Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on GABA and Glx in Children: A pilot study

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dc.contributor.authorNwaroh, Chidera
dc.contributor.authorGiuffre, Adrianna
dc.contributor.authorCole, Lauran
dc.contributor.authorBell, Tiffany
dc.contributor.authorCarlson, Helen L.
dc.contributor.authorMacMaster, Frank P.
dc.contributor.authorKirton, Adam
dc.contributor.authorHarris, Ashley D.
dc.date.accessioned2021-01-06T20:50:56Z
dc.date.available2021-01-06T20:50:56Z
dc.date.issued2020-01-07
dc.description.abstractTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that safely modulates brain excitability and has therapeutic potential for many conditions. Several studies have shown that anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex (M1) facilitates motor learning and plasticity, but there is little information about the underlying mechanisms. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), it has been shown that tDCS can affect local levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Glx (a measure of glutamate and glutamine combined) in adults, both of which are known to be associated with skill acquisition and plasticity; however this has yet to be studied in children and adolescents. This study examined GABA and Glx in response to conventional anodal tDCS (a-tDCS) and high definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) targeting the M1 in a pediatric population. Twenty-four typically developing, right-handed children ages 12-18 years participated in five consecutive days of tDCS intervention (sham, a-tDCS or HD-tDCS) targeting the right M1 while training in a fine motor task (Purdue Pegboard Task) with their left hand. Glx and GABA were measured before and after the protocol (at day 5 and 6 weeks) using a PRESS and GABA-edited MEGA-PRESS MRS sequence in the sensorimotor cortices. Glx measured in the left sensorimotor cortex was higher in the HD-tDCS group compared to a-tDCS and sham at 6 weeks (p = 0.001). No changes in GABA were observed in either sensorimotor cortex at any time. These results suggest that neither a-tDCS or HD-tDCS locally affect GABA and Glx in the developing brain and therefore it may demonstrate different responses in adults.
dc.description.grantingagencyCanadian Institutes of Health Research - Foundation Scheme
dc.description.grantingagencyOther
dc.identifier.citationNwaroh, C., Giuffre, A., Cole, L., Bell, T., Carlson, H. L., MacMaster, F. P., Kirton, A., & Harris, A. D. (2020). Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on GABA and Glx in Children: A pilot study. PLOS ONE, 15(1), e0222620. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222620
dc.identifier.doi10.1371/journal.pone.0222620
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/38526
dc.identifier.issn1932-6203
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/112934
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS)
dc.publisher.hasversionPublisher's version
dc.publisher.policyhttps://plos.org/open-science/why-open-access/
dc.rights© 2020 Nwaroh et al.
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subjecttranscranial direct-current stimulation
dc.subjectmetabolites
dc.subjectGamma-aminobutyric acid
dc.subjectpediatrics
dc.subjectglutamate
dc.subjectfunctional electrical stimulation
dc.subjectmagnetic resonance spectroscopy
dc.subjectsensory perception
dc.titleEffects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on GABA and Glx in Children: A pilot study
dc.typejournal article
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