Identifying potential therapeutic targets for focal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a rat model of cocaine dependence

Motivation: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) shows promise as a therapeutic intervention for many neuropsychiatric conditions. Yet, pinpointing the appropriate stimulation target remains elusive. Goal(s): To identify brain regions affected by prolonged cocaine exposure, and to identify potential targets for focal TMS. Approach: Basal CBV were mapped by injecting iron-oxide contrast. Multi-echo gradient echo and spin echo sequences were employed to generate maps of 05732972-a323-4027-8676-ccee7744913e">R2. Results: Many brain regions, including the prelimbic cortex, exhibited a significant decrease in basal CBV following prolonged cocaine exposure. The prelimbic cortex is situated relatively close to the cortical surface and presents a promising candidate for TMS. Impact: Likely the first attempt to identify TMS targets using the CBV mapping approach.