Does the Insula Control Smoking-Induced Dopamine Release? A TMS/[11C]-PHNO Study in Humans.

This project will take advantage of the recently developed Deep rTMS coil to target the insular cortex. Few studies have examined the possibility of using repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for nicotine addiction and none so far have explored the use of a coil that specifically targets the insular region. The objective of this study is to test whether low and high-frequency rTMS of the insula modulates striatal dopamine (DA) release in healthy humans. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with [11C]-(+)-PHNO, a radiotracer which is very sensitive to fluctuations in DA transmission in the human brain, will be used to assess the impact of rTMS on dopamine levels. This project will yield the first data in humans linking the insula to the DA system in vivo. These findings could lead to the identification of optimal parameters for Deep rTMS to use secondarily in a proof of principle clinical study in smokers.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy male or female
• Between the ages of 19 and 45

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy.
• Presence of metal objects in the body or implanted electronic devices, that preclude safe MR scanning.
• Claustrophobia.
• Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases.
• Major psychiatric disorders including mood, anxiety or psychotic disorders.
• History of or current neurological illnesses including seizure disorders, migraine, multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, head trauma, CVA or CNS tumor.
• Gross structural brain abnormalities as revealed by T1 weighted images.
• Current use or use during the previous month of medication that may affect the CNS (e.g. neuroleptics, bupropion).
• Learning disability, amnesia or other conditions that impede memory and attention.