Understanding how rTMS may reduce brain inflammation in depression and related brain conditions
Official title: Quantifying the mechanism of transcranial magnetic stimulation in depression: A preliminary positron emission tomography study of microglia
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11284181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation (rTMS) changes brain inflammation in people with depression and certain brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $437,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH143131-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11284181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with depression and/or coexisting brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or acquired brain injury who are eligible for rTMS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without significant neuroinflammation or those not suitable for rTMS may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and positron emission tomography (PET) to explore how rTMS might reduce microglia-related inflammation in the brain. The project will focus on individuals with depression and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and acquired brain injury to see if inflammation mediates treatment response. With a small group of 10 treatment seekers, the study will examine brain imaging and clinical symptoms to understand potential mechanisms behind rTMS efficacy. The findings could guide personalized approaches to maximize benefits for patients with neuroinflammatory profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help tailor rTMS to patients most likely to benefit by targeting neuroinflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests neuroinflammation plays a role in depression and rTMS response, but this study explores a specific mechanism with imaging.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parsey, Ramin V. — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Parsey, Ramin V.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.