Interaction Between Early Trauma and Odor-induced Dopamine Release

The occurrence of early trauma has been linked to alterations in the development of emotion regulation circuits and functional brain connectivity (particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex - DLPFC), the dopaminergic response to stress and an alteration in hedonicity (including olfactory hedonicity), which can lead to the onset of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or depression.

However, few studies have investigated the influence of early trauma on the release of dopamine (DA) evoked by odors with a positive emotional valence. Yet hedonicity is a key component of olfaction, as a positive odor leads to reinforced behavior in areas such as food intake and social interaction. This reinforcement process is thought to be underpinned by the very close link between the olfactory system (olfactory tubercle), the emotional regulation system (DLPFC) and the reward system (striatum), including the release of DA.

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of early trauma on DAergic transmission evoked by odorants with a positive emotional valence.

To this end, 30 participants will be recruited and divided into two groups: those with early trauma and those without, according to their score on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. They will undergo an MRI-PET scan during which they will be exposed to pleasant odors. Subcortical dopaminergic transmission will be analyzed using the PET activity of [11C]Raclopride (a D2 receptor antagonist).

Investigators hypothesize that early trauma resulting in abnormal cortico-subcortical and cortico-cortical connectivity would lead to a deficit in the hedonic appreciation of a pleasant odor, associated with a reduction in DAergic reactivity evoked in the reward system.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 years or older
• Have been selected based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire score
• Non-smoker
• Be able to speak and read French
• Sign a consent form before intervention.

Exclusion criteria

• A pre-existing condition that affects olfaction including congenital anosmia, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal and/or sinus disease,
• Be on medication, with the exception of oral contraceptives
• Pregnant or breast-feeding woman (check with urine pregnancy tests);
• Contraindications to TMS or MRI (implanted medical devices or metallic foreign body in the head);
• Psychiatric disorders
• Use of psychotropic drugs
• Have participated in a study involving the injection of a radiotracer during the year