101
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Todd N, McDannold N, Borsook D. Targeted manipulation of pain neural networks: The potential of focused ultrasound for treatment of chronic pain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:238-250. [PMID: 32534900 PMCID: PMC7483565 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a promising technology for facilitating treatment of brain diseases including chronic pain. Focused ultrasound is a unique modality for delivering therapeutic levels of energy into the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). It is non-invasive and can target spatially localized effects through the intact skull to cortical or subcortical regions of the brain. FUS can achieve three different mechanisms of action in the brain that are relevant for chronic pain treatment: (1) localized thermal ablation of neural tissue; (2) localized and transient disruption of the blood-brain barrier for targeted drug delivery to CNS structures; and (3) inhibition or stimulation of neuronal activity in targeted regions. This review provides an in-depth look at the technology of FUS with emphasis placed on applications to CNS-based treatments of chronic pain. While still in the early stages of clinical translation and with some technical challenges remaining, we suggest that FUS has great potential as a novel approach for manipulating CNS networks involved in pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Todd
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Center for Pain and the Brain, 1 Autumn Street, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
| | - Nathan McDannold
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David Borsook
- Center for Pain and the Brain, 1 Autumn Street, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, United States; Department of Anesthesia, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
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102
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Salahshoor H, Shapiro MG, Ortiz M. Transcranial focused ultrasound generates skull-conducted shear waves: Computational model and implications for neuromodulation. APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 2020; 117:033702. [PMID: 32741976 PMCID: PMC7386437 DOI: 10.1063/5.0011837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an established technique for non-invasive surgery and has recently attracted considerable attention as a potential method for non-invasive neuromodulation. While the pressure waves in FUS procedures have been extensively studied in this context, the accompanying shear waves are often neglected due to the relatively high shear compliance of soft tissues. However, in bony structures such as the skull, acoustic pressure can also induce significant shear waves that could propagate outside the ultrasound focus. Here, we investigate wave propagation in the human cranium by means of a finite-element model that accounts for the anatomy, elasticity, and viscoelasticity of the skull and brain. We show that, when a region on the scalp is subjected to FUS, the skull acts as a waveguide for shear waves that propagate with a speed close to 1500 m/s, reaching off-target structures such as the cochlea. In particular, when a sharp onset of FUS is introduced in a zone proximal to the intersection of the parietal and temporal cranium, the bone-propagated shear waves reach the inner ear in about 40 μ s , leading to cumulative displacements of about 1 μ m . We further quantify the effect of ramped and sharp application of FUS on the cumulative displacements in the inner ear. Our results help explain the off-target auditory responses observed during neuromodulation experiments and inform the development of mitigation and sham control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Salahshoor
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
| | - Mikhail G. Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
| | - Michael Ortiz
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA
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103
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Pasquinelli C, Montanaro H, Lee HJ, Hanson LG, Kim H, Kuster N, Siebner HR, Neufeld E, Thielscher A. Transducer modeling for accurate acoustic simulations of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:046010. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab98dc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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104
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Cui Z, Li D, Xu S, Xu T, Wu S, Bouakaz A, Wan M, Zhang S. Effect of scattered pressures from oscillating microbubbles on neuronal activity in mouse brain under transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2020; 63:104935. [PMID: 31945558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2019.104935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that the presence of microbubbles (MBs) during sonication has an impact on neuronal activity, while the underlying mechanisms remain to be revealed. In this study, a model for the scattered pressures produced by the pulsating lipid-encapsulated MBs in mouse brain was developed to numerically investigate the effect of MBs on neuronal activity during transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation. The additional summed scattered pressure (Psummed_scat) from the oscillating MBs was calculated from the model. The level of neuronal activity was experimentally verified using an immunofluorescence assay with antibodies against c-fos. The pressure difference (ΔP) between acoustic pressures at which the same level of neuronal activity is excited by ultrasound stimulation with and without MBs was obtained from the experiments. The results showed that Psummed_scat accounts for about half of the ΔP when the MBs experience a "compression-only" response. The Psummed_scat suddenly increased at a critical acoustic pressure, around which a rapid enhancement of ΔP obtained from experiment also occurred. This work suggested that the additional scattered pressures from pulsating MBs are probably a mechanism that affects neuronal activity under transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Tianqi Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Shan Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | | | - Mingxi Wan
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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105
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Xu T, Lu X, Peng D, Wang G, Chen C, Liu W, Wu W, Mason TJ. Ultrasonic stimulation of the brain to enhance the release of dopamine - A potential novel treatment for Parkinson's disease. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2020; 63:104955. [PMID: 31945561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2019.104955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the decrease of dopamine (DA) production and release in the substantia nigra and striatum regions of the brain. Transcranial ultrasound has been exploited recently for neuromodulation of the brain in a number of fields. We have stimulated DA release in PC12 cells using low-intensity continuous ultrasound (0.1 W/cm2 - 0.3 W/cm2, 1 MHz), 12 h after exposure at 0.2 W/cm2, 40 s, the amount of DA content eventually increased 78.5% (p = 0.004). After 10-day ultrasonic treatment (0.3 W/cm2, 5 min/d), the DA content in the striatum of PD mice model restored to 81.07% of the control (vs 43.42% in the untreated PD mice model). In addition to this the locomotion activity was restored to the normal level after treatment. We suggest that the low intensity ultrasound-induced DA release can be attributed to a combination of neuron regeneration and improved membrane permeability produced by the mechanical force of ultrasound. Our study indicates that the application of transcranial ultrasound applied below FDA limits, could provide a candidate for relatively safe and noninvasive PD therapy through an amplification of DA levels and the stimulation of dopaminergic neuron regeneration without contrast agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; School of Nursing, Taihu University of Wuxi, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Danhong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Gongdao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Timothy J Mason
- Centre for Research in the Built and Natural Environment, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK.
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106
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Kubanek J, Brown J, Ye P, Pauly KB, Moore T, Newsome W. Remote, brain region-specific control of choice behavior with ultrasonic waves. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaaz4193. [PMID: 32671207 PMCID: PMC7314556 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz4193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability to modulate neural activity in specific brain circuits remotely and systematically could revolutionize studies of brain function and treatments of brain disorders. Sound waves of high frequencies (ultrasound) have shown promise in this respect, combining the ability to modulate neuronal activity with sharp spatial focus. Here, we show that the approach can have potent effects on choice behavior. Brief, low-intensity ultrasound pulses delivered noninvasively into specific brain regions of macaque monkeys influenced their decisions regarding which target to choose. The effects were substantial, leading to around a 2:1 bias in choices compared to the default balanced proportion. The effect presence and polarity was controlled by the specific target region. These results represent a critical step towards the ability to influence choice behavior noninvasively, enabling systematic investigations and treatments of brain circuits underlying disorders of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kubanek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, 36 S Wasatch Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Julian Brown
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, 318 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Patrick Ye
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Rd, Stanford, CA 94034, USA
| | - Kim Butts Pauly
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Rd, Stanford, CA 94034, USA
| | - Tirin Moore
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, 318 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William Newsome
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, 318 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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107
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Schibber EF, Mittelstein DR, Gharib M, Shapiro MG, Lee PP, Ortiz M. A dynamical model of oncotripsy by mechanical cell fatigue: selective cancer cell ablation by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. PROCEEDINGS. MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2020. [PMID: 32398930 DOI: 10.1063/1.5128627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The method of oncotripsy, first proposed in Heyden & Ortiz (Heyden & Ortiz 2016 J. Mech. Phys. Solids 92, 164-175 (doi:10.1016/j.jmps.2016.04.016)), exploits aberrations in the material properties and morphology of cancerous cells in order to ablate them selectively by means of tuned low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. We propose the dynamical model of oncotripsy that follows as an application of cell dynamics, statistical mechanical theory of network elasticity and 'birth-death' kinetics to describe the processes of damage and repair of the cytoskeleton. We also develop a reduced dynamical model that approximates the three-dimensional dynamics of the cell and facilitates parametric studies, including sensitivity analysis and process optimization. We show that the dynamical model predicts-and provides a conceptual basis for understanding-the oncotripsy effect and other trends in the data of Mittelstein et al. (Mittelstein et al. 2019 Appl. Phys. Lett. 116, 013701 (doi:10.1063/1.5128627)), for cells in suspension, including the dependence of cell-death curves on cell and process parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Schibber
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - D R Mittelstein
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - M Gharib
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - M G Shapiro
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - P P Lee
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - M Ortiz
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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108
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Yuan Y, Zhao Z, Wang Z, Wang X, Yan J, Li X. The Effect of Low-Intensity Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation on Behavior in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease Induced by MPTP. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2020; 28:1017-1021. [PMID: 32149644 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2020.2978865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) on behavior in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The PD mouse model was induced by consecutive injecting the mice with MPTP for 7 days. When the animal model is completed, we performed behavioral tests including the wire hanging test, open field test and forced swimming test on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14 during 2 weeks. Simultaneously, the ultrasound was used to stimulate the brain tissue of the mice daily for these 2 weeks. The data were analyzed to examine treatment effects. When the PD+TUS and PD+Sham groups were compared, the behavior of the PD+TUS mice was better on the fourth day after TUS (*p<0.05) and had further improved on the fourteenth day of TUS (**p<0.01). These results demonstrate that TUS can improve behavior in mice with MPTP-induced PD. The treatment effect gradually improved as the TUS duration increased.
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109
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Schimek N, Burke-Conte Z, Abernethy J, Schimek M, Burke-Conte C, Bobola M, Stocco A, Mourad PD. Repeated Application of Transcranial Diagnostic Ultrasound Towards the Visual Cortex Induced Illusory Visual Percepts in Healthy Participants. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:66. [PMID: 32194387 PMCID: PMC7062642 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the visual cortex can induce phosphenes as participants look at a visual target. So can non-diagnostic ultrasound (nDU), delivered in a transcranial fashion, while participants have closed their eyes during stimulation. Here, we sought to determine if DU, aimed at the visual cortex, could alter the perception of a visual target. We applied a randomized series of actual or sham DU, transcranially and towards the visual cortex of healthy participants while they stared at a visual target (a white crosshair on a light-blue background), with the ultrasound device placed where TMS elicited phosphenes. These participants observed percepts seven out of ten times, which consisted of extra or extensions of lines relative to the original crosshair, and additional colors, an average of 53.7 ± 2.6% of the time over the course of the experiment. Seven out of ten different participants exposed to sham-only DU observed comparable percepts, but only an average of 36.3 ± 1.9% of the time, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.00001). Moreover, on average, participants exposed to a combination of sham and actual ultrasound reported a net increase of 47.9 percentage points in the likelihood that they would report a percept by the end of the experiment. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that a random combination of sham-only and actual DU, applied directly over the visual cortex of participants, increased the likelihood that they would observe visual effects, but not the type of effects, with that likelihood increasing over the course of the experiment. From this, we conclude that repeated exposures by DU may make the visual cortex more responsive to stimulation of their visual cortex by the visual target itself. Future studies should identify the biophysical mechanism(s) and neural pathways by which DU, in our hands and others, can generate its observed effects on brain function. These observations, consistent with other’s observation of effects of DU stimulation of the human motor cortex and amygdala, as well as the FDA approved nature of DU, may lead to increased use of DU as a means of altering brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nels Schimek
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Zeb Burke-Conte
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Justin Abernethy
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maren Schimek
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Celeste Burke-Conte
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael Bobola
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Andrea Stocco
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Pierre D Mourad
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Engineering and Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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110
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LaRocco J, Paeng DG. Optimizing Computer-Brain Interface Parameters for Non-invasive Brain-to-Brain Interface. Front Neuroinform 2020; 14:1. [PMID: 32116625 PMCID: PMC7020695 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A non-invasive, brain-to-brain interface (BBI) requires precision neuromodulation and high temporal resolution as well as portability to increase accessibility. A BBI is a combination of the brain-computer interface (BCI) and the computer-brain interface (CBI). The optimization of BCI parameters has been extensively researched, but CBI has not. Parameters taken from the BCI and CBI literature were used to simulate a two-class medical monitoring BBI system under a wide range of conditions. BBI function was assessed using the information transfer rate (ITR), measured in bits per trial and bits per minute. The BBI ITR was a function of classifier accuracy, window update rate, system latency, stimulation failure rate (SFR), and timeout threshold. The BCI parameters, including window length, update rate, and classifier accuracy, were kept constant to investigate the effects of varying the CBI parameters, including system latency, SFR, and timeout threshold. Based on passively monitoring BCI parameters, a base ITR of 1 bit/trial was used. The optimal latency was found to be 100 ms or less, with a threshold no more than twice its value. With the optimal latency and timeout parameters, the system was able to maintain near-maximum efficiency, even with a 25% SFR. When the CBI and BCI parameters are compared, the CBI's system latency and timeout threshold should be reflected in the BCI's update rate. This would maximize the number of trials, even at a high SFR. These findings suggested that a higher number of trials per minute optimizes the ITR of a non-invasive BBI. The delays innate to each BCI protocol and CBI stimulation method must also be accounted for. The high latencies in each are the primary constraints of non-invasive BBI for the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dong-Guk Paeng
- Laboratory of Biomedical Ultrasound, Department of Ocean System Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju City, South Korea
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111
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Constans C, Ahnine H, Santin M, Lehericy S, Tanter M, Pouget P, Aubry JF. Non-invasive ultrasonic modulation of visual evoked response by GABA delivery through the blood brain barrier. J Control Release 2020; 318:223-231. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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112
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Dedola F, Severino FPU, Meneghetti N, Lemaire T, Cafarelli A, Ricotti L, Menciassi A, Cutrone A, Mazzoni A, Micera S. Ultrasound Stimulations Induce Prolonged Depolarization and Fast Action Potentials in Leech Neurons. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1:23-32. [PMID: 35402964 PMCID: PMC8979621 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2019.2963474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Ultrasound (US) stimulation carries the promise of a selective, reversible, and non-invasive modulation of neural activity without the need for genetic manipulation of neural structures. However, the mechanisms of US-induced generation of action potentials (APs) are still unclear. Methods: Here we address this issue by analyzing intracellularly recorded responses of leech nociceptive neurons to controlled delivery of US. Results: US induced a depolarization linearly accumulating in time and outlasting the duration of the stimulation. Spiking activity was reliably induced for an optimal US intensity range. Moreover, we found that APs induced by US differ in smaller amplitude and faster repolarization from those induced by electrical stimulation in the same cell but display the same repolarization rate. Conclusions: These results shed light on the mechanism by which spikes are induced by US and pave the way for designing more efficient US stimulation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dedola
- 1 The Biorobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
| | | | - Nicolo Meneghetti
- 1 The Biorobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
| | - Theo Lemaire
- 3 Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational NeuroEngineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cafarelli
- 1 The Biorobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
| | - Leonardo Ricotti
- 1 The Biorobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
| | - Arianna Menciassi
- 1 The Biorobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
| | - Annarita Cutrone
- 1 The Biorobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
| | - Alberto Mazzoni
- 1 The Biorobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
| | - Silvestro Micera
- 4 BioRobotics InstituteScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AIScuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pisa 56025 Italy
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational NeuroEngineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne Lausanne 1015 Switzerland
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113
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Ozenne V, Constans C, Bour P, Santin MD, Valabrègue R, Ahnine H, Pouget P, Lehéricy S, Aubry JF, Quesson B. MRI monitoring of temperature and displacement for transcranial focus ultrasound applications. Neuroimage 2020; 204:116236. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.116236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
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114
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Wu X, Zhu X, Chong P, Liu J, Andre LN, Ong KS, Brinson K, Mahdi AI, Li J, Fenno LE, Wang H, Hong G. Sono-optogenetics facilitated by a circulation-delivered rechargeable light source for minimally invasive optogenetics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:26332-26342. [PMID: 31811026 PMCID: PMC6936518 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1914387116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics, which uses visible light to control the cells genetically modified with light-gated ion channels, is a powerful tool for precise deconstruction of neural circuitry with neuron-subtype specificity. However, due to limited tissue penetration of visible light, invasive craniotomy and intracranial implantation of tethered optical fibers are usually required for in vivo optogenetic modulation. Here we report mechanoluminescent nanoparticles that can act as local light sources in the brain when triggered by brain-penetrant focused ultrasound (FUS) through intact scalp and skull. Mechanoluminescent nanoparticles can be delivered into the blood circulation via i.v. injection, recharged by 400-nm photoexcitation light in superficial blood vessels during circulation, and turned on by FUS to emit 470-nm light repetitively in the intact brain for optogenetic stimulation. Unlike the conventional "outside-in" approaches of optogenetics with fiber implantation, our method provides an "inside-out" approach to deliver nanoscopic light emitters via the intrinsic circulatory system and switch them on and off at any time and location of interest in the brain without extravasation through a minimally invasive ultrasound interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Xingjun Zhu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Paul Chong
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Junlang Liu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Louis N. Andre
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Kyrstyn S. Ong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Kenneth Brinson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Ali I. Mahdi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jiachen Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Lief E. Fenno
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Huiliang Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Guosong Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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Cui Z, Li D, Feng Y, Xu T, Wu S, Li Y, Bouakaz A, Wan M, Zhang S. Enhanced neuronal activity in mouse motor cortex with microbubbles' oscillations by transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2019; 59:104745. [PMID: 31473423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2019.104745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbubbles (MBs) are known to serve as an amplifier of the mechanical effects of ultrasound, which combined with ultrasound are widely used in brain. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of oscillating MBs on the neuronal activity in the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals. The motor cortex of mice brain was subjected to ultrasound stimulation with and without MBs, and evoked electromyogram signals were recorded. A c-fos immunofluorescence assay was performed to evaluate the neuronal activation in the region of ultrasound stimulation. BBB integrity during ultrasound stimulation with MBs was assessed in this study. Moreover, the safety of ultrasound stimulation with MBs was examined. Using ultrasound at 620 kHz, the injection of MBs significantly increased the success rate of motor response from 0.065 ± 0.06 to 0.28 ± 0.10 when stimulation was applied at 0.12 MPa and from 0.38 ± 0.09 to 0.77 ± 0.18 at 0.25 MPa (p < 0.001). The results of the c-fos immunofluorescence assay showed that the mean densities of c-fos+ cells were significantly increased from 15.67 ± 3.51 to 53.01 ± 9.54 at 0.12 MPa acoustic pressure. At 0.25 MPa, the mean density of c-fos + cells was 81 ± 10.97 without MBs and it significantly increased to 124.12 ± 25.71 with MBs (p < 0.05). Enhanced neuronal activities were observed with 0.12 MPa ultrasound stimulation with MBs, while the integrity of BBB was not compromised, but 0.25 MPa ultrasound stimulation with MBs resulted in BBB disruption. These findings reveal that the oscillations of MBs can enhance neuronal activity in the CNS of mammals, and may provide an insight into the application of MBs combined with ultrasound in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yang Feng
- Xijing Hospital, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tianqi Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Shan Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yibao Li
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | | | - Mingxi Wan
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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116
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Jin Y, Li Y, Ye Y, Zou J, Guo T, Bian T, Wang C, Xiao Y, Niu L, Ma T, Zheng H. Development of Multi-Layer Lateral-Mode Ultrasound Needle Transducer for Brain Stimulation in Mice. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 67:1982-1988. [PMID: 31796386 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2953295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound, a non-invasive stimulation method, has proved effective in neurostimulation. Previous studies have demonstrated that low-frequency ultrasound (less than 1 MHz) is preferable owing to better penetrability through tissue and skull. However, the large size of low-frequency transducers, which are used in ultrasound neurostimulation studies, makes it difficult to perform multiple-target neurostimulation, especially in small animals such as mice. In this paper, a proposed low-frequency ultrasound needle transducer based on the multi-layer lateral-mode coupling method with a miniature aperture of 0.6 mm × 0.6 mm and a thickness of 1.65 mm was designed and fabricated. The measured electrical impedance of the fabricated 8-layer lateral-mode PZT-5H ceramic was 50.76 Ω at a resonant frequency of 866 kHz. The -6 dB bandwidth of 8-layer lateral-mode transducer was 29% at a center frequency of 876 kHz. The maximum ultrasound peak pressure amplitude at 820 kHz reached approximately 300 kPa, 4-5 times higher than that of the single-layer thickness-mode transducer with 200 V input voltage. The ultrasound beam showed no attenuation and low shift through mouse skull. To verify the feasibility of using the needle transducer to perform multiple-target nerve stimulation in mice brains, we constructed an ultrasound stimulus system to simultaneously stimulate two areas (M2 and V1) of the mouse brain in vivo and detected the c-Fos expression by immunofluorescence to evaluate the effect of stimulation. The results showed that a high ultrasound peak pressure amplitude with this transducer configuration is useful for ultrasound neurostimulation and multiple-target stimulation in mice.
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117
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Yoon K, Lee W, Lee JE, Xu L, Croce P, Foley L, Yoo SS. Effects of sonication parameters on transcranial focused ultrasound brain stimulation in an ovine model. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224311. [PMID: 31648261 PMCID: PMC6812789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) has significant potential as a non-invasive brain stimulation modality and novel technique for functional brain mapping, particularly with its advantage of greater spatial selectivity and depth penetration compared to existing non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. As previous studies, primarily carried out in small animals, have demonstrated that sonication parameters affect the stimulation efficiency, further investigation in large animals is necessary to translate this technique into clinical practice. In the present study, we examined the effects of sonication parameters on the transient modification of excitability of cortical and thalamic areas in an ovine model. Guided by anatomical and functional neuroimaging data specific to each animal, 250 kHz FUS was transcranially applied to the primary sensorimotor area associated with the right hind limb and its thalamic projection in sheep (n = 10) across multiple sessions using various combinations of sonication parameters. The degree of effect from FUS was assessed through electrophysiological responses, through analysis of electromyogram and electroencephalographic somatosensory evoked potentials for evaluation of excitatory and suppressive effects, respectively. We found that the modulatory effects were transient and reversible, with specific sonication parameters outperforming others in modulating regional brain activity. Magnetic resonance imaging and histological analysis conducted at different time points after the final sonication session, as well as behavioral observations, showed that repeated exposure to FUS did not damage the underlying brain tissue. Our results suggest that FUS-mediated, non-invasive, region-specific bimodal neuromodulation can be safely achieved in an ovine model, indicating its potential for translation into human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungho Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wonhye Lee
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Linda Xu
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Phillip Croce
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lori Foley
- Translational Discovery Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Seung-Schik Yoo
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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118
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Chen SG, Tsai CH, Lin CJ, Lee CC, Yu HY, Hsieh TH, Liu HL. Transcranial focused ultrasound pulsation suppresses pentylenetetrazol induced epilepsy in vivo. Brain Stimul 2019; 13:35-46. [PMID: 31575487 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal neuron discharge, and one-third of epilepsy patients suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The current management for DRE includes epileptogenic lesion resection, disconnection, and neuromodulation. Neuromodulation is achieved through invasive electrical stimulus including deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, or responsive neurostimulation (RNS). As an alternative therapy, transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) can transcranially and non-invasively modulate neuron activity. OBJECTIVE This study seeks to verify the use of FUS pulsations to suppress spikes in an acute epileptic small-animal model, and to investigate possible biological mechanisms by which FUS pulsations interfere with epileptic neuronal activity. METHODS The study used a total of 76 Sprague-Dawley rats. For the epilepsy model, rats were administered pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) to induce acute epileptic-like abnormal neuron discharges, followed by FUS exposure. Various ultrasound parameters were set to test the epilepsy-suppressing effect, while concurrently monitoring and analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Animal behavior was monitored and histological examinations were conducted to evaluate the hazard posed by ultrasound exposure and the expression of neuronal activity markers. Western blotting was used to evaluate the correlation between FUS-induced epileptic suppression and the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway. RESULTS We observed that FUS pulsations effectively suppressed epileptic activity and observed EEG spectrum oscillations; the spike-suppressing effect depended on the selection of ultrasound parameters and highly correlated with FUS exposure level. Expression level changes of c-Fos and GAD65 were confirmed in the cortex and hippocampus, indicating that FUS pulsations deactivated excitatory cells and activated GABAergic terminals. No tissue damage, inflammatory response, or behavioral abnormalities were observed in rats treated with FUS under these exposure parameters. We also found that the FUS pulsations down-regulated the S6 phosphorylation and decreased pAKT expression. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that pulsed FUS exposure effectively suppresses epileptic spikes in an acute epilepsy animal model, and finds that ultrasound pulsation interferes with neuronal activity and affects the PTZ-induced PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, which might help explain the mechanism underlying ultrasound-related epileptic spike control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin-Guang Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Chih-Hung Tsai
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Lin
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chia Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yu Yu
- School of Medicine and Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Hao-Li Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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119
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Blackmore J, Shrivastava S, Sallet J, Butler CR, Cleveland RO. Ultrasound Neuromodulation: A Review of Results, Mechanisms and Safety. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2019; 45:1509-1536. [PMID: 31109842 PMCID: PMC6996285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasonic neuromodulation is a rapidly growing field, in which low-intensity ultrasound (US) is delivered to nervous system tissue, resulting in transient modulation of neural activity. This review summarizes the findings in the central and peripheral nervous systems from mechanistic studies in cell culture to cognitive behavioral studies in humans. The mechanisms by which US mechanically interacts with neurons and could affect firing are presented. An in-depth safety assessment of current studies shows that parameters for the human studies fall within the safety envelope for US imaging. Challenges associated with accurately targeting US and monitoring the response are described. In conclusion, the literature supports the use of US as a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation modality with improved spatial localization and depth targeting compared with alternative methods. US neurostimulation has the potential to be used both as a scientific instrument to investigate brain function and as a therapeutic modality to modulate brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Blackmore
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Shamit Shrivastava
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Jerome Sallet
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Nueroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris R Butler
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Robin O Cleveland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK.
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120
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Radiation Force as a Physical Mechanism for Ultrasonic Neurostimulation of the Ex Vivo Retina. J Neurosci 2019; 39:6251-6264. [PMID: 31196935 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2394-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Focused ultrasound has been shown to be effective at stimulating neurons in many animal models, both in vivo and ex vivo Ultrasonic neuromodulation is the only noninvasive method of stimulation that could reach deep in the brain with high spatial-temporal resolution, and thus has potential for use in clinical applications and basic studies of the nervous system. Understanding the physical mechanism by which energy in a high acoustic frequency wave is delivered to stimulate neurons will be important to optimize this technology. We imaged the isolated salamander retina of either sex during ultrasonic stimuli that drive ganglion cell activity and observed micron scale displacements, consistent with radiation force, the nonlinear delivery of momentum by a propagating wave. We recorded ganglion cell spiking activity and changed the acoustic carrier frequency across a broad range (0.5-43 MHz), finding that increased stimulation occurs at higher acoustic frequencies, ruling out cavitation as an alternative possible mechanism. A quantitative radiation force model can explain retinal responses and could potentially explain previous in vivo results in the mouse, suggesting a new hypothesis to be tested in vivo Finally, we found that neural activity was strongly modulated by the distance between the transducer and the electrode array showing the influence of standing waves on the response. We conclude that radiation force is the dominant physical mechanism underlying ultrasonic neurostimulation in the ex vivo retina and propose that the control of standing waves is a new potential method to modulate these effects.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Ultrasonic neurostimulation is a promising noninvasive technology that has potential for both basic research and clinical applications. The mechanisms of ultrasonic neurostimulation are unknown, making it difficult to optimize in any given application. We studied the physical mechanism by which ultrasound is converted into an effective energy form to cause neurostimulation in the retina and find that ultrasound acts via radiation force leading to a mechanical displacement of tissue. We further show that standing waves have a strong modulatory effect on activity. Our quantitative model by which ultrasound generates radiation force and leads to neural activity will be important in optimizing ultrasonic neurostimulation across a wide range of applications.
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121
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Chen H, Garcia-Gonzalez D, Jérusalem A. Computational model of the mechanoelectrophysiological coupling in axons with application to neuromodulation. Phys Rev E 2019; 99:032406. [PMID: 30999419 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.99.032406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For more than half a century, the action potential (AP) has been considered a purely electrical phenomenon. However, experimental observations of membrane deformations occurring during APs have revealed that this process also involves mechanical features. This discovery has recently fuelled a controversy on the real nature of APs: whether they are mechanical or electrical. In order to examine some of the modern hypotheses regarding APs, we propose here a coupled mechanoelectrophysiological membrane finite-element model for neuronal axons. The axon is modeled as an axisymmetric thin-wall cylindrical tube. The electrophysiology of the membrane is modeled using the classic Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) equations for the Nodes of Ranvier or unmyelinated axons and the cable theory for the internodal regions, whereas the axonal mechanics is modeled by means of viscoelasticity theory. Membrane potential changes induce a strain gradient field via reverse flexoelectricity, whereas mechanical pulses result in an electrical self-polarization field following the direct flexoelectric effect, in turn influencing the membrane potential. Moreover, membrane deformation also alters the values of membrane capacitance and resistance in the H-H equation. These three effects serve as the fundamental coupling mechanisms between the APs and mechanical pulses in the model. A series of numerical studies was systematically conducted to investigate the consequences of interaction between the APs and mechanical waves on both myelinated and unmyelinated axons. Simulation results illustrate that the AP is always accompanied by an in-phase propagating membrane displacement of ≈1nm, whereas mechanical pulses with enough magnitude can also trigger APs. The model demonstrates that mechanical vibrations, such as the ones arising from ultrasound stimulations, can either annihilate or enhance axonal electrophysiology depending on their respective directionality and frequency. It also shows that frequency of pulse repetition can also enhance signal propagation independently of the amplitude of the signal. This result not only reconciles the mechanical and electrical natures of the APs but also provides an explanation for the experimentally observed mechanoelectrophysiological phenomena in axons, especially in the context of ultrasound neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Chen
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Antoine Jérusalem
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom
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122
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Chaplin V, Phipps MA, Jonathan SV, Grissom WA, Yang PF, Chen LM, Caskey CF. On the accuracy of optically tracked transducers for image-guided transcranial ultrasound. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2019; 14:1317-1327. [PMID: 31069643 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-019-01988-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) is increasingly being explored to modulate neuronal activity. To target neuromodulation, researchers often localize the FUS beam onto the brain region(s) of interest using spatially tracked tools overlaid on pre-acquired images. Here, we quantify the accuracy of optically tracked image-guided FUS with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) thermometry, evaluate sources of error and demonstrate feasibility of these procedures to target the macaque somatosensory region. METHODS We developed an optically tracked FUS system capable of projecting the transducer focus onto a pre-acquired MRI volume. To measure the target registration error (TRE), we aimed the transducer focus at a desired target in a phantom under image guidance, heated the target while imaging with MR thermometry and then calculated the TRE as the difference between the targeted and heated locations. Multiple targets were measured using either an unbiased or bias-corrected calibration. We then targeted the macaque S1 brain region, where displacement induced by the acoustic radiation force was measured using MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI). RESULTS All calibration methods enabled registration with TRE on the order of 3 mm. Unbiased calibration resulted in an average TRE of 3.26 mm (min-max: 2.80-4.53 mm), which was not significantly changed by prospective bias correction (TRE of 3.05 mm; 2.06-3.81 mm, p = 0.55). Restricting motion between the transducer and target and increasing the distance between tracked markers reduced the TRE to 2.43 mm (min-max: 0.79-3.88 mm). MR-ARFI images showed qualitatively similar shape and extent as projected beam profiles in a living non-human primate. CONCLUSIONS Our study describes methods for image guidance of FUS neuromodulation and quantifies errors associated with this method in a large animal. The workflow is efficient enough for in vivo use, and we demonstrate transcranial MR-ARFI in vivo in macaques for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Chaplin
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA 1105 MCN, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN, TN 37232, USA
| | - M A Phipps
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA 1105 MCN, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN, TN 37232, USA
| | - S V Jonathan
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - W A Grissom
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA 1105 MCN, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN, TN 37232, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - P F Yang
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA 1105 MCN, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN, TN 37232, USA
| | - L M Chen
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA 1105 MCN, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN, TN 37232, USA
| | - C F Caskey
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA 1105 MCN, 1161 21st Ave. S, Nashville, TN, TN 37232, USA.
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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123
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Wang X, Yan J, Wang Z, Li X, Yuan Y. Neuromodulation Effects of Ultrasound Stimulation Under Different Parameters on Mouse Motor Cortex. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 67:291-297. [PMID: 31021758 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2912840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) enhances/suppresses neural oscillations and causes electroencephalography changes in the motor cortex, researchers have not clearly determined the manner in which the relative power and entropy of neural oscillations in the motor cortex vary with ultrasonic parameters, such as ultrasound intensity, stimulation duration (SD), and duty cycle. METHODS In this paper, we use the transcranial ultrasound of different parameters to stimulate the mouse motor cortex, cause tail muscle contraction and movement, and simultaneously record local field potentials (LFPs) in the mouse motor cortex. The relative power and entropy of the LFPs under different ultrasonic parameters are analyzed. RESULTS The relative power of the theta [4-8 Hz] frequency bands decreases with an increase in spatial-peak and pulse-average intensity (Isppa) at 0-0.5 s and 0.5-1 s; the relative power of the gamma [30-45 Hz] frequency bands increases with an increase in Isppa at 0-0.5 s and 0.5-1 s; the relative power each of the gamma [30-45 Hz] and high gamma [55-100 Hz] frequency bands increases with an increase in the SD at 0-0.5 s and 0.5-1 s; the entropy values decrease with increases in Isppa and SD at 0-0.5 s. CONCLUSION The relative power and entropy of neural oscillations in the motor cortex can be modulated by TUS with different parameters, namely, ultrasound intensity and stimulation duration.
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Kim E, Anguluan E, Youn S, Kim J, Hwang JY, Kim JG. Non-invasive measurement of hemodynamic change during 8 MHz transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation using near-infrared spectroscopy. BMC Neurosci 2019; 20:12. [PMID: 30885121 PMCID: PMC6423784 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-019-0493-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) attracts wide attention in neuroscience as an effective noninvasive approach to modulate brain circuits. In spite of this, the effects of tFUS on the brain is still unclear, and further investigation is needed. The present study proposes to use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to observe cerebral hemodynamic change caused by tFUS in a noninvasive manner. RESULTS The results show a transient increase of oxyhemoglobin and decrease of deoxyhemoglobin concentration in the mouse model induced by ultrasound stimulation of the somatosensory cortex with a frequency of 8 MHz but not in sham. In addition, the amplitude of hemodynamics change can be related to the peak intensity of the acoustic wave. CONCLUSION High frequency 8 MHz ultrasound was shown to induce hemodynamic changes measured using NIRS through the intact mouse head. The implementation of NIRS offers the possibility of investigating brain response noninvasively for different tFUS parameters through cerebral hemodynamic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Kim
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005 Republic of Korea
| | - Eloise Anguluan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005 Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyeon Youn
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Jihun Kim
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youn Hwang
- Department of Information and Communication Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Gwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005 Republic of Korea
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125
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Mohammadjavadi M, Ye PP, Xia A, Brown J, Popelka G, Pauly KB. Elimination of peripheral auditory pathway activation does not affect motor responses from ultrasound neuromodulation. Brain Stimul 2019; 12:901-910. [PMID: 30880027 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies in a variety of animal models including rodents, monkeys, and humans suggest that transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) has considerable promise for non-invasively modulating neural activity with the ability to target deep brain structures. However, concerns have been raised that motor responses evoked by tFUS may be due to indirect activation of the auditory pathway rather than direct activation of motor circuits. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to examine the involvement of peripheral auditory system activation from tFUS stimulation applied to elicit motor responses. The purpose was to determine to what extent ultrasound induced auditory artifact could be a factor in ultrasound motor neuromodulation. METHODS In this study, tFUS-induced electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded and analyzed in wild-type (WT) normal hearing mice and two strains of genetically deaf mice to examine the involvement of the peripheral auditory system in tFUS-stimulated motor responses. In addition, auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were measured to elucidate the effect of the tFUS stimulus envelope on auditory and motor responses. We also varied the tFUS stimulation duration to measure its effect on motor response duration. RESULTS We show, first, that the sharp edges in a tFUS rectangular envelope stimulus activate the peripheral afferent auditory pathway and, second, that smoothing these edges eliminates the auditory responses without affecting the motor responses in normal hearing WT mice. We further show that by eliminating peripheral auditory activity using two different strains of deaf knockout mice, motor responses are the same as in normal hearing WT mice. Finally, we demonstrate a high correlation between tFUS pulse duration and EMG response duration. CONCLUSION These results support the concept that tFUS-evoked motor responses are not a result of stimulation of the peripheral auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anping Xia
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julian Brown
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gerald Popelka
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kim Butts Pauly
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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126
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Wang Y, Xie P, Zhou S, Wang X, Yuan Y. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound modulates multi-frequency band phase synchronization between LFPs and EMG in mice. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:026036. [PMID: 30780150 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab0879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) targeted to the mouse motor cortex can simultaneously induce local field potentials (LFPs) and electromyogram (EMG) responses. However, the functional coupling relationship between LFP and EMG signals has not been elucidated to date. This study aimed to investigate the phase synchronization between LFP and EMG signals induced by LIPUS over the mouse motor cortex. APPROACH LIPUS at 500 kHz with varied sonication intensities and duty cycles (DCs), was delivered to the mouse motor cortex. LFPs of the motor cortex and EMG responses of the tail were simultaneously recorded during LIPUS. We then evaluated two control groups using the same experimental parameters, but changed the position of EMG recording to the hind leg and the ultrasound stimulus target to the primary visual cortex. The phase synchronization between LFPs and EMG signals was evaluated by performing a phase locking value (PLV) analysis in the time-frequency domain and was compared across specific frequency bands. MAIN RESULTS The results showed that LIPUS increased the phase synchronization in a broad frequency band (5-150 Hz), and the maximum duration of the increased PLV was stable at approximately 200 ms. It is worth noting that the sonication parameters directly affected the time-frequency domain distribution of cortico-muscular synchronization. Specifically, significant alpha and beta synchronization appeared at 0.2 and 0.4 W cm-2 I sppa stimulation, while gamma synchronization occurred at 0.8 and 1.1 W cm-2 I sppa stimulation. The synchronization in all frequency bands apparently increased at 30% DC. Beta synchronization weakened when the DC was less than 30%. Furthermore, no significant phase synchronization was observed in the two control groups. SIGNIFICANCE Considering the close association between specific motor function and cortical-muscular synchronization in different frequency bands, we suggest that LIPUS over the motor cortex could selectively modulate motor function via different sonication parameters. Additionally, the phase synchronization between LFPs and EMG might be an invaluable index for assessing the ultrasonic effect on the motor system, which could be used in future clinical research to optimize ultrasound parameters. Thus, this study provides new insight into evaluating the neuromodulatory effects of ultrasound on motor function, thereby supporting the therapeutic application of ultrasound in neurological disorders characterized by motor deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Wang
- Institute of Electric Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066004, People's Republic of China
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127
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Samoudi MA, Van Renterghem T, Botteldooren D. Computational modeling of a single-element transcranial focused ultrasound transducer for subthalamic nucleus stimulation. J Neural Eng 2019; 16:026015. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aafa38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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128
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Li G, Qiu W, Zhang Z, Jiang Q, Su M, Cai R, Li Y, Cai F, Deng Z, Xu D, Zhang H, Zheng H. Noninvasive Ultrasonic Neuromodulation in Freely Moving Mice. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 66:217-224. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2018.2821201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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129
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Sharabi S, Daniels D, Last D, Guez D, Zivli Z, Castel D, Levy Y, Volovick A, Grinfeld J, Rachmilevich I, Amar T, Mardor Y, Harnof S. Non-thermal focused ultrasound induced reversible reduction of essential tremor in a rat model. Brain Stimul 2019; 12:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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130
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Niu X, Yu K, He B. On the Neuromodulatory Pathways of the In Vivo Brain by Means of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 8:61-69. [PMID: 31223668 PMCID: PMC6585998 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For last decade, low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) has been rapidly developed for a myriad of successful applications in neuromodulation. tFUS possesses high spatial resolution, focality and depth penetration as a noninvasive neuromodulation tool. Despite the promise, confounding activation can be observed in rodents when stimulation parameters are not selected carefully. Here we summarize the existing classes of observations for ultrasound neuromodulation: ultrasound directly activates a localized area, or ultrasound indirectly activates auditory pathways, which further propagates to other cortical networks. We also present control in vivo animal studies, which suggest that underlying tFUS brain modulation is characterized by localized activation independent of auditory networks activations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Niu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
| | - Bin He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
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131
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Wang JB, Aryal M, Zhong Q, Vyas DB, Airan RD. Noninvasive Ultrasonic Drug Uncaging Maps Whole-Brain Functional Networks. Neuron 2018; 100:728-738.e7. [PMID: 30408444 PMCID: PMC6274638 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Being able to noninvasively modulate brain activity, where and when an experimenter desires, with an immediate path toward human translation is a long-standing goal for neuroscience. To enable robust perturbation of brain activity while leveraging the ability of focused ultrasound to deliver energy to any point of the brain noninvasively, we have developed biocompatible and clinically translatable nanoparticles that allow ultrasound-induced uncaging of neuromodulatory drugs. Utilizing the anesthetic propofol, together with electrophysiological and imaging assays, we show that the neuromodulatory effect of ultrasonic drug uncaging is limited spatially and temporally by the size of the ultrasound focus, the sonication timing, and the pharmacokinetics of the uncaged drug. Moreover, we see secondary effects in brain regions anatomically distinct from and functionally connected to the sonicated region, indicating that ultrasonic drug uncaging could noninvasively map the changes in functional network connectivity associated with pharmacologic action at a particular brain target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B Wang
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Muna Aryal
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Qian Zhong
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daivik B Vyas
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Raag D Airan
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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132
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Xie P, Zhou S, Wang X, Wang Y, Yuan Y. Effect of pulsed transcranial ultrasound stimulation at different number of tone-burst on cortico-muscular coupling. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:60. [PMID: 30285609 PMCID: PMC6169002 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0462-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pulsed transcranial ultrasound stimulation (pTUS) can modulate the neuronal activity of motor cortex and elicit muscle contractions. Cortico-muscular coupling (CMC) can serve as a tool to identify interaction between the oscillatory activity of the motor cortex and effector muscle. This research aims to explore the neuromodulatory effect of low-intensity, pTUS with different number of tone burst to neural circuit of motor-control system by analyzing the coupling relationship between motor cortex and tail muscle in mouse. The motor cortex of mice was stimulated by pulsed transcranial ultrasound with different number of tone bursts (NTB = 100 150 200 250 300). The local field potentials (LFPs) in tail motor cortex and electromyography (EMG) in tail muscles were recorded simultaneously during pTUS. The change of integral coupling strength between cortex and muscle was evaluated by mutual information (MI). The directional information interaction between them were analyzed by transfer entropy (TE). Results Almost all of the MI and TE values were significantly increased by pTUS. The results of MI showed that the CMC was significantly enhanced with the increase of NTB. The TE results showed the coupling strength of CMC in descending direction (from LFPs to EMG) was significantly higher than that in ascending direction (from EMG to LFPs) after stimulation. Furthermore, compared to NTB = 100, the CMC in ascending direction were significantly enhanced when NTB = 250, 300, and CMC in descending direction were significantly enhanced when NTB = 200, 250, 300. Conclusion These results confirm that the CMC between motor cortex and the tail muscles in mouse could be altered by pTUS. And by increasing the NTB (i.e. sonication duration), the coupling strength within the cortico-muscular circuit could be increased, which might further influence the motor function of mice. It demonstrates that, using MI and TE method, the CMC could be used for quantitatively evaluating the effect of pTUS with different NTBs, which might provide a new insight into the effect of pTUS neuromodulation in motor cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xie
- Institute of Electric Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China.
| | - Sa Zhou
- Institute of Electric Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China
| | - Xingran Wang
- Institute of Electric Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- Institute of Electric Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Institute of Electric Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China.
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133
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Liu HL, Tsai CH, Jan CK, Chang HY, Huang SM, Li ML, Qiu W, Zheng H. Design and Implementation of a Transmit/Receive Ultrasound Phased Array for Brain Applications. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2018; 65:1756-1767. [PMID: 30010555 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2855181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound phased array systems have attracted increased attention for brain therapy applications. However, such systems currently lack a direct and real-time method to intraoperatively monitor ultrasound pressure distribution for securing treatment. This study proposes a dual-mode ultrasound phased array system design to support transmit/receive operations for concurrent ultrasound exposure and backscattered focal beam reconstruction through a spherically focused ultrasound array. A 256-channel ultrasound transmission system was used to transmit focused ultrasonic energy (full 256 channels), with an extended implementation of multiple-channel receiving function (up to 64 channels) using the same 256-channel ultrasound array. A coherent backscatter-received beam formation algorithm was implemented to map the point spread function (PSF) and focal beam distribution under a free-field/transcranial environment setup, with the backscattering generated from a strong scatterer (a point reflector or a microbubble-perfused tube) or a weakly scattered tissue-mimicking graphite phantom. Our results showed that PSF and focal beam can be successfully reconstructed and visualized in free-field conditions and can also be transcranially reconstructed following skull-induced aberration correction. In vivo experiments were conducted to demonstrate its capability to preoperatively and semiquantitatively map a focal beam to guide blood-brain barrier opening. The proposed system may have potential for real-time guidance of ultrasound brain intervention, and may facilitate the design of a dual-mode ultrasound phased array for brain therapeutic applications.
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134
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Lee W, Croce P, Margolin RW, Cammalleri A, Yoon K, Yoo SS. Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation of motor cortical areas in freely-moving awake rats. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:57. [PMID: 30231861 PMCID: PMC6146769 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0459-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) has emerged as a new non-invasive modality of brain stimulation with the potential for high spatial selectivity and penetration depth. Anesthesia is typically applied in animal-based tFUS brain stimulation models; however, the type and depth of anesthesia are known to introduce variability in responsiveness to the stimulation. Therefore, the ability to conduct sonication experiments on awake small animals, such as rats, is warranted to avoid confounding effects of anesthesia. RESULTS We developed a miniature tFUS headgear, operating at 600 kHz, which can be attached to the skull of Sprague-Dawley rats through an implanted pedestal, allowing the ultrasound to be transcranially delivered to motor cortical areas of unanesthetized freely-moving rats. Video recordings were obtained to monitor physical responses from the rat during acoustic brain stimulation. The stimulation elicited body movements from various areas, such as the tail, limbs, and whiskers. Movement of the head, including chewing behavior, was also observed. When compared to the light ketamine/xylazine and isoflurane anesthetic conditions, the response rate increased while the latency to stimulation decreased in the awake condition. The individual variability in response rates was smaller during the awake condition compared to the anesthetic conditions. Our analysis of latency distribution of responses also suggested possible presence of acoustic startle responses mixed with stimulation-related physical movement. Post-tFUS monitoring of animal behaviors and histological analysis performed on the brain did not reveal any abnormalities after the repeated tFUS sessions. CONCLUSIONS The wearable miniature tFUS configuration allowed for the stimulation of motor cortical areas in rats and elicited sonication-related movements under both awake and anesthetized conditions. The awake condition yielded diverse physical responses compared to those reported in existing literatures. The ability to conduct an experiment in freely-moving awake animals can be gainfully used to investigate the effects of acoustic neuromodulation free from the confounding effects of anesthesia, thus, may serve as a translational platform to large animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonhye Lee
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Phillip Croce
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Ryan W. Margolin
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Amanda Cammalleri
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Kyungho Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Seung-Schik Yoo
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
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135
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Li G, Qiu W, Hong J, Jiang Q, Su M, Mu P, Yang G, Li Y, Wang C, Zhang H, Zheng H. Imaging-Guided Dual-Target Neuromodulation of the Mouse Brain Using Array Ultrasound. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2018; 65:1583-1589. [PMID: 29994254 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2847252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuromodulation is an important method for investigating neural circuits and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. Multiple-target neuromodulation is considered an advanced technology for the flexible optimization of modulation effects. However, traditional methods such as electrical and magnetic stimulations are not convenient for multiple-target applications due to their disadvantages of invasiveness or poor spatial resolution. Ultrasonic neuromodulation is a new noninvasive method that has gained wide attention in the field of neuroscience, and it is potentially able to support multiple-target stimulation by allocating multiple focal points in the brain using an array transducer. However, there are no reports in the literature of the efficacy of this technical concept, and an imaging tool for localizing the stimulation area for evaluating the neural effects in vivo has been lacking. In this study, we designed and fabricated a new system specifically for imaging-guided dual-target neuromodulation. The design of the array transducer and overall system is described in detail. The stimulation points were selectable on a B-mode image. In vivo experiments were carried out in mice, in which forelimbs shaking responses and electromyography outcomes were induced by changing the stimulation targets. The system could be a valuable tool for imaging-guided multiple-target stimulation in various neuroscience applications.
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136
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Bobola MS, Chen L, Ezeokeke CK, Kuznetsova K, Lahti AC, Lou W, Myroniv AN, Schimek NW, Selby ML, Mourad PD. A Review of Recent Advances in Ultrasound, Placed in the Context of Pain Diagnosis and Treatment. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2018; 22:60. [PMID: 29987680 PMCID: PMC6061208 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-018-0711-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound plays a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of pain, with significant literature reaching back many years, especially with regard to diagnostic ultrasound and its use for guiding needle-based delivery of drugs. Advances in ultrasound over at least the last decade have opened up new areas of inquiry and potential clinical efficacy in the context of pain diagnosis and treatment. Here we offer an overview of the recent literature associated with ultrasound and pain in order to highlight some promising frontiers at the intersection of these two subjects. We focus first on peripheral application of ultrasound, for which there is a relatively rich, though still young, literature. We then move to central application of ultrasound, for which there is little literature but much promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bobola
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lucas Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Katy Kuznetsova
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annamarie C Lahti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Weicheng Lou
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aleksey N Myroniv
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nels W Schimek
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Madison L Selby
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pierre D Mourad
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Division of Engineering and Mathematics, University of Washington, Bothell, WA, USA.
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137
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Webb TD, Leung SA, Rosenberg J, Ghanouni P, Dahl JJ, Pelc NJ, Pauly KB. Measurements of the Relationship Between CT Hounsfield Units and Acoustic Velocity and How It Changes With Photon Energy and Reconstruction Method. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2018; 65:1111-1124. [PMID: 29993366 PMCID: PMC6118210 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2018.2827899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound continues to gain traction as a noninvasive treatment option for a variety of pathologies. Focusing ultrasound through the skull can be accomplished by adding a phase correction to each element of a hemispherical transducer array. The phase corrections are determined with acoustic simulations that rely on speed of sound estimates derived from CT scans. While several studies have investigated the relationship between acoustic velocity and CT Hounsfield units (HUs), these studies have largely ignored the impact of X-ray energy, reconstruction method, and reconstruction kernel on the measured HU, and therefore the estimated velocity, and none have measured the relationship directly. In this paper, 91 ex vivo human skull fragments from two skulls are imaged by 80 CT scans with a variety of energies and reconstruction methods. The average HU from each fragment is found for each scan and correlated with the speed of sound measured using a through transmission technique in that fragment. As measured by the -squared value, the results show that CT is able to account for 23%-53% of the variation in velocity in the human skull. Both the X-ray energy and the reconstruction technique significantly alter the -squared value and the linear relationship between HU and speed of sound in bone. Accounting for these variations will lead to more accurate phase corrections and more efficient transmission of acoustic energy through the skull.
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138
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Munoz F, Aurup C, Konofagou EE, Ferrera VP. Modulation of Brain Function and Behavior by Focused Ultrasound. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2018; 5:153-164. [PMID: 30393592 PMCID: PMC6208352 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-018-0156-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The past decade has seen rapid growth in the application of focused ultrasound (FUS) as a tool for basic neuroscience research and potential treatment of brain disorders. Here, we review recent developments in our understanding of how FUS can alter brain activity, perception and behavior when applied to the central nervous system, either alone or in combination with circulating agents. RECENT FINDINGS Focused ultrasound in the central nervous system can directly excite or inhibit neuronal activity, as well as affect perception and behavior. Combining FUS with intravenous microbubbles to open the blood-brain barrier also affects neural activity and behavior, and the effects may be more sustained than FUS alone. Opening the BBB also allows delivery of drugs that do not cross the intact BBB including viral vectors for gene delivery. SUMMARY While further research is needed to elucidate the biophysical mechanisms, focused ultrasound, alone or in combination with other factors, is rapidly maturing as an effective technology for altering brain activity. Future challenges include refining control over targeting specificity, the volume of affected tissue, cell-type specificity (excitatory or inhibitory), and the duration of neural and behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Munoz
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
- Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
| | - Christian Aurup
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
| | - Elisa E Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
| | - Vincent P Ferrera
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
- Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027 USA
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139
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Prieto ML, Firouzi K, Khuri-Yakub BT, Maduke M. Activation of Piezo1 but Not Na V1.2 Channels by Ultrasound at 43 MHz. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:1217-1232. [PMID: 29525457 PMCID: PMC5914535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) can modulate the electrical activity of the excitable tissues, but the mechanisms underlying this effect are not understood at the molecular level or in terms of the physical modality through which US exerts its effects. Here, we report an experimental system that allows for stable patch-clamp recording in the presence of US at 43 MHz, a frequency known to stimulate neural activity. We describe the effects of US on two ion channels proposed to be involved in the response of excitable cells to US: the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel and the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.2. Our patch-clamp recordings, together with finite-element simulations of acoustic field parameters indicate that Piezo1 channels are activated by continuous wave US at 43 MHz and 50 or 90 W/cm2 through cell membrane stress caused by acoustic streaming. NaV1.2 channels were not affected through this mechanism at these intensities, but their kinetics could be accelerated by US-induced heating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Loynaz Prieto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kamyar Firouzi
- E. L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Merritt Maduke
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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140
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Sato T, Shapiro MG, Tsao DY. Ultrasonic Neuromodulation Causes Widespread Cortical Activation via an Indirect Auditory Mechanism. Neuron 2018; 98:1031-1041.e5. [PMID: 29804920 PMCID: PMC8127805 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound has received widespread attention as an emerging technology for targeted, non-invasive neuromodulation based on its ability to evoke electrophysiological and motor responses in animals. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal pattern of ultrasound-induced brain activity that could drive these responses. Here, we address this question by combining focused ultrasound with wide-field optical imaging of calcium signals in transgenic mice. Surprisingly, we find cortical activity patterns consistent with indirect activation of auditory pathways rather than direct neuromodulation at the ultrasound focus. Ultrasound-induced activity is similar to that evoked by audible sound. Furthermore, both ultrasound and audible sound elicit motor responses consistent with a startle reflex, with both responses reduced by chemical deafening. These findings reveal an indirect auditory mechanism for ultrasound-induced cortical activity and movement requiring careful consideration in future development of ultrasonic neuromodulation as a tool in neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Sato
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
| | - Doris Y Tsao
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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141
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Guo H, Hamilton M, Offutt SJ, Gloeckner CD, Li T, Kim Y, Legon W, Alford JK, Lim HH. Ultrasound Produces Extensive Brain Activation via a Cochlear Pathway. Neuron 2018; 98:1020-1030.e4. [PMID: 29804919 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) can noninvasively activate intact brain circuits, making it a promising neuromodulation technique. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism. Here, we apply transcranial US and perform brain mapping studies in guinea pigs using extracellular electrophysiology. We find that US elicits extensive activation across cortical and subcortical brain regions. However, transection of the auditory nerves or removal of cochlear fluids eliminates the US-induced activity, revealing an indirect auditory mechanism for US neural activation. Our findings indicate that US activates the ascending auditory system through a cochlear pathway, which can activate other non-auditory regions through cross-modal projections. This cochlear pathway mechanism challenges the idea that US can directly activate neurons in the intact brain, suggesting that future US stimulation studies will need to control for this effect to reach reliable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsun Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Mark Hamilton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Sarah J Offutt
- Restorative Therapies Group, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA
| | - Cory D Gloeckner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tianqi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Yohan Kim
- Restorative Therapies Group, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA
| | - Wynn Legon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jamu K Alford
- Restorative Therapies Group, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA
| | - Hubert H Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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142
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Yang PF, Phipps MA, Newton AT, Chaplin V, Gore JC, Caskey CF, Chen LM. Neuromodulation of sensory networks in monkey brain by focused ultrasound with MRI guidance and detection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7993. [PMID: 29789605 PMCID: PMC5964220 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) has gained recognition as a technique for non-invasive neuromodulation with high spatial precision and the ability to both excite and inhibit neural activity. Here we demonstrate that MRI-guided FUS is capable of exciting precise targets within areas 3a/3b in the monkey brain, causing downstream activations in off-target somatosensory and associated brain regions which are simultaneously detected by functional MRI. The similarity between natural tactile stimulation-and FUS- evoked fMRI activation patterns suggests that FUS likely can excite populations of neurons and produce associated spiking activities that may be subsequently transmitted to other functionally related touch regions. The across-region differences in fMRI signal changes relative to area 3a/3b between tactile and FUS conditions also indicate that FUS modulated the tactile network differently. The significantly faster rising (>1 sec) fMRI signals elicited by direct FUS stimulation at the targeted cortical region suggest that a different neural hemodynamic coupling mechanism may be involved in generating fMRI signals. This is the first demonstration of imaging neural excitation effects of FUS with BOLD fMRI on a specific functional circuit in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pai-Feng Yang
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - M Anthony Phipps
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Allen T Newton
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Vandiver Chaplin
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles F Caskey
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Li Min Chen
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA.
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143
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Daniels D, Sharabi S, Last D, Guez D, Salomon S, Zivli Z, Castel D, Volovick A, Grinfeld J, Rachmilevich I, Amar T, Liraz-Zaltsman S, Sargsyan N, Mardor Y, Harnof S. Focused Ultrasound-Induced Suppression of Auditory Evoked Potentials in Vivo. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2018; 44:1022-1030. [PMID: 29501283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of focused ultrasound-based neuromodulation affecting auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) in animals. Focused ultrasound-induced suppression of AEPs was performed in 22 rats and 5 pigs: Repetitive sounds were produced, and the induced AEPs were recorded before and repeatedly after FUS treatment of the auditory pathway. All treated animals exhibited a decrease in AEP amplitude post-treatment in contrast to animals undergoing the sham treatment. Suppression was weaker for rats treated at 2.3 W/cm2 (amplitudes decreased to 59.8 ± 3.3% of baseline) than rats treated at 4.6 W/cm2 (36.9 ± 7.5%, p <0.001). Amplitudes of the treated pigs decreased to 27.7 ± 5.9% of baseline. This effect lasted between 30 min and 1 mo in most treated animals. No evidence of heating during treatment or later brain damage/edema was observed. These results demonstrate the feasibility of inducing significant neuromodulation with non-thermal, non-invasive, reversible focused ultrasound. The long recovery times may have clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Daniels
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Shirley Sharabi
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - David Last
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - David Guez
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Sharona Salomon
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Zion Zivli
- Neurosurgery Department, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - David Castel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Neufeld Cardiac Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | - Sigal Liraz-Zaltsman
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Narek Sargsyan
- Faculty of Medicine, St. Georges University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yael Mardor
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sagi Harnof
- Neurosurgery Department, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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144
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Ultrasonic modulation of neural circuit activity. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 50:222-231. [PMID: 29674264 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) is recognized for its use in medical imaging as a diagnostic tool. As an acoustic energy source, US has become increasingly appreciated over the past decade for its ability to non-invasively modulate cellular activity including neuronal activity. Data obtained from a host of experimental models has shown that low-intensity US can reversibly modulate the physiological activity of neurons in peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and intact brain circuits. Experimental evidence indicates that acoustic pressures exerted by US act, in part, on mechanosensitive ion channels to modulate activity. While the precise mechanisms of action enabling US to both stimulate and suppress neuronal activity remain to be clarified, there are several advantages conferred by the physics of US that make it an appealing option for neuromodulation. For example, it can be focused with millimeter spatial resolutions through skull bone to deep-brain regions. By increasing our engineering capability to leverage such physical advantages while growing our understanding of how US affects neuronal function, the development of a new generation of non-invasive neurotechnology can be developed using ultrasonic methods.
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145
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Ultrasound Elicits Behavioral Responses through Mechanical Effects on Neurons and Ion Channels in a Simple Nervous System. J Neurosci 2018; 38:3081-3091. [PMID: 29463641 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1458-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Focused ultrasound has been shown to stimulate excitable cells, but the biophysical mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain poorly understood. To provide additional insight, we devised a behavioral-genetic assay applied to the well-characterized nervous system of Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. We found that pulsed ultrasound elicits robust reversal behavior in wild-type animals in a pressure-, duration-, and pulse protocol-dependent manner. Responses were preserved in mutants unable to sense thermal fluctuations and absent in mutants lacking neurons required for mechanosensation. Additionally, we found that the worm's response to ultrasound pulses rests on the expression of MEC-4, a DEG/ENaC/ASIC ion channel required for touch sensation. Consistent with prior studies of MEC-4-dependent currents in vivo, the worm's response was optimal for pulses repeated 300-1000 times per second. Based on these findings, we conclude that mechanical, rather than thermal, stimulation accounts for behavioral responses. Further, we propose that acoustic radiation force governs the response to ultrasound in a manner that depends on the touch receptor neurons and MEC-4-dependent ion channels. Our findings illuminate a complete pathway of ultrasound action, from the forces generated by propagating ultrasound to an activation of a specific ion channel. The findings further highlight the importance of optimizing ultrasound pulsing protocols when stimulating neurons via ion channels with mechanosensitive properties.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT How ultrasound influences neurons and other excitable cells has remained a mystery for decades. Although it is widely understood that ultrasound can heat tissues and induce mechanical strain, whether or not neuronal activation depends on heat, mechanical force, or both physical factors is not known. We harnessed Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes and their extraordinary sensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli to address this question. Whereas thermosensory mutants respond to ultrasound similar to wild-type animals, mechanosensory mutants were insensitive to ultrasound stimulation. Additionally, stimulus parameters that accentuate mechanical effects were more effective than those producing more heat. These findings highlight a mechanical nature of the effect of ultrasound on neurons and suggest specific ways to optimize stimulation protocols in specific tissues.
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146
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Abstract
The understanding of brain function and the capacity to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders rest on the ability to intervene in neuronal activity in specific brain circuits. Current methods of neuromodulation incur a tradeoff between spatial focus and the level of invasiveness. Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) is emerging as a neuromodulation approach that combines noninvasiveness with focus that can be relatively sharp even in regions deep in the brain. This may enable studies of the causal role of specific brain regions in specific behaviors and behavioral disorders. In addition to causal brain mapping, the spatial focus of FUS opens new avenues for treatments of neurological and psychiatric conditions. This review introduces existing and emerging FUS applications in neuromodulation, discusses the mechanisms of FUS effects on cellular excitability, considers the effects of specific stimulation parameters, and lays out the directions for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kubanek
- Departments of Neurobiology and Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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147
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Constans C, Mateo P, Tanter M, Aubry JF. Potential impact of thermal effects during ultrasonic neurostimulation: retrospective numerical estimation of temperature elevation in seven rodent setups. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 63:025003. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aaa15c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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148
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Gulick DW, Li T, Kleim JA, Towe BC. Comparison of Electrical and Ultrasound Neurostimulation in Rat Motor Cortex. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:2824-2833. [PMID: 28964613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2017.08.937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) is known to non-invasively stimulate and modulate brain function; however, the mechanism of action is poorly understood. This study tested US stimulation of rat motor cortex (100 W/cm2, 200 kHz) in combination with epidural cortical stimulation. US directly evoked hindlimb movement. This response occurred even with short US bursts (3 ms) and had short latency (10 ms) and long refractory (3 s) periods. Unexpectedly, the epidural cortical stimulation hindlimb response was not altered during the 3-s refractory period of the US hindlimb response. This finding suggests that the US refractory period is not a general suppression of motor cortex, but rather the recovery time of a US-specific mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Gulick
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jeffrey A Kleim
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Bruce C Towe
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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149
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Kim E, Anguluan E, Kim JG. Monitoring cerebral hemodynamic change during transcranial ultrasound stimulation using optical intrinsic signal imaging. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13148. [PMID: 29030623 PMCID: PMC5640689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13572-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (tUS) is a promising non-invasive approach to modulate brain circuits. The application is gaining popularity, however the full effect of ultrasound stimulation is still unclear and further investigation is needed. This study aims to apply optical intrinsic signal imaging (OISI) for the first time, to simultaneously monitor the wide-field cerebral hemodynamic change during tUS on awake animal with high spatial and temporal resolution. Three stimulation paradigms were delivered using a single-element focused transducer operating at 425 kHz in pulsed mode having the same intensity (ISPPA = 1.84 W/cm2, ISPTA = 129 mW/cm2) but varying pulse repetition frequencies (PRF). The results indicate a concurrent hemodynamic change occurring with all actual tUS but not under a sham stimulation. The stimulation initiated the increase of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and decrease of deoxygenated hemoglobin (RHb). A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in the amplitude change of hemodynamics evoked by varying PRF. Moreover, the acoustic stimulation was able to trigger a global as well as local cerebral hemodynamic alteration in the mouse cortex. Thus, the implementation of OISI offers the possibility of directly investigating brain response in an awake animal during tUS through cerebral hemodynamic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Kim
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Eloise Anguluan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea
| | - Jae Gwan Kim
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Korea.
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150
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