guido, M.D.
• Collaborator: Stanford University

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-70 years in age

• U.S. Veteran

• Diagnosis of MDD

• On a stable medication regimen for at least two weeks prior to testing

• Stable social environment and housing to enable regular attendance at clinic visits

• Ability to undergo cognitive testing, clinical assessments, and PET/MR scans

• Stable medical health

• Will undergo rTMS treatment for MDD at the VA Palo Alto

• Able to complete a PET-MR scan without the use of sedation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active substance use within three months of testing

• IQ < 70

• Major medical neurological illness or significant head trauma

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Contraindication to MR scanning, including magnetic-resonance incompatible metal or hardware including pacemakers, cochlear implants, and bullets near a critical organ

• Weight > 350 lbs or a large body habitus that MR scanner cannot accommodate

• History of or current claustrophobia

• Inability to comply with basic study requirements such as following directions and punctuality

• Acute or unstable chronic medical illness that would affect participation or compliance with study procedures, e.g. unstable angina

• Unstable psychiatric symptoms that precludes consistent participation in the study, e.g. active current suicidal intent or plan, severe psychosis

• Inability to undergo PET/MR scan, e.g. claustrophobia, presence of ferromagnetic objects in subject's body