The effect of a single HF rTMS-session over the left DLPFC on stress reactivity as measured by heart rate variability in healthy female participants

Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of the dysregulation of major components of the stress response system, which can explain individual differences in de development of psychopathology, remain poorly understood. Davidson et al. (2002) have posited that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is implicated in regulating affective states, providing cognitive control over stress and emotion responsiveness. Thayer and Lane (2009) showed a relationship between decreased activation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and a decrease in Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a measure of the fast-acting cardiovascular response driven by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In addition, Maier and colleagues have demonstrated that prefrontal cortex activity is implied in the protective effects of behavioral control on stress responses (Maier et al., 2006). However, most current research is correlational. High frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HF-rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that is capable of transiently and reversibly increase cortical brain activity. Moreover, HF-rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is currently used as a promising treatment strategy for depression.