1
|
Tang J, Feng M, Wang D, Zhang L, Yang K. Recent advancement of sonogenetics: A promising noninvasive cellular manipulation by ultrasound. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101112. [PMID: 38947740 PMCID: PMC11214298 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in biomedical research have underscored the importance of noninvasive cellular manipulation techniques. Sonogenetics, a method that uses genetic engineering to produce ultrasound-sensitive proteins in target cells, is gaining prominence along with optogenetics, electrogenetics, and magnetogenetics. Upon stimulation with ultrasound, these proteins trigger a cascade of cellular activities and functions. Unlike traditional ultrasound modalities, sonogenetics offers enhanced spatial selectivity, improving precision and safety in disease treatment. This technology broadens the scope of non-surgical interventions across a wide range of clinical research and therapeutic applications, including neuromodulation, oncologic treatments, stem cell therapy, and beyond. Although current literature predominantly emphasizes ultrasonic neuromodulation, this review offers a comprehensive exploration of sonogenetics. We discuss ultrasound properties, the specific ultrasound-sensitive proteins employed in sonogenetics, and the technique's potential in managing conditions such as neurological disorders, cancer, and ophthalmic diseases, and in stem cell therapies. Our objective is to stimulate fresh perspectives for further research in this promising field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell Therapy, Chongqing 400014, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mingxuan Feng
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell Therapy, Chongqing 400014, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim S, Kwon N, Hossain MM, Bendig J, Konofagou EE. Displacement and functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging of displacement-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation in mice. Neuroimage 2024; 298:120768. [PMID: 39096984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) stimulation is a promising neuromodulation technique with the merits of non-invasiveness, high spatial resolution, and deep penetration depth. However, simultaneous imaging of FUS-induced brain tissue displacement and the subsequent effect of FUS stimulation on brain hemodynamics has proven challenging thus far. In addition, earlier studies lack in situ confirmation of targeting except for the magnetic resonance imaging-guided FUS system-based studies. The purpose of this study is 1) to introduce a fully ultrasonic approach to in situ target, modulate neuronal activity, and monitor the resultant neuromodulation effect by respectively leveraging displacement imaging, FUS, and functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging, and 2) to investigate FUS-evoked cerebral blood volume (CBV) response and the relationship between CBV and displacement. We performed displacement imaging on craniotomized mice to confirm the in situ targeting for neuromodulation site. We recorded hemodynamic responses evoked by FUS while fUS imaging revealed an ipsilateral CBV increase that peaks at 4 s post-FUS. We report a stronger hemodynamic activation in the subcortical region than cortical, showing good agreement with a brain elasticity map that can also be obtained using a similar methodology. We observed dose-dependent CBV responses with peak CBV, activated area, and correlation coefficient increasing with the ultrasonic dose. Furthermore, by mapping displacement and hemodynamic activation, we found that displacement colocalized and linearly correlated with CBV increase. The findings presented herein demonstrated that FUS evokes ipsilateral hemodynamic activation in cortical and subcortical depths while the evoked hemodynamic responses colocalize and correlate with FUS-induced displacement. We anticipate that our findings will help consolidate accurate targeting as well as shedding light on one of the mechanisms behind FUS modulation, i.e., how FUS mechanically displaces brain tissue affecting cerebral hemodynamics and thereby its associated connectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongyeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | - Nancy Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | | | - Jonas Bendig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | - Elisa E Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University; Department of Radiology, Columbia University.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Daneshzand M, Guerin B, Kotlarz P, Chou T, Dougherty DD, Edlow BL, Nummenmaa A. Model-based navigation of transcranial focused ultrasound neuromodulation in humans: Application to targeting the amygdala and thalamus. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:958-969. [PMID: 39094682 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) neuromodulation has shown promise in animals but is challenging to translate to humans because of the thicker skull that heavily scatters ultrasound waves. OBJECTIVE We develop and disseminate a model-based navigation (MBN) tool for acoustic dose delivery in the presence of skull aberrations that is easy to use by non-specialists. METHODS We pre-compute acoustic beams for thousands of virtual transducer locations on the scalp of the subject under study. We use the hybrid angular spectrum solver mSOUND, which runs in ∼4 s per solve per CPU yielding pre-computation times under 1 h for scalp meshes with up to 4000 faces and a parallelization factor of 5. We combine this pre-computed set of beam solutions with optical tracking, thus allowing real-time display of the tFUS beam as the operator freely navigates the transducer around the subject' scalp. We assess the impact of MBN versus line-of-sight targeting (LOST) positioning in simulations of 13 subjects. RESULTS Our navigation tool has a display refresh rate of ∼10 Hz. In our simulations, MBN increased the acoustic dose in the thalamus and amygdala by 8-67 % compared to LOST and avoided complete target misses that affected 10-20 % of LOST cases. MBN also yielded a lower variability of the deposited dose across subjects than LOST. CONCLUSIONS MBN may yield greater and more consistent (less variable) ultrasound dose deposition than transducer placement with line-of-sight targeting, and thus could become a helpful tool to improve the efficacy of tFUS neuromodulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Daneshzand
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bastien Guerin
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Parker Kotlarz
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tina Chou
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Darin D Dougherty
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aapo Nummenmaa
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Atkinson-Clement C, Kaiser M. Optimizing Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation: An Open-source Tool for Precise Targeting. Neuromodulation 2024:S1094-7159(24)00627-5. [PMID: 39093260 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2024.06.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Atkinson-Clement
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - Marcus Kaiser
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK; National Institute for Health and Care Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, UK; Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Riis TS, Feldman DA, Losser AJ, Okifuji A, Kubanek J. Noninvasive targeted modulation of pain circuits with focused ultrasonic waves. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00670. [PMID: 39073370 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Direct interventions into deep brain circuits constitute promising treatment modalities for chronic pain. Cingulotomy and deep brain stimulation targeting the anterior cingulate cortex have shown notable improvements in the unpleasantness of pain, but these interventions require brain surgeries. In this study, we have developed an approach that can modulate this deep brain affective hub entirely noninvasively, using low-intensity transcranial-focused ultrasound. Twenty patients with chronic pain received two 40-minute active or sham stimulation protocols and were monitored for one week in a randomized crossover trial. Sixty percent of subjects experienced a clinically meaningful reduction of pain on day 1 and on day 7 following the active stimulation, while sham stimulation provided such benefits only to 15% and 20% of subjects, respectively. On average, active stimulation reduced pain by 60.0% immediately following the intervention and by 43.0% and 33.0% on days 1 and 7 following the intervention. The corresponding sham levels were 14.4%, 12.3%, and 6.6%. The stimulation was well tolerated, and no adverse events were detected. Side effects were generally mild and resolved within 24 hours. Together, the direct, ultrasonic stimulation of the anterior cingulate cortex offers rapid, clinically meaningful, and durable improvements in pain severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Riis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Daniel A Feldman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Adam J Losser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Akiko Okifuji
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jan Kubanek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
In A, Strohman A, Payne B, Legon W. Low-intensity focused ultrasound to the posterior insula reduces temporal summation of pain. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:911-924. [PMID: 39089647 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) are core brain regions involved in pain processing and central sensitization, a shared mechanism across various chronic pain conditions. Methods to modulate these regions may serve to reduce central sensitization, though it is unclear which target may be most efficacious for different measures of central sensitization. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS Investigate the effect of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to the anterior insula (AI), posterior insula (PI), or dACC on conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation of pain (TSP). METHODS N = 16 volunteers underwent TSP and CPM pain tasks pre/post a 10 min LIFU intervention to either the AI, PI, dACC or Sham stimulation. Pain ratings were collected pre/post LIFU. RESULTS Only LIFU to the PI significantly attenuated pain ratings during the TSP protocol. No effects were found for the CPM task for any of the LIFU targets. LIFU pressure modulated group means but did not affect overall group differences. CONCLUSIONS LIFU to the PI reduced temporal summation of pain. This may, in part, be due to dosing (pressure) of LIFU. Inhibition of the PI with LIFU may be a future potential therapy in chronic pain populations demonstrating central sensitization. The minimal effective dose of LIFU for efficacious neuromodulation will help to translate LIFU for therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander In
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Andrew Strohman
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA; Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA; Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Brighton Payne
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Wynn Legon
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA; Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA; Center for Human Neuroscience Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA; Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24016, USA; Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
James EC, Tomaskovic-Crook E, Crook JM. Engineering 3D Scaffold-Free Nanoparticle-Laden Stem Cell Constructs for Piezoelectric Enhancement of Human Neural Tissue Formation and Function. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2310010. [PMID: 39049737 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation (ES) of cellular systems can be utilized for biotechnological applications and electroceuticals (bioelectric medicine). Neural cell stimulation especially has a long history in neuroscience research and is increasingly applied for clinical therapies. Application of ES via conventional electrodes requires external connectors and power sources, hindering scientific and therapeutic applications. Here engineering novel 3D scaffold-free human neural stem cell constructs with integrated piezoelectric nanoparticles for enhanced neural tissue induction and function is described. Tetragonal barium titanate (BaTi03) nanoparticles are employed as piezoelectric stimulators prepared as cytocompatible dispersions, incorporated into 3D self-organizing neural spheroids, and activated wirelessly by ultrasound. Ultrasound delivery (low frequency; 40 kHz) is optimized for cell survival, and nanoparticle activation enabled ES throughout the spheroids during differentiation, tissue formation, and maturation. The resultant human neural tissues represent the first example of direct tissue loading with piezoelectric particles for ensuing 3D ultrasound-mediated piezoelectric enhancement of human neuronal induction from stem cells, including augmented neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis. It is anticipated that the platform described will facilitate advanced tissue engineering and in vitro modeling of human neural (and potentially non-neural) tissues, with modeling including tissue development and pathology, and applicable to preclinical testing and prototyping of both electroceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Claire James
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Eva Tomaskovic-Crook
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jeremy Micah Crook
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, AIIM Facility, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
- Arto Hardy Family Biomedical Innovation Hub, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Institute of Innovative Materials, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, Faculty of Engineering and Information Systems, University of Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, NSW, 2519, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Song H, Chen R, Ren L, Zeng Y, Sun J, Tong S. Low intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation induces hemodynamic responses through neurovascular coupling. iScience 2024; 27:110269. [PMID: 39055926 PMCID: PMC11269307 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Collective studies have demonstrated that transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) can elicit activation in hemodynamics, implying its potential in treating cerebral or peripheral vessel-related malfunction. The theory for hemodynamic response to TUS is neurovascular coupling (NVC) following the ultrasound-induced cellular (de)polarization. However, it was not conclusive due to the co-existence of the pathway of direct ultrasound-vessel interactions. This study thus aims to investigate and provide direct evidence for NVC pathway in a rodent model of TUS by inhibiting neural activity with sodium valproate (VPA), a GABAergic agent. Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to VPA and Saline groups. Microelectrode and optical imaging were utilized to record local field potential and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during baseline, before, and after TUS periods. We found the attenuated neural activity was associated with reduced rCBF responses. These results provided direct evidence for the presence of NVC pathway in hemodynamic modulation by TUS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Song
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ruoyu Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Liyuan Ren
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yinuo Zeng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Junfeng Sun
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shanbao Tong
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dagommer M, Daneshzand M, Nummemnaa A, Guerin B. Robust deep learning estimation of cortical bone porosity from MR T1-weighted images for individualized transcranial focused ultrasound planning. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.18.24310644. [PMID: 39072036 PMCID: PMC11275664 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.18.24310644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Objective Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is an emerging neuromodulation approach that has been demonstrated in animals but is difficult to translate to humans because of acoustic attenuation and scattering in the skull. Optimal dose delivery requires subject-specific skull porosity estimates which has traditionally been done using CT. We propose a deep learning (DL) estimation of skull porosity from T1-weighted MRI images which removes the need for radiation-inducing CT scans. Approach We evaluate the impact of different DL approaches, including network architecture, input size and dimensionality, multichannel inputs, data augmentation, and loss functions. We also propose back-propagation in the mask (BIM), a method whereby only voxels inside the skull mask contribute to training. We evaluate the robustness of the best model to input image noise and MRI acquisition parameters and propagate porosity estimation errors in thousands of beam propagation scenarios. Main results Our best performing model is a cGAN with a ResNet-9 generator with 3D 64×64×64 inputs trained with L1 and L2 losses. The model achieved a mean absolute error of 6.9% in the test set, compared to 9.5% with the pseudo-CT of Izquierdo et al. (38% improvement) and 9.4% with the generic pixel-to-pixel image translation cGAN pix2pix (36% improvement). Acoustic dose distributions in the thalamus were more accurate with our approach than with the pseudo-CT approach of both Burgos et al. and Izquierdo et al, resulting in near-optimal treatment planning and dose estimation at all frequencies compared to CT (reference). Significance Our DL approach porosity estimates with ~7% error, is robust to input image noise and MRI acquisition parameters (sequence, coils, field strength) and yields near-optimal treatment planning and dose estimates for both central (thalamus) and lateral brain targets (amygdala) in the 200-1000 kHz frequency range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Dagommer
- École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris (ESPCI), Paris France
| | - Mohammad Daneshzand
- Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown MA
| | - Aapo Nummemnaa
- Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown MA
| | - Bastien Guerin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown MA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alfihed S, Majrashi M, Ansary M, Alshamrani N, Albrahim SH, Alsolami A, Alamari HA, Zaman A, Almutairi D, Kurdi A, Alzaydi MM, Tabbakh T, Al-Otaibi F. Non-Invasive Brain Sensing Technologies for Modulation of Neurological Disorders. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:335. [PMID: 39056611 PMCID: PMC11274405 DOI: 10.3390/bios14070335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The non-invasive brain sensing modulation technology field is experiencing rapid development, with new techniques constantly emerging. This study delves into the field of non-invasive brain neuromodulation, a safer and potentially effective approach for treating a spectrum of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Unlike traditional deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, non-invasive techniques employ ultrasound, electrical currents, and electromagnetic field stimulation to stimulate the brain from outside the skull, thereby eliminating surgery risks and enhancing patient comfort. This study explores the mechanisms of various modalities, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), highlighting their potential to address chronic pain, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and depression. We also probe into the concept of closed-loop neuromodulation, which personalizes stimulation based on real-time brain activity. While we acknowledge the limitations of current technologies, our study concludes by proposing future research avenues to advance this rapidly evolving field with its immense potential to revolutionize neurological and psychiatric care and lay the foundation for the continuing advancement of innovative non-invasive brain sensing technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salman Alfihed
- Microelectronics and Semiconductor Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.)
| | - Majed Majrashi
- Bioengineering Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Ansary
- Neuroscience Center Research Unit, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Alshamrani
- Microelectronics and Semiconductor Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.)
| | - Shahad H. Albrahim
- Bioengineering Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Alsolami
- Microelectronics and Semiconductor Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.)
| | - Hala A. Alamari
- Bioengineering Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Zaman
- Microelectronics and Semiconductor Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.)
| | - Dhaifallah Almutairi
- Microelectronics and Semiconductor Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz Kurdi
- Advanced Materials Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mai M. Alzaydi
- Bioengineering Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer Tabbakh
- Microelectronics and Semiconductor Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.)
| | - Faisal Al-Otaibi
- Neuroscience Center Research Unit, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Legon W, Strohman A, In A, Payne B. Noninvasive neuromodulation of subregions of the human insula differentially affect pain processing and heart-rate variability: a within-subjects pseudo-randomized trial. Pain 2024; 165:1625-1641. [PMID: 38314779 PMCID: PMC11189760 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The insula is an intriguing target for pain modulation. Unfortunately, it lies deep to the cortex making spatially specific noninvasive access difficult. Here, we leverage the high spatial resolution and deep penetration depth of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to nonsurgically modulate the anterior insula (AI) or posterior insula (PI) in humans for effect on subjective pain ratings, electroencephalographic (EEG) contact heat-evoked potentials, as well as autonomic measures including heart-rate variability (HRV). In a within-subjects, repeated-measures, pseudo-randomized trial design, 23 healthy volunteers received brief noxious heat pain stimuli to the dorsum of their right hand during continuous heart-rate, electrodermal, electrocardiography and EEG recording. Low-intensity focused ultrasound was delivered to the AI (anterior short gyrus), PI (posterior longus gyrus), or under an inert Sham condition. The primary outcome measure was pain rating. Low-intensity focused ultrasound to both AI and PI similarly reduced pain ratings but had differential effects on EEG activity. Low-intensity focused ultrasound to PI affected earlier EEG amplitudes, whereas LIFU to AI affected later EEG amplitudes. Only LIFU to the AI affected HRV as indexed by an increase in SD of N-N intervals and mean HRV low-frequency power. Taken together, LIFU is an effective noninvasive method to individually target subregions of the insula in humans for site-specific effects on brain biomarkers of pain processing and autonomic reactivity that translates to reduced perceived pain to a transient heat stimulus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wynn Legon
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Center for Human Neuroscience Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Andrew Strohman
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Alexander In
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Brighton Payne
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ramachandran S, Gao H, Yttri E, Yu K, He B. An Investigation of Parameter-Dependent Cell-Type Specific Effects of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation Using an Awake Head-Fixed Rodent Model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.24.600515. [PMID: 38979298 PMCID: PMC11230196 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.600515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a promising neuromodulation technique able to target shallow and deep brain structures with high precision. Previous studies have demonstrated that tFUS stimulation responses are both cell-type specific and controllable through altering stimulation parameters. Specifically, tFUS can elicit time-locked neural activity in regular spiking units (RSUs) that is sensitive to increases in pulse repetition frequency (PRF), while time-locked responses are not seen in fast spiking units (FSUs). These findings suggest a unique capability of tFUS to alter circuit network dynamics with cell-type specificity; however, these results could be biased by the use of anesthesia, which significantly modulates neural activities. In this study, we develop an awake head-fixed rat model specifically designed for tFUS study, and address a key question if tFUS still has cell-type specificity under awake conditions. Using this novel animal model, we examined a series of PRFs and burst duty cycles (DCs) to determine their effects on neuronal subpopulations without anesthesia. We conclude that cell-type specific time-locked and delayed responses to tFUS as well as PRF and DC sensitivity are present in the awake animal model and that despite some differences in response, isoflurane anesthesia is not a major confound in studying the cell-type specificity of ultrasound neuromodulation. We further determine that, in an awake, head-fixed setting, the preferred PRF and DC for inducing time-locked excitation with our pulsed tFUS paradigm are 1500 Hz and 60%, respectively.
Collapse
|
13
|
Olaitan GO, Ganesana M, Strohman A, Lynch WJ, Legon W, Jill Venton B. Focused Ultrasound Modulates Dopamine in a Mesolimbic Reward Circuit. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580202. [PMID: 38979318 PMCID: PMC11230179 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in reward and motivation. Dysfunction in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway has been linked to a variety of psychiatric disorders, including addiction. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has demonstrated effects on brain activity, but how LIFU affects dopamine neurotransmission is not known. Here, we applied three different intensities (6.5, 13, and 26 W/cm 2 I sppa ) of 2-minute LIFU to the prelimbic region (PLC) and measured dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Two minutes of LIFU sonication at 13 W/cm 2 to the PLC significantly reduced dopamine release by ∼ 50% for up to 2 hours. However, double the intensity (26 W/cm 2 ) resulted in less inhibition (∼30%), and half the intensity (6.5 W/cm 2 ) did not result in any inhibition of dopamine. Anatomical controls applying LIFU to the primary somatosensory cortex did not change NAc core dopamine, and applying LIFU to the PLC did not affect dopamine release in the caudate or NAc shell. Histological evaluations showed no evidence of cell damage or death. Modeling of temperature rise demonstrates a maximum temperature change of 0.5°C with 13 W/cm 2 , suggesting that modulation is not due to thermal mechanisms. These studies show that LIFU at a moderate intensity provides a noninvasive, high spatial resolution means to modulate specific mesolimbic circuits that could be used in future studies to target and repair pathways that are dysfunctional in addiction and other psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wilson MG, Riis TS, Kubanek J. Controlled ultrasonic interventions through the human skull. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1412921. [PMID: 38979100 PMCID: PMC11228146 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1412921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound enables precise and non-invasive manipulations of deep brain circuits in humans, promising to provide safe and effective treatments of various neurological and mental health conditions. Ultrasound focused to deep brain targets can be used to modulate neural activity directly or localize the release of psychoactive drugs. However, these applications have been impeded by a key barrier-the human skull, which attenuates ultrasound strongly and unpredictably. To address this issue, we have developed an ultrasound-based approach that directly measures and compensates for the ultrasound attenuation by the skull. No additional skull imaging, simulations, assumptions, or free parameters are necessary; the method measures the attenuation directly by emitting a pulse of ultrasound from an array on one side of the head and measuring with an array on the opposite side. Here, we apply this emerging method to two primary future uses-neuromodulation and local drug release. Specifically, we show that the correction enables effective stimulation of peripheral nerves and effective release of propofol from nanoparticle carriers through an ex vivo human skull. Neither application was effective without the correction. Moreover, the effects show the expected dose-response relationship and targeting specificity. This article highlights the need for precise control of ultrasound intensity within the skull and provides a direct and practical approach for addressing this lingering barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Thomas S Riis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jan Kubanek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Caffaratti H, Slater B, Shaheen N, Rhone A, Calmus R, Kritikos M, Kumar S, Dlouhy B, Oya H, Griffiths T, Boes AD, Trapp N, Kaiser M, Sallet J, Banks MI, Howard MA, Zanaty M, Petkov CI. Neuromodulation with Ultrasound: Hypotheses on the Directionality of Effects and a Community Resource. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.14.24308829. [PMID: 38947047 PMCID: PMC11213082 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.24308829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Low-intensity Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS) is a promising non-invasive technique for deep-brain stimulation and focal neuromodulation. Research with animal models and computational modelling has raised the possibility that TUS can be biased towards enhancing or suppressing neural function. Here, we first conduct a systematic review of human TUS studies for perturbing neural function and alleviating brain disorders. We then collate a set of hypotheses on the directionality of TUS effects and conduct an initial meta-analysis on the human TUS study reported outcomes to date (n = 32 studies, 37 experiments). We find that parameters such as the duty cycle show some predictability regarding whether the targeted area's function is likely to be enhanced or suppressed. Given that human TUS sample sizes are exponentially increasing, we recognize that results can stabilize or change as further studies are reported. Therefore, we conclude by establishing an Iowa-Newcastle (inTUS) resource for the systematic reporting of TUS parameters and outcomes to support further hypothesis testing for greater precision in brain stimulation and neuromodulation with TUS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Caffaratti
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ben Slater
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nour Shaheen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ariane Rhone
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ryan Calmus
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael Kritikos
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sukhbinder Kumar
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Brian Dlouhy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Oya
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Tim Griffiths
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Aaron D Boes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nicholas Trapp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marcus Kaiser
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jérôme Sallet
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, INSERM U1208, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew I Banks
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew A Howard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mario Zanaty
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christopher I Petkov
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pellow C, Pichardo S, Pike GB. A systematic review of preclinical and clinical transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation and opportunities for functional connectomics. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:734-751. [PMID: 38880207 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has surged forward as a non-invasive and disruptive tool for neuromodulation with applications in basic neuroscience research and the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions. OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive overview and update of preclinical and clinical transcranial low intensity ultrasound for neuromodulation and emphasize the emerging role of functional brain mapping to guide, better understand, and predict responses. METHODS A systematic review was conducted by searching the Web of Science and Scopus databases for studies on transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation, both in humans and animals. RESULTS 187 relevant studies were identified and reviewed, including 116 preclinical and 71 clinical reports with subjects belonging to diverse cohorts. Milestones of ultrasound neuromodulation are described within an overview of the broader landscape. General neural readouts and outcome measures are discussed, potential confounds are noted, and the emerging use of functional magnetic resonance imaging is highlighted. CONCLUSION Ultrasound neuromodulation has emerged as a powerful tool to study and treat a range of conditions and its combination with various neural readouts has significantly advanced this platform. In particular, the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging has yielded exciting inferences into ultrasound neuromodulation and has the potential to advance our understanding of brain function, neuromodulatory mechanisms, and ultimately clinical outcomes. It is anticipated that these preclinical and clinical trials are the first of many; that transcranial low intensity focused ultrasound, particularly in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging, has the potential to enhance treatment for a spectrum of neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly Pellow
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Samuel Pichardo
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - G Bruce Pike
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hou JF, Nayeem MOG, Caplan KA, Ruesch EA, Caban-Murillo A, Criado-Hidalgo E, Ornellas SB, Williams B, Pearce AA, Dagdeviren HE, Surets M, White JA, Shapiro MG, Wang F, Ramirez S, Dagdeviren C. An implantable piezoelectric ultrasound stimulator (ImPULS) for deep brain activation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4601. [PMID: 38834558 PMCID: PMC11150473 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Precise neurostimulation can revolutionize therapies for neurological disorders. Electrode-based stimulation devices face challenges in achieving precise and consistent targeting due to the immune response and the limited penetration of electrical fields. Ultrasound can aid in energy propagation, but transcranial ultrasound stimulation in the deep brain has limited spatial resolution caused by bone and tissue scattering. Here, we report an implantable piezoelectric ultrasound stimulator (ImPULS) that generates an ultrasonic focal pressure of 100 kPa to modulate the activity of neurons. ImPULS is a fully-encapsulated, flexible piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer that incorporates a biocompatible piezoceramic, potassium sodium niobate [(K,Na)NbO3]. The absence of electrochemically active elements poses a new strategy for achieving long-term stability. We demonstrated that ImPULS can i) excite neurons in a mouse hippocampal slice ex vivo, ii) activate cells in the hippocampus of an anesthetized mouse to induce expression of activity-dependent gene c-Fos, and iii) stimulate dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta to elicit time-locked modulation of nigrostriatal dopamine release. This work introduces a non-genetic ultrasound platform for spatially-localized neural stimulation and exploration of basic functions in the deep brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason F Hou
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Kian A Caplan
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Evan A Ruesch
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Albit Caban-Murillo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Ernesto Criado-Hidalgo
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Sarah B Ornellas
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Brandon Williams
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ayeilla A Pearce
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Huseyin E Dagdeviren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Michelle Surets
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - John A White
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, 02215, MA, USA
| | - Canan Dagdeviren
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Du Z, Chen G, Li Y, Zheng N, Cheng JX, Yang C. Photoacoustic: A Versatile Nongenetic Method for High-Precision Neuromodulation. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:1595-1607. [PMID: 38759211 PMCID: PMC11154953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
High-precision neuromodulation plays a pivotal role in elucidating fundamental principles of neuroscience and treating specific neurological disorders. Optical neuromodulation, enabled by spatial resolution defined by the diffraction limit at the submicrometer scale, is a general strategy to achieve such precision. Optogenetics offers single-neuron spatial resolution with cellular specificity, whereas the requirement of genetic transfection hinders its clinical application. Direct photothermal modulation, an alternative nongenetic optical approach, often associates a large temperature increase with the risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissues.Photoacoustic (also called optoacoustic) neural stimulation is an emerging technology for neural stimulation with the following key features demonstrated. First, the photoacoustic approach demonstrated high efficacy without the need for genetic modification. The generated pulsed ultrasound upon ns laser pulses with energy ranging from a few μJ to tens of μJ is sufficient to activate wild-type neurons. Second, the photoacoustic approach provides sub-100-μm spatial precision. It overcomes the fundamental wave diffraction limit of ultrasound by harnessing the localized ultrasound field generated through light absorption. A spatial precision of 400 μm has been achieved in rodent brains using a fiber-based photoacoustic emitter. Single-cell stimulation in neuronal cultures in vitro and in brain slices ex vivo is achieved using tapered fiber-based photoacoustic emitters. This precision is 10 to 100 times better than that for piezo-based low-frequency ultrasound and is essential to pinpoint a specific region or cell population in a living brain. Third, compared to direct photothermal stimulation via temperature increase, photoacoustic stimulation requires 40 times less laser energy dose to evoke neuron activities and is associated with a minimal temperature increase of less than 1 °C, preventing potential thermal damage to neurons. Fourth, photoacoustics is a versatile approach and can be designed in various platforms aiming at specific applications. Our team has shown the design of fiber-based photoacoustic emitters, photoacoustic nanotransducers, soft biocompatible photoacoustic films, and soft photoacoustic lenses. Since they interact with neurons through ultrasound without the need for direct contact, photoacoustic enables noninvasive transcranial and dura-penetrating brain stimulation without compromising high precision.In this Account, we will first review the basic principles of photoacoustic and discuss the key design elements of PA transducers for neural modulation guided by the principle. We will also highlight how these design goals were achieved from a materials chemistry perspective. The design of different PA interfaces, their unique capability, and their applications in neural systems will be reviewed. In the end, we will discuss the remaining challenges and future perspectives for this technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Du
- Department
of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Guo Chen
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yueming Li
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Nan Zheng
- Division
of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston
University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Ji-Xin Cheng
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Chen Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lee SA, Kamimura HAS, Smith M, Konofagou EE. Functional Cerebral Neurovascular Mapping During Focused Ultrasound Peripheral Neuromodulation of Neuropathic Pain. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:1770-1779. [PMID: 38198257 PMCID: PMC11105977 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2024.3352025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nociceptive pain is required for healthy function, yet, neuropathic pain (disease or injury) can be severely debilitating. Though a wide-array of treatment options are available, they are often systemic and/or invasive. As a promising neuromodulation treatment, Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a noninvasive and highly spatially-targeted technique shown to stimulate neural activity, yet, effects on pain signaling are currently unknown. OBJECTIVE Develop and validate a method for studying FUS nerve stimulation modulation of pain-evoked neural responses in vivo. METHODS We developed a high-resolution functional ultrasound (fUS) method capable of mapping cortical responses in healthy and neuropathic pain mice in response to FUS neuromodulation treatment. RESULTS FUS-evoked hemodynamic responses are correlated with the intensity of peripheral neuromodulation. We confirm functional connectivity is altered in neuropathic mice and demonstrate that FUS can modulate neuropathic pain-evoked hemodynamics. CONCLUSIONS The findings presented herein provides evidence for an FUS-based nerve pain method and validates the fUS technique developed for monitoring pain-evoked hemodynamics. SIGNIFICANCE We anticipate that the findings presented herein describe a noninvasive and flexible nerve modulation technique for pain mitigation, furthering evidence for clinical translation.
Collapse
|
20
|
Atkinson-Clement C, Alkhawashki M, Ross J, Gatica M, Zhang C, Sallet J, Kaiser M. Dynamical and individualised approach of transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation effects in non-human primates. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11916. [PMID: 38789473 PMCID: PMC11126417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62562-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Low-frequency transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) allows to alter brain functioning with a high spatial resolution and to reach deep targets. However, the time-course of TUS effects remains largely unknown. We applied TUS on three brain targets for three different monkeys: the anterior medial prefrontal cortex, the supplementary motor area and the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex. For each, one resting-state fMRI was acquired between 30 and 150 min after TUS as well as one without stimulation (control). We captured seed-based brain connectivity changes dynamically and on an individual basis. We also assessed between individuals and between targets homogeneity and brain features that predicted TUS changes. We found that TUS prompts heterogenous functional connectivity alterations yet retain certain consistent changes; we identified 6 time-courses of changes including transient and long duration alterations; with a notable degree of accuracy we found that brain alterations could partially be predicted. Altogether, our results highlight that TUS induces heterogeneous functional connectivity alterations. On a more technical point, we also emphasize the need to consider brain changes over-time rather than just observed during a snapshot; to consider inter-individual variability since changes could be highly different from one individual to another.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Ross
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marilyn Gatica
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chencheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China
| | - Jerome Sallet
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, Université Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Marcus Kaiser
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hsieh TH, Chu PC, Nguyen TXD, Kuo CW, Chang PK, Chen KHS, Liu HL. Neuromodulatory Responses Elicited by Intermittent versus Continuous Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of the Motor Cortex in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5687. [PMID: 38891875 PMCID: PMC11171676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) has emerged as a promising neuromodulation technique that delivers acoustic energy with high spatial resolution for inducing long-term potentiation (LTP)- or depression (LTD)-like plasticity. The variability in the primary effects of tFUS-induced plasticity could be due to different stimulation patterns, such as intermittent versus continuous, and is an aspect that requires further detailed exploration. In this study, we developed a platform to evaluate the neuromodulatory effects of intermittent and continuous tFUS on motor cortical plasticity before and after tFUS application. Three groups of rats were exposed to either intermittent, continuous, or sham tFUS. We analyzed the neuromodulatory effects on motor cortical excitability by examining changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We also investigated the effects of different stimulation patterns on excitatory and inhibitory neural biomarkers, examining c-Fos and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD-65) expression using immunohistochemistry staining. Additionally, we evaluated the safety of tFUS by analyzing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. The current results indicated that intermittent tFUS produced a facilitation effect on motor excitability, while continuous tFUS significantly inhibited motor excitability. Furthermore, neither tFUS approach caused injury to the stimulation sites in rats. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed increased c-Fos and decreased GAD-65 expression following intermittent tFUS. Conversely, continuous tFUS downregulated c-Fos and upregulated GAD-65 expression. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that both intermittent and continuous tFUS effectively modulate cortical excitability. The neuromodulatory effects may result from the activation or deactivation of cortical neurons following tFUS intervention. These effects are considered safe and well-tolerated, highlighting the potential for using different patterns of tFUS in future clinical neuromodulatory applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- School of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (T.X.D.N.); (C.-W.K.); (P.-K.C.)
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chun Chu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Thi Xuan Dieu Nguyen
- School of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (T.X.D.N.); (C.-W.K.); (P.-K.C.)
| | - Chi-Wei Kuo
- School of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (T.X.D.N.); (C.-W.K.); (P.-K.C.)
| | - Pi-Kai Chang
- School of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (T.X.D.N.); (C.-W.K.); (P.-K.C.)
| | - Kai-Hsiang Stanley Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu 300195, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Li Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Winkler-Ferenczi Z, Pelyvas B, Nagy M, Marosi M, Beresova M, Varga R, Bencze J, Szucs P, Berenyi E, Englohner A, Meszar Z, Papp T. Repeated diagnostic ultrasound exposure modifies the structural properties of CA1 dendrites and alters the hippocampal transcriptome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11713. [PMID: 38778177 PMCID: PMC11111781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of neurons is regulated by several spatiotemporally changing factors, which are crucial to give the ability of neurons to form functional networks. While external physical stimuli may impact the early developmental stages of neurons, the medium and long-term consequences of these influences have yet to be thoroughly examined. Using an animal model, this study focuses on the morphological and transcriptome changes of the hippocampus that may occur as a consequence of fetal ultrasound examination. We selectively labeled CA1 neurons of the hippocampus with in-utero electroporation to analyze their morphological features. Furthermore, certain samples also went through RNA sequencing after repetitive ultrasound exposure. US exposure significantly changed several morphological properties of the basal dendritic tree. A notable increase was also observed in the density of spines on the basal dendrites, accompanied by various alterations in individual spine morphology. Transcriptome analysis revealed several up or downregulated genes, which may explain the molecular background of these alterations. Our results suggest that US-derived changes in the dendritic trees of CA1 pyramidal cells might be connected to modification of the transcriptome of the hippocampus and may lead to an increased dendritic input.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bence Pelyvas
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Marianna Nagy
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Maria Marosi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Monika Beresova
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Rita Varga
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Janos Bencze
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Peter Szucs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
- HUN-REN-DE Neuroscience Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ervin Berenyi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Angelika Englohner
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Zoltan Meszar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032
| | - Tamas Papp
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, 4032.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cooper L, Malinao MG, Hong G. Force-Based Neuromodulation. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:1384-1397. [PMID: 38657038 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Technologies for neuromodulation have rapidly developed in the past decade with a particular emphasis on creating noninvasive tools with high spatial and temporal precision. The existence of such tools is critical in the advancement of our understanding of neural circuitry and its influence on behavior and neurological disease. Existing technologies have employed various modalities, such as light, electrical, and magnetic fields, to interface with neural activity. While each method offers unique advantages, many struggle with modulating activity with high spatiotemporal precision without the need for invasive tools. One modality of interest for neuromodulation has been the use of mechanical force. Mechanical force encapsulates a broad range of techniques, ranging from mechanical waves delivered via focused ultrasound (FUS) to torque applied to the cell membrane.Mechanical force can be delivered to the tissue in two forms. The first form is the delivery of a mechanical force through focused ultrasound. Energy delivery facilitated by FUS has been the foundation for many neuromodulation techniques, owing to its precision and penetration depth. FUS possesses the potential to penetrate deeply (∼centimeters) into tissue while maintaining relatively precise spatial resolution, although there exists a trade-off between the penetration depth and spatial resolution. FUS may work synergistically with ultrasound-responsive nanotransducers or devices to produce a secondary energy, such as light, heat, or an electric field, in the target region. This layered technology, first enabled by noninvasive FUS, overcomes the need for bulky invasive implants and also often improves the spatiotemporal precision of light, heat, electrical fields, or other techniques alone. Conversely, the second form of mechanical force modulation is the generation of mechanical force from other modalities, such as light or magnetic fields, for neuromodulation via mechanosensitive proteins. This approach localizes the mechanical force at the cellular level, enhancing the precision of the original energy delivery. Direct interaction of mechanical force with tissue presents translational potential in its ability to interface with endogenous mechanosensitive proteins without the need for transgenes.In this Account, we categorize force-mediated neuromodulation into two categories: 1) methods where mechanical force is the primary stimulus and 2) methods where mechanical force is generated as a secondary stimulus in response to other modalities. We summarize the general design principles and current progress of each respective approach. We identify the key advantages of the limitations of each technology, particularly noting features in spatiotemporal precision, the need for transgene delivery, and the potential outlook. Finally, we highlight recent technologies that leverage mechanical force for enhanced spatiotemporal precision and advanced applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Cooper
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Marigold Gil Malinao
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Guosong Hong
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ma X, Wang X, Zhu K, Ma R, Chu F, Liu X, Zhang S, Yin T, Zhou X, Liu Z. Study on the Role of Physical Fields in TMAS to Modulate Synaptic Plasticity in Mice. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:1531-1541. [PMID: 38117631 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2023.3342012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is a composite technique combining static magnetic and coupled electric fields with transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) and has shown advantages in neuromodulation. However, the role of these physical fields in neuromodulation is unclear. Synaptic plasticity is the cellular basis for learning and memory. In this paper, we varied the intensity of static magnetic, electric and ultrasonic fields respectively to investigate the modulation of synaptic plasticity by these physical fields. METHODS There are control, static magnetic field (0.1 T/0.2 T), TUS (0.15/0.3 MPa), and TMAS (0.15 MPa + 0.2 V/m, 0.3 MPa + 0.2 V/m, 0.3 MPa + 0.4 V/m) groups. Hippocampal areas were stimulated at 5 min daily for 7 days and in vivo electrophysiological experiments were performed. RESULTS TMAS induced greater LTP, LTD, and paired-pulse ratio (PPR) than TUS, reflecting that TMAS has a more significant modulation in both long- and short- term synaptic plasticity. In TMAS, a doubling of the electric field amplitude increases LTP, LTD and PPR to a greater extent than a doubling of the acoustic pressure. Increasing the static magnetic field intensity has no significant effect on the modulation of synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSION This paper argues that electric fields should be the main reason for the difference in modulation between TMAS and TUS and that changing the amplitude of the electric field affected the modulation of TMAS more than changing the acoustic pressure. SIGNIFICANCE This study elucidates the roles of the physical fields in TMAS and provides a parameterisation way to guide TMAS applications based on the dominant roles of the physical fields.
Collapse
|
25
|
Meng W, Lin Z, Lu Y, Long X, Meng L, Su C, Wang Z, Niu L. Spatiotemporal Distributions of Acoustic Propagation in Skull During Ultrasound Neuromodulation. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2024; 71:584-595. [PMID: 38557630 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2024.3383027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
There is widespread interest and concern about the evidence and hypothesis that the auditory system is involved in ultrasound neuromodulation. We have addressed this problem by performing acoustic shear wave simulations in mouse skull and behavioral experiments in deaf mice. The simulation results showed that shear waves propagating along the skull did not reach sufficient acoustic pressure in the auditory cortex to modulate neurons. Behavioral experiments were subsequently performed to awaken anesthetized mice with ultrasound targeting the motor cortex or ventral tegmental area (VTA). The experimental results showed that ultrasound stimulation (US) of the target areas significantly increased arousal scores even in deaf mice, whereas the loss of ultrasound gel abolished the effect. Immunofluorescence staining also showed that ultrasound can modulate neurons in the target area, whereas neurons in the auditory cortex required the involvement of the normal auditory system for activation. In summary, the shear waves propagating along the skull cannot reach the auditory cortex and induce neuronal activation. Ultrasound neuromodulation-induced arousal behavior needs direct action on functionally relevant stimulation targets in the absence of auditory system participation.
Collapse
|
26
|
Pan X, Huang W, Nie G, Wang C, Wang H. Ultrasound-Sensitive Intelligent Nanosystems: A Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303180. [PMID: 37871967 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Neurological diseases are a major global health challenge, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Ultrasound therapy plays an irreplaceable role in the treatment of neurological diseases due to its noninvasive, highly focused, and strong tissue penetration capabilities. However, the complexity of brain and nervous system and the safety risks associated with prolonged exposure to ultrasound therapy severely limit the applicability of ultrasound therapy. Ultrasound-sensitive intelligent nanosystems (USINs) are a novel therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases that bring greater spatiotemporal controllability and improve safety to overcome these challenges. This review provides a detailed overview of therapeutic strategies and clinical advances of ultrasound in neurological diseases, focusing on the potential of USINs-based ultrasound in the treatment of neurological diseases. Based on the physical and chemical effects induced by ultrasound, rational design of USINs is a prerequisite for improving the efficacy of ultrasound therapy. Recent developments of ultrasound-sensitive nanocarriers and nanoagents are systemically reviewed. Finally, the challenges and developing prospects of USINs are discussed in depth, with a view to providing useful insights and guidance for efficient ultrasound treatment of neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Wenping Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Changyong Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Hai Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Nanoscience and Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bancel T, Béranger B, Daniel M, Didier M, Santin M, Rachmilevitch I, Shapira Y, Tanter M, Bardinet E, Fernandez Vidal S, Attali D, Galléa C, Dizeux A, Vidailhet M, Lehéricy S, Grabli D, Pyatigorskaya N, Karachi C, Hainque E, Aubry JF. Sustained reduction of essential tremor with low-power non-thermal transcranial focused ultrasound stimulations in humans. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:636-647. [PMID: 38734066 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique; when skull aberrations are compensated for, this technique allows, with millimetric accuracy, circumvention of the invasive surgical procedure associated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the limited spatial specificity of transcranial magnetic stimulation. OBJECTIVE /hypothesis: We hypothesize that MR-guided low-power TUS can induce a sustained decrease of tremor power in patients suffering from medically refractive essential tremor. METHODS The dominant hand only was targeted, and two anatomical sites were sonicated in this exploratory study: the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) and the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRT). Patients (N = 9) were equipped with MR-compatible accelerometers attached to their hands to monitor their tremor in real-time during TUS. RESULTS VIM neurostimulations followed by a low-duty cycle (5 %) DRT stimulation induced a substantial decrease in the tremor power in four patients, with a minimum of 89.9 % reduction when compared with the baseline power a few minutes after the DRT stimulation. The only patient stimulated in the VIM only and with a low duty cycle (5 %) also experienced a sustained reduction of the tremor (up to 93.4 %). Four patients (N = 4) did not respond. The temperature at target was 37.2 ± 1.4 °C compared to 36.8 ± 1.4 °C for a 3 cm away control point. CONCLUSIONS MR-guided low power TUS can induce a substantial and sustained decrease of tremor power. Follow-up studies need to be conducted to reproduce the effect and better to understand the variability of the response amongst patients. MR thermometry during neurostimulations showed no significant thermal rise, supporting a mechanical effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bancel
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Benoît Béranger
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Daniel
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Didier
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Santin
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Mickael Tanter
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Eric Bardinet
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Sara Fernandez Vidal
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - David Attali
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, GHU-Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Galléa
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Dizeux
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Marie Vidailhet
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France; Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Lehéricy
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France; Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - David Grabli
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Nadya Pyatigorskaya
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France; Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Carine Karachi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Hainque
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Aubry
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Osada T, Konishi S. Noninvasive intervention by transcranial ultrasound stimulation: Modulation of neural circuits and its clinical perspectives. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 78:273-281. [PMID: 38505983 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Low-intensity focused transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging noninvasive technique capable of stimulating both the cerebral cortex and deep brain structures with high spatial precision. This method is recognized for its potential to comprehensively perturb various brain regions, enabling the modulation of neural circuits, in a manner not achievable through conventional magnetic or electrical brain stimulation techniques. The underlying mechanisms of neuromodulation are based on a phenomenon where mechanical waves of ultrasound kinetically interact with neurons, specifically affecting neuronal membranes and mechanosensitive channels. This interaction induces alterations in the excitability of neurons within the stimulated region. In this review, we briefly present the fundamental principles of ultrasound physics and the physiological mechanisms of TUS neuromodulation. We explain the experimental apparatus and procedures for TUS in humans. Due to the focality, the integration of various methods, including magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance-guided neuronavigation systems, is important to perform TUS experiments for precise targeting. We then review the current state of the literature on TUS neuromodulation, with a particular focus on human subjects, targeting both the cerebral cortex and deep subcortical structures. Finally, we outline future perspectives of TUS in clinical applications in psychiatric and neurological fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Osada
- Department of Neurophysiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiki Konishi
- Department of Neurophysiology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Institute for Diseases of Old Age, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Sportology Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute for Health Science, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xiao Y, Yang L, Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Lu W, Pei Z, Zhang R, Ye Y, Ji X, Liu S, Dong X, Xu Y, Feng Y. Pulsed Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) Activation of Ovarian Follicles. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 5:316-329. [PMID: 38766542 PMCID: PMC11100951 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2024.3391939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: A biological system's internal morphological structure or function can be changed as a result of the mechanical effect of focused ultrasound. Pulsed low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has mechanical effects that might induce follicle development with less damage to ovarian tissue. The potential development of LIFU as a non-invasive method for the treatment of female infertility is being considered, and this study sought to explore and confirm that LIFU can activate ovarian follicles. Results: We found a 50% increase in ovarian weight and in the number of mature follicles on the ultrasound-stimulated side with pulsed LIFU and intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU PMSG in 10-day-old rats. After ultrasound stimulation, the PCOS-like rats had a decrease in androgen levels, restoration of regular estrous cycle and increase in the number of mature follicles and corpora lutea, and the ratio of M1 and M2 type macrophages was altered in antral follicles of PCOS-like rats, consequently promoting further development and maturation of antral follicles. Conclusion: LIFU treatment could trigger actin changes in ovarian cells, which might disrupt the Hippo signal pathway to promote follicle formation, and the mechanical impact on the ovaries of PCOS-like rats improved antral follicle development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint FunctionShanghai Institute of Acupuncture and MoxibustionShanghai200433China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Department of Imaging and Interventional RadiologyZhongshan-Xuhui Hospital of Fudan University/Xuhui Center HospitalShanghai200031China
| | - Yicong Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint FunctionShanghai Institute of Acupuncture and MoxibustionShanghai200433China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint FunctionShanghai Institute of Acupuncture and MoxibustionShanghai200433China
| | - Yuning Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Wenhan Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual ScienceEye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200031China
| | - Zhenle Pei
- Department of Integrative Medicine and NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Yao Ye
- Reproductive Medicine CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Xiaowei Ji
- Reproductive Medicine CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Suying Liu
- Reproductive Medicine CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Xi Dong
- Reproductive Medicine CenterZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Yonghua Xu
- Department of Imaging and Interventional RadiologyZhongshan-Xuhui Hospital of Fudan University/Xuhui Center HospitalShanghai200031China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical NeurobiologyFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint FunctionShanghai Institute of Acupuncture and MoxibustionShanghai200433China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhong C, Guo N, Hu C, Ni R, Zhang X, Meng Z, Liu T, Ding S, Ding W, Zhao Y, Cao L, Zheng Y. Efficacy of Wearable low-intensity pulsed Ultrasound treatment in the Movement disorder in Parkinson's disease (the SWUMP trial): protocol for a single-site, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:275. [PMID: 38650028 PMCID: PMC11036625 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08092-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative illness marked by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, causing motor symptoms. Oral levodopa replacement therapy remains the gold standard in the treatment of PD. It is, nevertheless, a symptomatic treatment. There is currently no effective treatment for PD. Therefore, new therapies for PD are highly desirable. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been shown to improve behavioral functions in PD animal models. It is a new type of neuromodulation approach that combines noninvasiveness with high spatial precision. The purpose of this study is to establish a new clinical protocol for LIPUS in the treatment of movement disorders in patients with PD. METHODS This protocol is a single-site, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Forty-eight participants with clinically confirmed PD will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: LIPUS group or sham group. All of the participants continue to use pharmacological therapy as a fundamental treatment. The primary outcome is the difference between groups from baseline to 4 months in the change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score (part III). The secondary outcomes include the rating scales such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and other three rating scales, and medical examinations including high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The primary safety outcome will be assessed at 4 months, and adverse events will be recorded. DISCUSSION This study represents the clinical investigation into the efficacy of therapeutic LIPUS in the treatment of PD for the first time. If LIPUS is determined to be effective, it could offer a practical and innovative means of expanding the accessibility of ultrasound therapy by using a wearable LIPUS device within a home setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100052093. Registered on 17 October 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyu Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Guo
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Canfang Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurology Medical, Jinshan Branch of Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 201599, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruilong Ni
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheying Meng
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Taotao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Ding
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanhai Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuwu Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanyi Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kim S, Kwon N, Hossain MM, Bendig J, Konofagou EE. Functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging of displacement-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.29.587355. [PMID: 38617295 PMCID: PMC11014490 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.29.587355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) stimulation is a promising neuromodulation technique with the merits of non-invasiveness, high spatial resolution, and deep penetration depth. However, simultaneous imaging of FUS-induced brain tissue displacement and the subsequent effect of FUS stimulation on brain hemodynamics has proven challenging thus far. In addition, earlier studies lack in situ confirmation of targeting except for the magnetic resonance imaging-guided FUS system-based studies. The purpose of this study is 1) to introduce a fully ultrasonic approach to in situ target, modulate neuronal activity, and monitor the resultant neuromodulation effect by respectively leveraging displacement imaging, FUS, and functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging, and 2) to investigate FUS-evoked cerebral blood volume (CBV) response and the relationship between CBV and displacement. We performed displacement imaging on craniotomized mice to confirm the in targeting for neuromodulation site. We recorded hemodynamic responses evoked by FUS and fUS revealed an ipsilateral CBV increase that peaks at 4 s post-FUS. We saw a stronger hemodynamic activation in the subcortical region than cortical, showing good agreement with the brain elasticity map that can also be obtained using a similar methodology. We observed dose-dependent CBV response with peak CBV, activated area, and correlation coefficient increasing with ultrasonic dose. Furthermore, by mapping displacement and hemodynamic activation, we found that displacement colocalizes and linearly correlates with CBV increase. The findings presented herein demonstrated that FUS evokes ipsilateral hemodynamic activation in cortical and subcortical depths and the evoked hemodynamic responses colocalized and correlate with FUS-induced displacement. We anticipate that our findings will help consolidate accurate targeting as well as an understanding of how FUS displaces brain tissue and affects cerebral hemodynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongyeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | - Nancy Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | | | - Jonas Bendig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
| | - Elisa E. Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Davidson B, Bhattacharya A, Sarica C, Darmani G, Raies N, Chen R, Lozano AM. Neuromodulation techniques - From non-invasive brain stimulation to deep brain stimulation. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00330. [PMID: 38340524 PMCID: PMC11103220 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, the field of neuromodulation has witnessed remarkable advancements. These developments encompass a spectrum of techniques, both non-invasive and invasive, that possess the ability to both probe and influence the central nervous system. In many cases neuromodulation therapies have been adopted into standard care treatments. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) are the most common non-invasive methods in use today. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), are leading surgical methods for neuromodulation. Ongoing active clinical trials using are uncovering novel applications and paradigms for these interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Davidson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Can Sarica
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ghazaleh Darmani
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nasem Raies
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Chen
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ma Z, Xu Y, Baier G, Liu Y, Li B, Zhang L. Dynamical modulation of hypersynchronous seizure onset with transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation in a hippocampal computational model. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2024; 34:043107. [PMID: 38558041 DOI: 10.1063/5.0181510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Hypersynchronous (HYP) seizure onset is one of the frequently observed seizure-onset patterns in temporal lobe epileptic animals and patients, often accompanied by hippocampal sclerosis. However, the exact mechanisms and ion dynamics of the transition to HYP seizures remain unclear. Transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) has recently been proposed as a novel non-invasive brain therapy method to modulate neurological disorders. Therefore, we propose a biophysical computational hippocampal network model to explore the evolution of HYP seizure caused by changes in crucial physiological parameters and design an effective TMAS strategy to modulate HYP seizure onset. We find that the cooperative effects of abnormal glial uptake strength of potassium and excessive bath potassium concentration could produce multiple discharge patterns and result in transitions from the normal state to the HYP seizure state and ultimately to the depolarization block state. Moreover, we find that the pyramidal neuron and the PV+ interneuron in HYP seizure-onset state exhibit saddle-node-on-invariant-circle/saddle homoclinic (SH) and saddle-node/SH at onset/offset bifurcation pairs, respectively. Furthermore, the response of neuronal activities to TMAS of different ultrasonic waveforms revealed that lower sine wave stimulation can increase the latency of HYP seizures and even completely suppress seizures. More importantly, we propose an ultrasonic parameter area that not only effectively regulates epileptic rhythms but also is within the safety limits of ultrasound neuromodulation therapy. Our results may offer a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of HYP seizure and provide a theoretical basis for the application of TMAS in treating specific types of seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yuejuan Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Gerold Baier
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Youjun Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Bao Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Liu YC, Su WS, Hung TH, Yang FY. Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Protects SH-SY5Y Cells Against 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Neurotoxicity by Upregulating Neurotrophic Factors. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:610-616. [PMID: 38290910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) can have long-term implications on patients' physical and mental health, yet the available treatment options are limited. Recent research has shown that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injuries. Our objective was to explore the therapeutic potential of LIPUS for HIBD. METHODS Due to the lack of a suitable animal model for neonatal HIBD, we will initially simulate the therapeutic effects of LIPUS on neuronal cells under oxidative stress and neuroinflammation using cell experiments. Previous studies have investigated the biologic responses following intracranial injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In this experiment, we will focus on the biologic effects produced by LIPUS treatment on neuronal cells (specifically, SH-SY5Y cells) without the presence of other neuroglial cell assistance after stimulation with 6-OHDA. RESULTS We found that (i) pulsed ultrasound exposure, specifically three-intermittent sonication at intensities ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 W/cm², did not lead to a significant decrease in viability among SH-SY5Y cells; (ii) LIPUS treatment exhibited a positive effect on cell viability, accompanied by an increase in glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels and a decrease in caspase three levels; (iii) the administration of 6-OHDA had a significant impact on cell viability, resulting in a decrease in both brain cell-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and GDNF levels, while concurrently elevating caspase three and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels; and (iv) LIPUS treatment demonstrated its potential to alleviate the changes induced by 6-OHDA, particularly in the levels of BDNF, GDNF, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). CONCLUSION LIPUS treatment may possess partial therapeutic capabilities for SH-SY5Y cells damaged by 6-OHDA neurotoxicity. Our findings enhance our understanding of the effects of LIPUS treatment on cell viability and its modulation of key factors involved in the pathophysiology of HIBD and show the promising potential of LIPUS as an alternative therapeutic approach for neonates with HIBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Cheng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Shen Su
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Ho Hung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lin CW, Cheng MH, Fan CH, Chen HH, Yeh CK. Focused ultrasound stimulation of infralimbic cortex attenuates reinstatement of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in rats. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00328. [PMID: 38355360 PMCID: PMC10937235 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) use disorder poses significant challenges to both the affected individuals and society. Current non-drug therapies like transcranial direct-current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation have limitations due to their invasive nature and limited reach to deeper brain areas. Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) is gaining attention as a noninvasive option with precise spatial targeting, able to affect deeper areas of the brain. This research focused on assessing the effectiveness of FUS in influencing the infralimbic cortex (IL) to prevent the recurrence of MA-seeking behavior, using the conditioned place preference (CPP) method in rats. The study involved twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats. Neuronal activation by FUS was first examined via electromyography (EMG). Rats received alternately with MA or saline, and confined to one of two distinctive compartments in a three compartment apparatus over a 4-day period. After CPP test, extinction, the first reinstatement, and extinction again, FUS was applied to IL prior to the second MA priming-induced reinstatement. Safety assessments were conducted through locomotor and histological function examinations. EMG data confirmed the effectiveness of FUS in activating neurons. Significant attenuation of reinstatement of MA CPP was found, along with successful targeting of the IL region, confirmed through acoustic field scanning, c-Fos immunohistochemistry, and Evans blue dye staining. No damage to brain tissue or impaired locomotor activity was observed. The results of the study indicate that applying FUS to the IL markedly reduced the recurrence of MA seeking behavior, without harming brain tissue or impairing motor skills. This suggests that FUS could be a promising method for treating MA use disorder, with the infralimbic cortex being an effective target for FUS in preventing MA relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wei Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsuan Cheng
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsiang Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hwei-Hsien Chen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Institute of Neuroscience, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Program for Aging, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Kuang Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mishima T, Komano K, Tabaru M, Kofuji T, Saito A, Ugawa Y, Terao Y. Repetitive pulsed-wave ultrasound stimulation suppresses neural activity by modulating ambient GABA levels via effects on astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1361242. [PMID: 38601023 PMCID: PMC11004293 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1361242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is highly biopermeable and can non-invasively penetrate deep into the brain. Stimulation with patterned low-intensity ultrasound can induce sustained inhibition of neural activity in humans and animals, with potential implications for research and therapeutics. Although mechanosensitive channels are involved, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuromodulation by ultrasound remain unknown. To investigate the mechanism of action of ultrasound stimulation, we studied the effects of two types of patterned ultrasound on synaptic transmission and neural network activity using whole-cell recordings in primary cultured hippocampal cells. Single-shot pulsed-wave (PW) or continuous-wave (CW) ultrasound had no effect on neural activity. By contrast, although repetitive CW stimulation also had no effect, repetitive PW stimulation persistently reduced spontaneous recurrent burst firing. This inhibitory effect was dependent on extrasynaptic-but not synaptic-GABAA receptors, and the effect was abolished under astrocyte-free conditions. Pharmacological activation of astrocytic TRPA1 channels mimicked the effects of ultrasound by increasing the tonic GABAA current induced by ambient GABA. Pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 channels abolished the inhibitory effect of ultrasound. These findings suggest that the repetitive PW low-intensity ultrasound used in our study does not have a direct effect on neural function but instead exerts its sustained neuromodulatory effect through modulation of ambient GABA levels via channels with characteristics of TRPA1, which is expressed in astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Mishima
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Kenta Komano
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Marie Tabaru
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kofuji
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Saito
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terao
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang L, Wang S, Mo W, Li Y, Yang Q, Tian Y, Zheng C, Yang J, Ming D. Ultrasound Stimulation Attenuates CRS-Induced Depressive Behavior by Modulating Dopamine Release in the Prefrontal Cortex. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2024; 32:1314-1323. [PMID: 38498742 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2024.3378976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most serious mental disorders affecting modern human life and is often caused by chronic stress. Dopamine system dysfunction is proposed to contribute to the pathophysiology of chronic stress, especially the ventral tegmental area (VTA) which mainly consists of dopaminergic neurons. Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) is a promising neuromodulation modality and multiple studies have demonstrated effective ultrasonic activation of cortical, subcortical, and related networks. However, the effects of FUS on the dopamine system and the potential link to chronic stress-induced depressive behaviors are relatively unknown. Here, we measured the effects of FUS targeting VTA on the improvement of depression-like behavior and evaluated the dopamine concentration in the downstream region - medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We found that targeting VTA FUS treatment alleviated chronic restraint stress (CRS) -induced anhedonia and despair behavior. Using an in vivo photometry approach, we analyzed the dopamine signal of mPFC and revealed a significant increase following the FUS, positively associated with the improvement of anhedonia behavior. FUS also protected the dopaminergic neurons in VTA from the damage caused by CRS exposure. Thus, these results demonstrated that targeting VTA FUS treatment significantly rescued the depressive-like behavior and declined dopamine level of mPFC induced by CRS. These beneficial effects of FUS might be due to protection in the DA neuron of VTA. Our findings suggest that FUS treatment could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
Collapse
|
38
|
Hahmann J, Ishaqat A, Lammers T, Herrmann A. Sonogenetics for Monitoring and Modulating Biomolecular Function by Ultrasound. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317112. [PMID: 38197549 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound technology, synergistically harnessed with genetic engineering and chemistry concepts, has started to open the gateway to the remarkable realm of sonogenetics-a pioneering paradigm for remotely orchestrating cellular functions at the molecular level. This fusion not only enables precisely targeted imaging and therapeutic interventions, but also advances our comprehension of mechanobiology to unparalleled depths. Sonogenetic tools harness mechanical force within small tissue volumes while preserving the integrity of the surrounding physiological environment, reaching depths of up to tens of centimeters with high spatiotemporal precision. These capabilities circumvent the inherent physical limitations of alternative in vivo control methods such as optogenetics and magnetogenetics. In this review, we first discuss mechanosensitive ion channels, the most commonly utilized sonogenetic mediators, in both mammalian and non-mammalian systems. Subsequently, we provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art sonogenetic approaches that leverage thermal or mechanical features of ultrasonic waves. Additionally, we explore strategies centered around the design of mechanochemically reactive macromolecular systems. Furthermore, we delve into the realm of ultrasound imaging of biomolecular function, encompassing the utilization of gas vesicles and acoustic reporter genes. Finally, we shed light on limitations and challenges of sonogenetics and present a perspective on the future of this promising technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hahmann
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstr. 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aman Ishaqat
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Forckenbeckstr. 55, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Herrmann
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Max Planck School Matter to Life, Jahnstr. 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mesik L, Parkins S, Severin D, Grier BD, Ewall G, Kotha S, Wesselborg C, Moreno C, Jaoui Y, Felder A, Huang B, Johnson MB, Harrigan TP, Knight AE, Lani SW, Lemaire T, Kirkwood A, Hwang GM, Lee HK. Transcranial Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of the Visual Thalamus Produces Long-Term Depression of Thalamocortical Synapses in the Adult Visual Cortex. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0784232024. [PMID: 38316559 PMCID: PMC10941064 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0784-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, which can penetrate deeper and modulate neural activity with a greater spatial resolution (on the order of millimeters) than currently available noninvasive brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). While there are several studies demonstrating the ability of tFUS to modulate neuronal activity, it is unclear whether it can be used for producing long-term plasticity as needed to modify circuit function, especially in adult brain circuits with limited plasticity such as the thalamocortical synapses. Here we demonstrate that transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) stimulation of the visual thalamus (dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, dLGN), a deep brain structure, leads to NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term depression of its synaptic transmission onto layer 4 neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) of adult mice of both sexes. This change is not accompanied by large increases in neuronal activity, as visualized using the cFos Targeted Recombination in Active Populations (cFosTRAP2) mouse line, or activation of microglia, which was assessed with IBA-1 staining. Using a model (SONIC) based on the neuronal intramembrane cavitation excitation (NICE) theory of ultrasound neuromodulation, we find that the predicted activity pattern of dLGN neurons upon sonication is state-dependent with a range of activity that falls within the parameter space conducive for inducing long-term synaptic depression. Our results suggest that noninvasive transcranial LIFU stimulation has a potential for recovering long-term plasticity of thalamocortical synapses in the postcritical period adult brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Mesik
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Samuel Parkins
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Cell Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Daniel Severin
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Bryce D Grier
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Gabrielle Ewall
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Sumasri Kotha
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Christian Wesselborg
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Cell Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Cristian Moreno
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Yanis Jaoui
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Adrianna Felder
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Brian Huang
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Marina B Johnson
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Timothy P Harrigan
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Anna E Knight
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Shane W Lani
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Théo Lemaire
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York 10016
| | - Alfredo Kirkwood
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Grace M Hwang
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Hey-Kyoung Lee
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hou X, Jing J, Jiang Y, Huang X, Xian Q, Lei T, Zhu J, Wong KF, Zhao X, Su M, Li D, Liu L, Qiu Z, Sun L. Nanobubble-actuated ultrasound neuromodulation for selectively shaping behavior in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2253. [PMID: 38480733 PMCID: PMC10937988 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46461-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is an acoustic wave which can noninvasively penetrate the skull to deep brain regions, enabling neuromodulation. However, conventional ultrasound's spatial resolution is diffraction-limited and low-precision. Here, we report acoustic nanobubble-mediated ultrasound stimulation capable of localizing ultrasound's effects to only the desired brain region in male mice. By varying the delivery site of nanobubbles, ultrasound could activate specific regions of the mouse motor cortex, evoking EMG signaling and limb movement, and could also, separately, activate one of two nearby deep brain regions to elicit distinct behaviors (freezing or rotation). Sonicated neurons displayed reversible, low-latency calcium responses and increased c-Fos expression in the sub-millimeter-scale region with nanobubbles present. Ultrasound stimulation of the relevant region also modified depression-like behavior in a mouse model. We also provide evidence of a role for mechanosensitive ion channels. Altogether, our treatment scheme allows spatially-targetable, repeatable and temporally-precise activation of deep brain circuits for neuromodulation without needing genetic modification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuandi Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jianing Jing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yizhou Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Quanxiang Xian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Ting Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jiejun Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, 519031, Guangdong, China
| | - Kin Fung Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Langzhou Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Zhihai Qiu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin, Zhuhai, 519031, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, 999077, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Strohman A, Isaac G, Payne B, Verdonk C, Khalsa SS, Legon W. Low-intensity focused ultrasound to the human insular cortex differentially modulates the heartbeat-evoked potential: a proof-of-concept study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.584152. [PMID: 38559271 PMCID: PMC10979877 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.584152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background The heartbeat evoked potential (HEP) is a brain response time-locked to the heartbeat and a potential marker of interoceptive processing. The insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) are brain regions that may be involved in generating the HEP. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that can selectively target sub-regions of the insula and dACC to better understand their contributions to the HEP. Objective Proof-of-concept study to determine whether LIFU modulation of the anterior insula (AI), posterior insula (PI), and dACC influences the HEP. Methods In a within-subject, repeated-measures design, healthy human participants (n=16) received 10 minutes of stereotaxically targeted LIFU to the AI, PI, dACC or Sham at rest during continuous electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) recording on separate days. Primary outcome was change in HEP amplitudes. Relationships between LIFU pressure and HEP changes were examined using linear mixed modelling. Peripheral indices of visceromotor output including heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were explored between conditions. Results Relative to sham, LIFU to the PI, but not AI or dACC, decreased HEP amplitudes; this was partially explained by increased LIFU pressure. LIFU did not affect time or frequency dependent measures of HRV. Conclusions These results demonstrate the ability to modulate HEP amplitudes via non-invasive targeting of key interoceptive brain regions. Our findings have implications for the causal role of these areas in bottom-up heart-brain communication that could guide future work investigating the HEP as a marker of interoceptive processing in healthy and clinical populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Strohman
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Gabriel Isaac
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Brighton Payne
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| | - Charles Verdonk
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- VIFASOM (EA 7330 Vigilance Fatigue, Sommeil et Santé Publique), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Sahib S. Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Wynn Legon
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Center for Human Neuroscience Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Center for Health Behaviors Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Aurup C, Bendig J, Blackman SG, McCune EP, Bae S, Jimenez-Gambin S, Ji R, Konofagou EE. Transcranial Functional Ultrasound Imaging Detects Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation Induced Hemodynamic Changes in Mouse and Nonhuman Primate Brains In Vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.08.583971. [PMID: 38559149 PMCID: PMC10979885 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.08.583971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging noinvasive technique for neuromodulation in the central nervous system (CNS). To evaluate the effects of FUS-induced neuromodulation, many studies used behavioral changes, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or electroencephalography (EEG). However, behavioral readouts are often not easily mapped to specific brain activity, EEG has low spatial resolution limited to the surface of the brain and fMRI requires a large importable scanner that limits additional readouts and manipulations. In this context, functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) holds promise to directly monitor the effects of FUS neuromodulation with high spatiotemporal resolution in a large field of view, with a comparatively simple and flexible setup. fUSI uses ultrafast Power Doppler Imaging (PDI) to measure changes in cerebral blood volume, which correlates well with neuronal activity and local field potentials. We designed a setup that aligns a FUS transducer with a linear array to allow immediate subsequent monitoring of the hemodynamic response with fUSI during and after FUS neuromodulation. We established a positive correlation between FUS pressure and the size of the activated area, as well as changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) and found that unilateral sonications produce bilateral hemodynamic changes with ipsilateral accentuation in mice. We further demonstrated the ability to perform fully noninvasive, transcranial FUS-fUSI in nonhuman primates for the first time by using a lower-frequency transducer configuration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Aurup
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonas Bendig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel G. Blackman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erica P. McCune
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sua Bae
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Robin Ji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa E. Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Han M, Yildiz E, Bozuyuk U, Aydin A, Yu Y, Bhargava A, Karaz S, Sitti M. Janus microparticles-based targeted and spatially-controlled piezoelectric neural stimulation via low-intensity focused ultrasound. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2013. [PMID: 38443369 PMCID: PMC10915158 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46245-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation is a fundamental tool in studying neural circuits, treating neurological diseases, and advancing regenerative medicine. Injectable, free-standing piezoelectric particle systems have emerged as non-genetic and wireless alternatives for electrode-based tethered stimulation systems. However, achieving cell-specific and high-frequency piezoelectric neural stimulation remains challenging due to high-intensity thresholds, non-specific diffusion, and internalization of particles. Here, we develop cell-sized 20 μm-diameter silica-based piezoelectric magnetic Janus microparticles (PEMPs), enabling clinically-relevant high-frequency neural stimulation of primary neurons under low-intensity focused ultrasound. Owing to its functionally anisotropic design, half of the PEMP acts as a piezoelectric electrode via conjugated barium titanate nanoparticles to induce electrical stimulation, while the nickel-gold nanofilm-coated magnetic half provides spatial and orientational control on neural stimulation via external uniform rotating magnetic fields. Furthermore, surface functionalization with targeting antibodies enables cell-specific binding/targeting and stimulation of dopaminergic neurons. Taking advantage of such functionalities, the PEMP design offers unique features towards wireless neural stimulation for minimally invasive treatment of neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mertcan Han
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erdost Yildiz
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ugur Bozuyuk
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Asli Aydin
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Yan Yu
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Aarushi Bhargava
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Selcan Karaz
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
- School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, 34450, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Furukawa R, Yoshikawa T, Murakami S, Tateno T. A piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer combined with recording electrodes for acute brain preparations in vitro. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 403:110048. [PMID: 38151186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound stimulation is used to noninvasively stimulate the local and deep areas of the brain. However, the detailed cellular mechanisms of neural activation are still unclear because studies on micro-stimulation at the cellular level are lacking. NEW METHOD To modulate neural activity at the cellular level, we developed a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT), having circular diaphragms for application on acute brain slice preparations. To monitor neural activities, additionally, we fabricated recording microelectrodes onto the same PMUT device for closed-loop application. RESULTS To examine the PMUT-driven cellular responses of a brain slice, intracellular calcium signals in individual cells were measured using two calcium indicators. We successfully observed the intracellular responses triggered by the ultrasound of our novel PMUT. In addition, we performed recordings of local field potentials in a brain slice, demonstrating its usefulness as a simultaneous recording interface. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Conventional ultrasound stimulators are open-loop systems that risk inducing excessive neural activity because of the absence of neural activity monitoring. In contrast, our PMUT is packaged in a single device with both stimulation and sensor interface for neuromodulation. Further, there are no published reports on in vitro microdevices that can be used for ultrasound stimulation in rodent cortical slices that are several hundred micrometers thick, which maintain the cortical laminar structure and intrinsic neural networks. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that this novel PMUT device has the potential for being a powerful tool for in vitro brain slice applications and effective closed loop ultrasound stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Furukawa
- Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Kita 14, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0814, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Yoshikawa
- Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Kita 14, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0814, Japan.
| | - Shuichi Murakami
- Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 2-7-1, Ayumino, Izumi, Osaka 594-1157, Japan.
| | - Takashi Tateno
- Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Kita 14, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0814, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Lee J, Kim YE, Lim J, Jo Y, Lee HJ, Jo YS, Choi JS. Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation in the infralimbic cortex facilitates extinction of conditioned fear in rats. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:405-412. [PMID: 38537689 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) neuromodulation emerges as a promising non-invasive approach for improving neurological conditions. Extinction of conditioned fear has served as a prime model for exposure-based therapies for anxiety disorders. We investigated whether tFUS stimulation to a critical brain area, the infralimbic subdivision of the prefrontal cortex (IL), could facilitate fear extinction using rats. In a series of experiments, tFUS was delivered to the IL of a freely-moving rat and compared to sham stimulation (tFUS vs. SHAM). Initially, Fos expression in the IL was measured shortly after the stimulation. The results show that Fos expression was significantly increased in the IL but not in the neighboring regions compared to SHAM. Subsequently, two groups of rats were subjected to fear conditioning, extinction, and retention while receiving stimulation during the extinction. Rats in the tFUS group froze significantly less than SHAM during both extinction and retention tests. Importantly, the reduced freezing in the tFUS group was not attributable to non-specific effect such as auditory noise, as both groups demonstrated a similar level of locomotive activity in an open field regardless of the stimulation condition. Finally, we replicated the procedure with a shortened conditioning-to-extinction interval (15 min) to induce immediate extinction deficit. The tFUS group showed a facilitated reduction in freezing during the extinction, which persisted in the subsequent retention session compared to SHAM. In summary, the current findings suggest that tFUS stimulation in the IL facilitates fear extinction, offering a potential therapeutic regimen for fear-related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyong Lee
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Eun Kim
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihong Lim
- School of Electrical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yehhyun Jo
- School of Electrical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Jenny Lee
- School of Electrical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Sang Jo
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Seek Choi
- School of Psychology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wen Y, Lin M, Liu J, Tang J, Qi X. Low-intensity ultrasound activates transmembrane chloride flow through CFTR. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 37:101604. [PMID: 38188360 PMCID: PMC10767314 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound has been demonstrated to activate mechanosensitive channels, which is considered the main mechanism of ultrasound neuromodulation. Currently, all channels that have been shown to be sensitive to ultrasound are cation channels. In addition to cation channels, anion channels also play indispensable roles in neural function. However, there have been no research on ultrasound regulation of anion channels until now. If anion channels can be activated by ultrasound as well, they will inevitably lead to more versatility in ultrasound neuromodulation. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane transduction regulator (CFTR) has been demonstrated to be a mechanically sensitive channel, mediating anionic transmembrane flow. To identify that CFTR is sensitive to ultrasound, CFTR was exogenously expressed in HEK293T cells and was stimulated by low intensity ultrasound. Outward currents in CFTR-expressed HEK293T cells were observed by using whole-cell patch clamp when ultrasound (0.8 MHz, 0.20 MPa) was delivered to these cells. These currents were abolished when the CFTR inhibitor (GlyH101) was applied to the solution or chloride ions was cleared from the solution. Meanwhile, the amplitude of these currents increased when the CFTR agonist (Forskolin) was applied. These results suggest that ultrasound stimuli can activate the CFTR to mediate transmembrane flowing of chloride ions at the single cell level. These findings may expand the application of ultrasound in the neuromodulation field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinchuan Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Manjia Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Bao S, Kim H, Shettigar NB, Li Y, Lei Y. Personalized depth-specific neuromodulation of the human primary motor cortex via ultrasound. J Physiol 2024; 602:933-948. [PMID: 38358314 DOI: 10.1113/jp285613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation has the potential to boost neuronal plasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1), but it remains unclear whether the stimulation of both superficial and deep layers of the human motor cortex can effectively promote M1 plasticity. Here, we leveraged transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to precisely target M1 circuits at depths of approximately 5 mm and 16 mm from the cortical surface. Initially, we generated computed tomography images from each participant's individual anatomical magnetic resonance images (MRI), which allowed for the generation of accurate acoustic simulations. This process ensured that personalized TUS was administered exactly to the targeted depths within M1 for each participant. Using long-term depression and long-term potentiation (LTD/LTP) theta-burst stimulation paradigms, we examined whether TUS over distinct depths of M1 could induce LTD/LTP plasticity. Our findings indicated that continuous theta-burst TUS-induced LTD-like plasticity with both superficial and deep M1 stimulation, persisting for at least 30 min. In comparison, sham TUS did not significantly alter M1 excitability. Moreover, intermittent theta-burst TUS did not result in the induction of LTP- or LTD-like plasticity with either superficial or deep M1 stimulation. These findings suggest that the induction of M1 plasticity can be achieved with ultrasound stimulation targeting distinct depths of M1, which is contingent on the characteristics of TUS. KEY POINTS: The study integrated personalized transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) with electrophysiology to determine whether TUS targeting superficial and deep layers of the human motor cortex (M1) could elicit long-term depression (LTD) or long-term potentiation (LTP) plastic changes. Utilizing acoustic simulations derived from individualized pseudo-computed tomography scans, we ensured the precision of TUS delivery to the intended M1 depths for each participant. Continuous theta-burst TUS targeting both the superficial and deep layers of M1 resulted in the emergence of LTD-like plasticity, lasting for at least 30 min. Administering intermittent theta-burst TUS to both the superficial and deep layers of M1 did not lead to the induction of LTP- or LTD-like plastic changes. We suggest that theta-burst TUS targeting distinct depths of M1 can induce plasticity, but this effect is dependent on specific TUS parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shancheng Bao
- Program of Motor Neuroscience, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hakjoo Kim
- Program of Motor Neuroscience, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nandan B Shettigar
- Program of Motor Neuroscience, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Yuming Lei
- Program of Motor Neuroscience, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bendau EV, McCune EP, Blackman SG, Kamimura HAS, Aurup C, Konofagou EE. Modulation of cardio-respiratory activity in mice via transcranial focused ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2024; 50:332-340. [PMID: 38105118 PMCID: PMC10903588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of FUS on autonomic nervous system activity, including heart and respiratory rates, and to separate the thermal modulation from combined thermal and mechanical FUS effects. METHODS The thalamus and hypothalamus of wild-type mice were sonicated with a continuous-wave, 2 MHz FUS transducer at pressures of 425 and 850 kPa for 60 seconds. Cardiac and respiratory rates were monitored as signs of autonomic nervous activity. FUS-induced changes in autonomic activity were compared to FUS targeted to a spatially-distant motor region and to laser-induced heating. RESULTS FUS delivered to the primary target over the thalamus and hypothalamus at 850 kPa reversibly increased the respiratory rate by 6.5±3.2 breaths per minute and decreased the heart rate by 3.2±1.8 beats per minute. No significant changes occurred in this region at 425 kPa or when targeting the motor regions at 850 kPa. Laser heating with the same temperature rise profile produced by 850 kPa sonication resulted in cardiorespiratory modulation similar to that of FUS. CONCLUSIONS FUS is capable of reversibly and non-invasively modulating cardiorespiratory activity in mice. Localized changes in temperature may constitute the main cause for this activity, though further investigation is warranted into the distinct and complementary mechanisms of mechanically- and thermally-induced FUS neuromodulation. Close monitoring of vital signs during FUS neuromodulation may be warranted to monitor systemic responses to stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan V Bendau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 19-419, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Erica P McCune
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 19-419, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Samuel G Blackman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 19-419, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Hermes A S Kamimura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 19-419, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Christian Aurup
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 19-419, New York, NY, 10032, United States
| | - Elisa E Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 19-419, New York, NY, 10032, United States; Department of Radiology, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 19-419, New York, NY, 10032, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Riis TS, Losser AJ, Kassavetis P, Moretti P, Kubanek J. Noninvasive modulation of essential tremor with focused ultrasonic waves. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:016033. [PMID: 38335553 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad27ef] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Transcranial focused low-intensity ultrasound has the potential to noninvasively modulate confined regions deep inside the human brain, which could provide a new tool for causal interrogation of circuit function in humans. However, it has been unclear whether the approach is potent enough to modulate behavior.Approach: To test this, we applied low-intensity ultrasound to a deep brain thalamic target, the ventral intermediate nucleus, in three patients with essential tremor.Main results: Brief, 15 s stimulations of the target at 10% duty cycle with low-intensity ultrasound, repeated less than 30 times over a period of 90 min, nearly abolished tremor (98% and 97% tremor amplitude reduction) in 2 out of 3 patients. The effect was observed within seconds of the stimulation onset and increased with ultrasound exposure time. The effect gradually vanished following the stimulation, suggesting that the stimulation was safe with no harmful long-term consequences detected.Significance: This result demonstrates that low-intensity focused ultrasound can robustly modulate deep brain regions in humans with notable effects on overt motor behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Riis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America
| | - Adam J Losser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America
| | - Panagiotis Kassavetis
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States of America
| | - Paolo Moretti
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States of America
- George E. Wahlen, VA, Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, United States of America
| | - Jan Kubanek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kim HJ, Phan TT, Lee K, Kim JS, Lee SY, Lee JM, Do J, Lee D, Kim SP, Lee KP, Park J, Lee CJ, Park JM. Long-lasting forms of plasticity through patterned ultrasound-induced brainwave entrainment. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3198. [PMID: 38394205 PMCID: PMC10889366 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Achieving long-lasting neuronal modulation with low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound is challenging. Here, we devised theta burst ultrasound stimulation (TBUS) with gamma bursts for brain entrainment and modulation of neuronal plasticity in the mouse motor cortex. We demonstrate that two types of TBUS, intermittent and continuous TBUS, induce bidirectional long-term potentiation or depression-like plasticity, respectively, as evidenced by changes in motor-evoked potentials. These effects depended on molecular pathways associated with long-term plasticity, including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B activation, as well as de novo protein synthesis. Notably, bestrophin-1 and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 play important roles in these enduring effects. Moreover, pretraining TBUS enhances the acquisition of previously unidentified motor skills. Our study unveils a promising protocol for ultrasound neuromodulation, enabling noninvasive and sustained modulation of brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Jeong Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Tien Thuy Phan
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunhyung Lee
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Sook Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yeong Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Moo Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongrok Do
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyun Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Phil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Pil Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyoung Park
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - C. Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Min Park
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|