An rTMS study into self-face recognition using video-morphing technique.
Self-face recognition is a sign of higher order self-awareness. Research into the neuronal network argues that the visual pathway of recognizing one's own face differs from recognizing others. The present study aimed at investigating the cortical network of self-other discrimination by producing virtual lesions over the temporo-parietal junction and the prefrontal cortex using low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in a sham-controlled design. Frontal and parietal areas were stimulated separately in consecutive sessions one week apart in 10 healthy subjects. We designed a video-task comprising morphings of famous, unfamiliar and the subjects' own faces that transformed into each other over a time period of six seconds. Reaction time (RT) was measured by pushing a mouse-button once a change of identity was recognized. rTMS over the right temporo-parietal junction led to a decrease in RT when a subject's own face emerged from a familiar face; a similar effect was observed after rTMS over right-prefrontal and left-parietal cortices, when the subjects' ratings of own likeability were taken into account. The transition from an unfamiliar face to one's own face indicated a left frontal lateralization.
Heinisch
Christine
C
Research Department of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Psychiatric Preventive Medicine, University of Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Alexandrinenstr. 1, D-44791 Bochum, Germany.
Dinse
Hubert R
HR
Tegenthoff
Martin
M
Juckel
Georg
G
Brüne
Martin
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D010296:Parietal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; D055815:Young Adult