1
|
Zhang Y, Zhang H, Xu T, Liu J, Mu J, Chen R, Yang J, Wang P, Jian X. A simulation study of transcranial magnetoacoustic stimulation of the basal ganglia thalamic neural network to improve pathological beta oscillations in Parkinson's disease. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2024; 254:108297. [PMID: 38905990 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. Transcranial magnetoacoustic stimulation (TMAS) is a new therapy that combines a transcranial focused acoustic pressure field with a magnetic field to excite or inhibit neurons in targeted area, which suppresses the abnormally elevated beta band amplitude in PD states, with high spatial resolution and non-invasively. OBJECTIVE To study the effective stimulation parameters of TMAS mononuclear and multinuclear stimulation for the treatment of PD with reduced beta band energy, improved abnormal synchronization, and no thermal damage. METHODS The TMAS model is constructed based on the volunteer's computed tomography, 128 arrays of phase-controlled transducers, and permanent magnets. A basal ganglia-thalamic (BG-Th) neural network model of the PD state was constructed on the basis of the Izhikevich model and the acoustic model. An ultrasound stimulation neuron model is constructed based on the Hodgkin-Huxley model. Numerical simulations of transcranial focused acoustic pressure field, temperature field and induced electric field at single and dual targets were performed using the locations of STN, GPi, and GPe in the human brain as the main stimulation target areas. And the acoustic and electric parameters at the focus were extracted to stimulate mononuclear and multinuclear in the BG-Th neural network. RESULTS When the stimulating effect of ultrasound is ignored, TMAS-STN simultaneously inhibits the beta-band amplitude of the GPi nucleus, whereas TMAS-GPi fails to simultaneously have an inhibitory effect on the STN. TMAS-STN&GPi can reduce the beta band amplitude. TMAS-STN&GPi&GPe suppressed the PD pathologic beta band amplitude of each nucleus to a greater extent. When considering the stimulatory effect of ultrasound, lower sound pressures of ultrasound do not affect the neuronal firing state, but higher sound pressures may promote or inhibit the stimulatory effect of induced currents. CONCLUSIONS At 9 T static magnetic field, 0.5-1.5 MPa and 1.5-2.0 MPa ultrasound had synergistic effects on individual STN and GPi neurons. TMAS multinuclear stimulation with appropriate ultrasound intensity was the most effective in suppressing the amplitude of pathological beta oscillations in PD and may be clinically useful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin International Joint Research Centre for Neural Engineering, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Haihe Laboratory of Brain-Computer Interaction and Human-Machine Integration, Tianjin 300392, China
| | - Tianya Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jiahe Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jiayang Mu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Rongjie Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiumin Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Peiguo Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Caner Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiqi Jian
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nandi T, Kop BR, Butts Pauly K, Stagg CJ, Verhagen L. The relationship between parameters and effects in transcranial ultrasonic stimulation. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2407.01232v2. [PMID: 39010874 PMCID: PMC11247914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Transcranial ultrasonic stimulation (TUS) is rapidly gaining traction for non-invasive human neuromodulation, with a pressing need to establish protocols that maximise neuromodulatory efficacy. In this review, we aggregate and examine empirical evidence for the relationship between tunable TUS parameters and in vitro and in vivo outcomes. Based on this multiscale approach, TUS researchers can make better informed decisions about optimal parameter settings. Importantly, we also discuss the challenges involved in extrapolating results from prior empirical work to future interventions, including the translation of protocols between models and the complex interaction between TUS protocols and the brain. A synthesis of the empirical evidence suggests that larger effects will be observed at lower frequencies within the sub-MHz range, higher intensities and pressures than commonly administered thus far, and longer pulses and pulse train durations. Nevertheless, we emphasise the need for cautious interpretation of empirical data from different experimental paradigms when basing protocols on prior work as we advance towards refined TUS parameters for human neuromodulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Nandi
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin R Kop
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Butts Pauly
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Medical Research Council Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lennart Verhagen
- Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feng R, Sheng H, Lian Y. Advances in using ultrasound to regulate the nervous system. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2997-3006. [PMID: 38436788 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07426-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound is a mechanical vibration with a frequency greater than 20 kHz. Due to its high spatial resolution, good directionality, and convenient operation in neural regulation, it has recently received increasing attention from scientists. However, the mechanism by which ultrasound regulates the nervous system is still unclear. This article mainly explores the possible mechanisms of ultrasound's mechanical effects, cavitation effects, thermal effects, and the rise of sonogenetics. In addition, the essence of action potential and its relationship with ultrasound were also discussed. Traditional theory treats nerve impulses as pure electrical signals, similar to cable theory. However, this theory cannot explain the phenomenon of inductance and cell membrane bulging out during the propagation of action potential. Therefore, the flexoelectric effect of cell membrane and soliton model reveal that action potential may also be a mechanical wave. Finally, we also elaborated the therapeutic effect of ultrasound on nervous system disease such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Feng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hanqing Sheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yajun Lian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gao H, Ramachandran S, Yu K, He B. Transcranial focused ultrasound activates feedforward and feedback cortico-thalamo-cortical pathways by selectively activating excitatory neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.26.600794. [PMID: 38979359 PMCID: PMC11230429 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.26.600794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) has been proven capable of altering focal neuronal activities and neural circuits non-invasively in both animals and humans. The abilities of tFUS for cell-type selection within the targeted area like somatosensory cortex have been shown to be parameter related. However, how neuronal subpopulations across neural pathways are affected, for example how tFUS affected neuronal connections between brain areas remains unclear. In this study, multi-site intracranial recordings were used to quantify the neuronal responses to tFUS stimulation at somatosensory cortex (S1), motor cortex (M1) and posterior medial thalamic nucleus (POm) of cortico-thalamo-cortical (CTC) pathway. We found that when targeting at S1 or POm, only regular spiking units (RSUs, putative excitatory neurons) responded to specific tFUS parameters (duty cycle: 6%-60% and pulse repetition frequency: 1500 and 3000 Hz ) during sonication. RSUs from the directly connected area (POm or S1) showed a synchronized response, which changed the directional correlation between RSUs from POm and S1. The tFUS induced excitation of RSUs activated the feedforward and feedback loops between cortex and thalamus, eliciting delayed neuronal responses of RSUs and delayed activities of fast spiking units (FSUs) by affecting local network. Our findings indicated that tFUS can modulate the CTC pathway through both feedforward and feedback loops, which could influence larger cortical areas including motor cortex.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramachandran S, Gao H, Yttri E, Yu K, He B. An Investigation of Parameter-Dependent Cell-Type Specific Effects of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation Using an Awake Head-Fixed Rodent Model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.24.600515. [PMID: 38979298 PMCID: PMC11230196 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.24.600515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a promising neuromodulation technique able to target shallow and deep brain structures with high precision. Previous studies have demonstrated that tFUS stimulation responses are both cell-type specific and controllable through altering stimulation parameters. Specifically, tFUS can elicit time-locked neural activity in regular spiking units (RSUs) that is sensitive to increases in pulse repetition frequency (PRF), while time-locked responses are not seen in fast spiking units (FSUs). These findings suggest a unique capability of tFUS to alter circuit network dynamics with cell-type specificity; however, these results could be biased by the use of anesthesia, which significantly modulates neural activities. In this study, we develop an awake head-fixed rat model specifically designed for tFUS study, and address a key question if tFUS still has cell-type specificity under awake conditions. Using this novel animal model, we examined a series of PRFs and burst duty cycles (DCs) to determine their effects on neuronal subpopulations without anesthesia. We conclude that cell-type specific time-locked and delayed responses to tFUS as well as PRF and DC sensitivity are present in the awake animal model and that despite some differences in response, isoflurane anesthesia is not a major confound in studying the cell-type specificity of ultrasound neuromodulation. We further determine that, in an awake, head-fixed setting, the preferred PRF and DC for inducing time-locked excitation with our pulsed tFUS paradigm are 1500 Hz and 60%, respectively.
Collapse
|
6
|
Olaitan GO, Ganesana M, Strohman A, Lynch WJ, Legon W, Jill Venton B. Focused Ultrasound Modulates Dopamine in a Mesolimbic Reward Circuit. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.13.580202. [PMID: 38979318 PMCID: PMC11230179 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.13.580202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in reward and motivation. Dysfunction in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway has been linked to a variety of psychiatric disorders, including addiction. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has demonstrated effects on brain activity, but how LIFU affects dopamine neurotransmission is not known. Here, we applied three different intensities (6.5, 13, and 26 W/cm 2 I sppa ) of 2-minute LIFU to the prelimbic region (PLC) and measured dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Two minutes of LIFU sonication at 13 W/cm 2 to the PLC significantly reduced dopamine release by ∼ 50% for up to 2 hours. However, double the intensity (26 W/cm 2 ) resulted in less inhibition (∼30%), and half the intensity (6.5 W/cm 2 ) did not result in any inhibition of dopamine. Anatomical controls applying LIFU to the primary somatosensory cortex did not change NAc core dopamine, and applying LIFU to the PLC did not affect dopamine release in the caudate or NAc shell. Histological evaluations showed no evidence of cell damage or death. Modeling of temperature rise demonstrates a maximum temperature change of 0.5°C with 13 W/cm 2 , suggesting that modulation is not due to thermal mechanisms. These studies show that LIFU at a moderate intensity provides a noninvasive, high spatial resolution means to modulate specific mesolimbic circuits that could be used in future studies to target and repair pathways that are dysfunctional in addiction and other psychiatric diseases.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wilson MG, Riis TS, Kubanek J. Controlled ultrasonic interventions through the human skull. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1412921. [PMID: 38979100 PMCID: PMC11228146 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1412921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound enables precise and non-invasive manipulations of deep brain circuits in humans, promising to provide safe and effective treatments of various neurological and mental health conditions. Ultrasound focused to deep brain targets can be used to modulate neural activity directly or localize the release of psychoactive drugs. However, these applications have been impeded by a key barrier-the human skull, which attenuates ultrasound strongly and unpredictably. To address this issue, we have developed an ultrasound-based approach that directly measures and compensates for the ultrasound attenuation by the skull. No additional skull imaging, simulations, assumptions, or free parameters are necessary; the method measures the attenuation directly by emitting a pulse of ultrasound from an array on one side of the head and measuring with an array on the opposite side. Here, we apply this emerging method to two primary future uses-neuromodulation and local drug release. Specifically, we show that the correction enables effective stimulation of peripheral nerves and effective release of propofol from nanoparticle carriers through an ex vivo human skull. Neither application was effective without the correction. Moreover, the effects show the expected dose-response relationship and targeting specificity. This article highlights the need for precise control of ultrasound intensity within the skull and provides a direct and practical approach for addressing this lingering barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Thomas S Riis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Jan Kubanek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kosnoff J, Yu K, Liu C, He B. Transcranial focused ultrasound to V5 enhances human visual motion brain-computer interface by modulating feature-based attention. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4382. [PMID: 38862476 PMCID: PMC11167030 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A brain-computer interface (BCI) enables users to control devices with their minds. Despite advancements, non-invasive BCIs still exhibit high error rates, prompting investigation into the potential reduction through concurrent targeted neuromodulation. Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technology with high spatiotemporal precision. This study examines whether tFUS neuromodulation can improve BCI outcomes, and explores the underlying mechanism of action using high-density electroencephalography (EEG) source imaging (ESI). As a result, V5-targeted tFUS significantly reduced the error in a BCI speller task. Source analyses revealed a significantly increase in theta and alpha activities in the tFUS condition at both V5 and downstream in the dorsal visual processing pathway. Correlation analysis indicated that the connection within the dorsal processing pathway was preserved during tFUS stimulation, while the ventral connection was weakened. These findings suggest that V5-targeted tFUS enhances feature-based attention to visual motion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kosnoff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, USA
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, USA
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Bin He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, USA.
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15237, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Atkinson-Clement C, Alkhawashki M, Ross J, Gatica M, Zhang C, Sallet J, Kaiser M. Dynamical and individualised approach of transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation effects in non-human primates. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11916. [PMID: 38789473 PMCID: PMC11126417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62562-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Low-frequency transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) allows to alter brain functioning with a high spatial resolution and to reach deep targets. However, the time-course of TUS effects remains largely unknown. We applied TUS on three brain targets for three different monkeys: the anterior medial prefrontal cortex, the supplementary motor area and the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex. For each, one resting-state fMRI was acquired between 30 and 150 min after TUS as well as one without stimulation (control). We captured seed-based brain connectivity changes dynamically and on an individual basis. We also assessed between individuals and between targets homogeneity and brain features that predicted TUS changes. We found that TUS prompts heterogenous functional connectivity alterations yet retain certain consistent changes; we identified 6 time-courses of changes including transient and long duration alterations; with a notable degree of accuracy we found that brain alterations could partially be predicted. Altogether, our results highlight that TUS induces heterogeneous functional connectivity alterations. On a more technical point, we also emphasize the need to consider brain changes over-time rather than just observed during a snapshot; to consider inter-individual variability since changes could be highly different from one individual to another.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Ross
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marilyn Gatica
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chencheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China
| | - Jerome Sallet
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, Université Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Marcus Kaiser
- Precision Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma X, Wang X, Zhu K, Ma R, Chu F, Liu X, Zhang S, Yin T, Zhou X, Liu Z. Study on the Role of Physical Fields in TMAS to Modulate Synaptic Plasticity in Mice. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:1531-1541. [PMID: 38117631 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2023.3342012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transcranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is a composite technique combining static magnetic and coupled electric fields with transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) and has shown advantages in neuromodulation. However, the role of these physical fields in neuromodulation is unclear. Synaptic plasticity is the cellular basis for learning and memory. In this paper, we varied the intensity of static magnetic, electric and ultrasonic fields respectively to investigate the modulation of synaptic plasticity by these physical fields. METHODS There are control, static magnetic field (0.1 T/0.2 T), TUS (0.15/0.3 MPa), and TMAS (0.15 MPa + 0.2 V/m, 0.3 MPa + 0.2 V/m, 0.3 MPa + 0.4 V/m) groups. Hippocampal areas were stimulated at 5 min daily for 7 days and in vivo electrophysiological experiments were performed. RESULTS TMAS induced greater LTP, LTD, and paired-pulse ratio (PPR) than TUS, reflecting that TMAS has a more significant modulation in both long- and short- term synaptic plasticity. In TMAS, a doubling of the electric field amplitude increases LTP, LTD and PPR to a greater extent than a doubling of the acoustic pressure. Increasing the static magnetic field intensity has no significant effect on the modulation of synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSION This paper argues that electric fields should be the main reason for the difference in modulation between TMAS and TUS and that changing the amplitude of the electric field affected the modulation of TMAS more than changing the acoustic pressure. SIGNIFICANCE This study elucidates the roles of the physical fields in TMAS and provides a parameterisation way to guide TMAS applications based on the dominant roles of the physical fields.
Collapse
|
11
|
Bancel T, Béranger B, Daniel M, Didier M, Santin M, Rachmilevitch I, Shapira Y, Tanter M, Bardinet E, Fernandez Vidal S, Attali D, Galléa C, Dizeux A, Vidailhet M, Lehéricy S, Grabli D, Pyatigorskaya N, Karachi C, Hainque E, Aubry JF. Sustained reduction of essential tremor with low-power non-thermal transcranial focused ultrasound stimulations in humans. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:636-647. [PMID: 38734066 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique; when skull aberrations are compensated for, this technique allows, with millimetric accuracy, circumvention of the invasive surgical procedure associated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the limited spatial specificity of transcranial magnetic stimulation. OBJECTIVE /hypothesis: We hypothesize that MR-guided low-power TUS can induce a sustained decrease of tremor power in patients suffering from medically refractive essential tremor. METHODS The dominant hand only was targeted, and two anatomical sites were sonicated in this exploratory study: the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) and the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRT). Patients (N = 9) were equipped with MR-compatible accelerometers attached to their hands to monitor their tremor in real-time during TUS. RESULTS VIM neurostimulations followed by a low-duty cycle (5 %) DRT stimulation induced a substantial decrease in the tremor power in four patients, with a minimum of 89.9 % reduction when compared with the baseline power a few minutes after the DRT stimulation. The only patient stimulated in the VIM only and with a low duty cycle (5 %) also experienced a sustained reduction of the tremor (up to 93.4 %). Four patients (N = 4) did not respond. The temperature at target was 37.2 ± 1.4 °C compared to 36.8 ± 1.4 °C for a 3 cm away control point. CONCLUSIONS MR-guided low power TUS can induce a substantial and sustained decrease of tremor power. Follow-up studies need to be conducted to reproduce the effect and better to understand the variability of the response amongst patients. MR thermometry during neurostimulations showed no significant thermal rise, supporting a mechanical effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bancel
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Benoît Béranger
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Daniel
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Didier
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Santin
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Mickael Tanter
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Eric Bardinet
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Sara Fernandez Vidal
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - David Attali
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, GHU-Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Galléa
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Dizeux
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Marie Vidailhet
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France; Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Lehéricy
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France; Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - David Grabli
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Nadya Pyatigorskaya
- ICM-Paris Brain Institute, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche-CENIR, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France; Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Carine Karachi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Hainque
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Aubry
- Physics for Medicine Paris, Inserm U1273, ESPCI Paris, CNRS UMR 8063, PSL University, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sherman J, Bortz E, Antonio ES, Tseng HA, Raiff L, Han X. Ultrasound pulse repetition frequency preferentially activates different neuron populations independent of cell type. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.586645. [PMID: 38585918 PMCID: PMC10996595 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Transcranial ultrasound activates mechanosensitive cellular signaling and modulates neural dynamics. Given that intrinsic neuronal activity is limited to a couple hundred hertz and often exhibits frequency preference, we examined whether pulsing ultrasound at physiologic pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) could selectively influence neuronal activity in the mammalian brain. We performed calcium imaging of individual motor cortex neurons, while delivering 0.35 MHz ultrasound at PRFs of 10, 40, and 140 Hz in awake mice. We found that most neurons were preferentially activated by only one of the three PRFs, highlighting unique cellular effects of physiologic PRFs. Further, ultrasound evoked responses were similar between excitatory neurons and parvalbumin positive interneurons regardless of PRFs, indicating that individual cell sensitivity dominates ultrasound-evoked effects, consistent with the heterogeneous mechanosensitive channel expression we found across single neurons in mice and humans. These results highlight the feasibility of tuning ultrasound neuromodulation effects through varying PRFs.
Collapse
|
13
|
Stoddart PR, Begeng JM, Tong W, Ibbotson MR, Kameneva T. Nanoparticle-based optical interfaces for retinal neuromodulation: a review. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1360870. [PMID: 38572073 PMCID: PMC10987880 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1360870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina is a leading cause of blindness, but commonly leaves the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and/or bipolar cells extant. Consequently, these cells are an attractive target for the invasive electrical implants colloquially known as "bionic eyes." However, after more than two decades of concerted effort, interfaces based on conventional electrical stimulation approaches have delivered limited efficacy, primarily due to the current spread in retinal tissue, which precludes high-acuity vision. The ideal prosthetic solution would be less invasive, provide single-cell resolution and an ability to differentiate between different cell types. Nanoparticle-mediated approaches can address some of these requirements, with particular attention being directed at light-sensitive nanoparticles that can be accessed via the intrinsic optics of the eye. Here we survey the available known nanoparticle-based optical transduction mechanisms that can be exploited for neuromodulation. We review the rapid progress in the field, together with outstanding challenges that must be addressed to translate these techniques to clinical practice. In particular, successful translation will likely require efficient delivery of nanoparticles to stable and precisely defined locations in the retinal tissues. Therefore, we also emphasize the current literature relating to the pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles in the eye. While considerable challenges remain to be overcome, progress to date shows great potential for nanoparticle-based interfaces to revolutionize the field of visual prostheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Stoddart
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - James M. Begeng
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wei Tong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Physics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael R. Ibbotson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tatiana Kameneva
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mesik L, Parkins S, Severin D, Grier BD, Ewall G, Kotha S, Wesselborg C, Moreno C, Jaoui Y, Felder A, Huang B, Johnson MB, Harrigan TP, Knight AE, Lani SW, Lemaire T, Kirkwood A, Hwang GM, Lee HK. Transcranial Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of the Visual Thalamus Produces Long-Term Depression of Thalamocortical Synapses in the Adult Visual Cortex. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0784232024. [PMID: 38316559 PMCID: PMC10941064 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0784-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique, which can penetrate deeper and modulate neural activity with a greater spatial resolution (on the order of millimeters) than currently available noninvasive brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). While there are several studies demonstrating the ability of tFUS to modulate neuronal activity, it is unclear whether it can be used for producing long-term plasticity as needed to modify circuit function, especially in adult brain circuits with limited plasticity such as the thalamocortical synapses. Here we demonstrate that transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) stimulation of the visual thalamus (dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, dLGN), a deep brain structure, leads to NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term depression of its synaptic transmission onto layer 4 neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) of adult mice of both sexes. This change is not accompanied by large increases in neuronal activity, as visualized using the cFos Targeted Recombination in Active Populations (cFosTRAP2) mouse line, or activation of microglia, which was assessed with IBA-1 staining. Using a model (SONIC) based on the neuronal intramembrane cavitation excitation (NICE) theory of ultrasound neuromodulation, we find that the predicted activity pattern of dLGN neurons upon sonication is state-dependent with a range of activity that falls within the parameter space conducive for inducing long-term synaptic depression. Our results suggest that noninvasive transcranial LIFU stimulation has a potential for recovering long-term plasticity of thalamocortical synapses in the postcritical period adult brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Mesik
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Samuel Parkins
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Cell Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Daniel Severin
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Bryce D Grier
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Gabrielle Ewall
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Sumasri Kotha
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Christian Wesselborg
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Cell Molecular Developmental Biology and Biophysics Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Cristian Moreno
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Yanis Jaoui
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Adrianna Felder
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Brian Huang
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Marina B Johnson
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Timothy P Harrigan
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Anna E Knight
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Shane W Lani
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Théo Lemaire
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York 10016
| | - Alfredo Kirkwood
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Grace M Hwang
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland 20723
| | - Hey-Kyoung Lee
- Zanvyl-Krieger Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zadeh AK, Raghuram H, Shrestha S, Kibreab M, Kathol I, Martino D, Pike GB, Pichardo S, Monchi O. The effect of transcranial ultrasound pulse repetition frequency on sustained inhibition in the human primary motor cortex: A double-blind, sham-controlled study. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:476-484. [PMID: 38621645 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation hold promise for inducing brain plasticity. However, their limited precision may hamper certain applications. In contrast, Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS), known for its precision and deep brain targeting capabilities, requires further investigation to establish its efficacy in producing enduring effects for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVE To investigate the enduring effects of different pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) of TUS on motor corticospinal excitability. METHODS T1-, T2-weighted, and zero echo time magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired from 21 neurologically healthy participants for neuronavigation, skull reconstruction, and the performance of transcranial ultrasound and thermal modelling. The effects of three different TUS PRFs (10, 100, and 1000 Hz) with a constant duty cycle of 10 % on corticospinal excitability in the primary motor cortex were assessed using TMS-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Each PRF and sham condition was evaluated on separate days, with measurements taken 5-, 30-, and 60-min post-TUS. RESULTS A significant decrease in MEP amplitude was observed with a PRF of 10 Hz (p = 0.007), which persisted for at least 30 min, and with a PRF of 100 Hz (p = 0.001), lasting over 60 min. However, no significant changes were found for the PRF of 1000 Hz and the sham conditions. CONCLUSION This study highlights the significance of PRF selection in TUS and underscores its potential as a non-invasive approach to reduce corticospinal excitability, offering valuable insights for future clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali K Zadeh
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | | | - Shirshak Shrestha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mekale Kibreab
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Iris Kathol
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Davide Martino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - G Bruce Pike
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Samuel Pichardo
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Oury Monchi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Radiology, Radio-oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Université de Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shen Y, Jethe JV, Hehir J, Amaral MM, Ren C, Hao S, Zhou C, Fisher JAN. Label free, capillary-scale blood flow mapping in vivo reveals that low intensity focused ultrasound evokes persistent dilation in cortical microvasculature. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.08.579513. [PMID: 38370686 PMCID: PMC10871316 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.579513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive, low intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging neuromodulation technique that offers the potential for precision, personalized therapy. An increasing body of research has identified mechanosensitive ion channels that can be modulated by FUS and support acute electrical activity in neurons. However, neuromodulatory effects that persist from hours to days have also been reported. The brain's ability to provide targeted blood flow to electrically active regions involve a multitude of non-neuronal cell types and signaling pathways in the cerebral vasculature; an open question is whether persistent effects can be attributed, at least partly, to vascular mechanisms. Using a novel in vivo optical approach, we found that microvascular responses, unlike larger vessels which prior investigations have explored, exhibit persistent dilation. This finding and approach offers a heretofore unseen aspect of the effects of FUS in vivo and indicate that concurrent changes in neurovascular function may partially underly persistent neuromodulatory effects.
Collapse
|
17
|
Riis T, Feldman D, Losser A, Mickey B, Kubanek J. Device for Multifocal Delivery of Ultrasound Into Deep Brain Regions in Humans. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:660-668. [PMID: 37695955 PMCID: PMC10803076 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2023.3313987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Low-intensity focused ultrasound provides the means to noninvasively stimulate or release drugs in specified deep brain targets. However, successful clinical translations require hardware that maximizes acoustic transmission through the skull, enables flexible electronic steering, and provides accurate and reproducible targeting while minimizing the use of MRI. We have developed a device that addresses these practical requirements. The device delivers ultrasound through the temporal and parietal skull windows, which minimize the attenuation and distortions of the ultrasound by the skull. The device consists of 252 independently controlled elements, which provides the ability to modulate multiple deep brain targets at a high spatiotemporal resolution, without the need to move the device or the subject. And finally, the device uses a mechanical registration method that enables accurate deep brain targeting both inside and outside of the MRI. Using this method, a single MRI scan is necessary for accurate targeting; repeated subsequent treatments can be performed reproducibly in an MRI-free manner. We validated these functions by transiently modulating specific deep brain regions in two patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Collapse
|
18
|
Meng W, Lin Z, Bian T, Chen X, Meng L, Yuan T, Niu L, Zheng H. Ultrasound Deep Brain Stimulation Regulates Food Intake and Body Weight in Mice. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2024; 32:366-377. [PMID: 38194393 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2024.3351312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Given the widespread occurrence of obesity, new strategies are urgently needed to prevent, halt and reverse this condition. We proposed a noninvasive neurostimulation tool, ultrasound deep brain stimulation (UDBS), which can specifically modulate the hypothalamus and effectively regulate food intake and body weight in mice. Fifteen-min UDBS of hypothalamus decreased 41.4% food intake within 2 hours. Prolonged 1-hour UDBS significantly decreased daily food intake lasting 4 days. UDBS also effectively restrained body weight gain in leptin-receptor knockout mice (Sham: 96.19%, UDBS: 58.61%). High-fat diet (HFD) mice treated with 4-week UDBS (15 min / 2 days) reduced 28.70% of the body weight compared to the Sham group. Meanwhile, UDBS significantly modulated glucose-lipid metabolism and decreased the body fat. The potential mechanism is that ultrasound actives pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus for reduction of food intake and body weight. These results provide a noninvasive tool for controlling food intake, enabling systematic treatment of obesity.
Collapse
|
19
|
Su Z, Liu M, Yuan Y, Jiao H. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation selectively affects cortical neurovascular coupling across neuronal types and LFP frequency bands. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad465. [PMID: 38044470 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have affirmed that transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) can influence cortical neurovascular coupling across low-frequency (0-2 Hz)/high-frequency (160-200 Hz) neural oscillations and hemodynamics. Nevertheless, the selectivity of this coupling triggered by transcranial ultrasound stimulation for spike activity (> 300 Hz) and additional frequency bands (4-150 Hz) remains elusive. We applied transcranial ultrasound stimulation to mice visual cortex while simultaneously recording total hemoglobin concentration, spike activity, and local field potentials. Our findings include (1) a significant increase in coupling strength between spike firing rates of putative inhibitory neurons/putative excitatory neurons and total hemoglobin concentration post-transcranial ultrasound stimulation; (2) an ~ 2.1-fold higher Pearson correlation coefficient between putative inhibitory neurons and total hemoglobin concentration compared with putative excitatory neurons and total hemoglobin concentration (*P < 0.05); (3) a notably greater cross-correlation between putative inhibitory neurons and total hemoglobin concentration than that between putative excitatory neurons and total hemoglobin concentration (*P < 0.05); (4) an enhancement of Pearson correlation coefficient between the relative power of γ frequency band (30-80 Hz), hγ frequency band (80-150 Hz) and total hemoglobin concentration following transcranial ultrasound stimulation (*P < 0.05); and (5) strongest cross-correlation observed at negative delay for θ frequency band, and positive delay for α, β, γ, hγ frequency bands. Collectively, these results demonstrate that cortical neurovascular coupling evoked by transcranial ultrasound stimulation exhibits selectivity concerning neuronal types and local field potential frequency bands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaocheng Su
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Mengyang Liu
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Honglei Jiao
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schoeters R, Tarnaud T, Martens L, Tanghe E. Simulation study on high spatio-temporal resolution acousto-electrophysiological neuroimaging. J Neural Eng 2024; 20:066039. [PMID: 38109769 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad169c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Acousto-electrophysiological neuroimaging (AENI) is a technique hypothesized to record electrophysiological activity of the brain with millimeter spatial and sub-millisecond temporal resolution. This improvement is obtained by tagging areas with focused ultrasound (fUS). Due to mechanical vibration with respect to the measuring electrodes, the electrical activity of the marked region will be modulated onto the ultrasonic frequency. The region's electrical activity can subsequently be retrieved via demodulation of the measured signal. In this study, the feasibility of this hypothesized technique is tested.Approach.This is done by calculating the forward electroencephalography response under quasi-static assumptions. The head is simplified as a set of concentric spheres. Two sizes are evaluated representing human and mouse brains. Moreover, feasibility is assessed for wet and dry transcranial, and for cortically placed electrodes. The activity sources are modeled by dipoles, with their current intensity profile drawn from a power-law power spectral density.Results.It is shown that mechanical vibration modulates the endogenous activity onto the ultrasonic frequency. The signal strength depends non-linearly on the alignment between dipole orientation, vibration direction and recording point. The strongest signal is measured when these three dependencies are perfectly aligned. The signal strengths are in the pV-range for a dipole moment of 5 nAm and ultrasonic pressures within Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-limits. The endogenous activity can then be accurately reconstructed via demodulation. Two interference types are investigated: vibrational and static. Depending on the vibrational interference, it is shown that millimeter resolution signal detection is possible also for deep brain regions. Subsequently, successful demodulation depends on the static interference, that at MHz-range has to be sub-picovolt.Significance.Our results show that mechanical vibration is a possible underlying mechanism of acousto-electrophyisological neuroimaging. This paper is a first step towards improved understanding of the conditions under which AENI is feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schoeters
- Department of Information Technology (INTEC-WAVES/IMEC), Ghent University/IMEC, Technologypark 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Thomas Tarnaud
- Department of Information Technology (INTEC-WAVES/IMEC), Ghent University/IMEC, Technologypark 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Luc Martens
- Department of Information Technology (INTEC-WAVES/IMEC), Ghent University/IMEC, Technologypark 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Emmeric Tanghe
- Department of Information Technology (INTEC-WAVES/IMEC), Ghent University/IMEC, Technologypark 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Davoudi N, Estrada H, Özbek A, Shoham S, Razansky D. Model-based correction of rapid thermal confounds in fluorescence neuroimaging of targeted perturbation. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:014413. [PMID: 38371339 PMCID: PMC10871046 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.1.014413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Significance An array of techniques for targeted neuromodulation is emerging, with high potential in brain research and therapy. Calcium imaging or other forms of functional fluorescence imaging are central solutions for monitoring cortical neural responses to targeted neuromodulation, but often are confounded by thermal effects that are inter-mixed with neural responses. Aim Here, we develop and demonstrate a method for effectively suppressing fluorescent thermal transients from calcium responses. Approach We use high precision phased-array 3 MHz focused ultrasound delivery integrated with fiberscope-based widefield fluorescence to monitor cortex-wide calcium changes. Our approach for detecting the neural activation first takes advantage of the high inter-hemispheric correlation of resting state Ca 2 + dynamics and then removes the ultrasound-induced thermal effect by subtracting its simulated spatio-temporal signature from the processed profile. Results The focused 350 μ m -sized ultrasound stimulus triggered rapid localized activation events dominated by transient thermal responses produced by ultrasound. By employing bioheat equation to model the ultrasound heat deposition, we can recover putative neural responses to ultrasound. Conclusions The developed method for canceling transient thermal fluorescence quenching could also find applications with optical stimulation techniques to monitor thermal effects and disentangle them from neural responses. This approach may help deepen our understanding of the mechanisms and macroscopic effects of ultrasound neuromodulation, further paving the way for tailoring the stimulation regimes toward specific applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neda Davoudi
- University of Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
- ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Zurich, Switzerland
- ETH AI Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hector Estrada
- University of Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
- ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ali Özbek
- University of Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
- ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shy Shoham
- NYU Langone Health, Neuroscience Institutes, Department of Ophthalmology and Tech4Health New York, United States
| | - Daniel Razansky
- University of Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zurich, Switzerland
- ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Zurich, Switzerland
- ETH AI Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hwang S, Jun SB. Ultrasound neuromodulation of cultured hippocampal neurons. Biomed Eng Lett 2024; 14:79-89. [PMID: 38186947 PMCID: PMC10769976 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-023-00314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is becoming an emerging and promising method for neuromodulation due to its advantage of noninvasiveness and its high spatial resolution. However, the underlying principles of ultrasound neuromodulation have not yet been elucidated. We have herein developed a new in vitro setup to study the ultrasonic neuromodulation, and examined various parameters of ultrasound to verify the effective conditions to evoke the neural activity. Neurons were stimulated with 0.5 MHz center frequency ultrasound, and the action potentials were recorded from rat hippocampal neural cells cultured on microelectrode arrays. As the intensity of ultrasound increased, the neuronal activity also increased. There was a notable and significant increase in both the spike rate and the number of bursts at 50% duty cycle, 1 kHz pulse repetition frequency, and the acoustic intensities of 7.6 W/cm2 and 3.8 W/cm2 in terms of spatial-peak pulse-average intensity and spatial-peak temporal-average intensity, respectively. In addition, the impact of ultrasonic neuromodulation was assessed in the presence of a gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor antagonist to exclude the effect of activated inhibitory neurons. Interestingly, it is noteworthy that the predominant neuromodulatory effects of ultrasound disappeared when the GABAA blocker was introduced, suggesting the potential of ultrasonic stimulation specifically targeting inhibitory neurons. The experimental setup proposed herein could serve as a useful tool for the clarification of the mechanisms underlying the electrophysiological effects of ultrasound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seoyoung Hwang
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760 Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Beom Jun
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760 Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program in Smart Factory, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Guo H, Salahshoor H, Wu D, Yoo S, Sato T, Tsao DY, Shapiro MG. Effects of focused ultrasound in a "clean" mouse model of ultrasonic neuromodulation. iScience 2023; 26:108372. [PMID: 38047084 PMCID: PMC10690554 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on ultrasonic neuromodulation (UNM) in rodents have shown that focused ultrasound (FUS) can activate peripheral auditory pathways, leading to off-target and brain-wide excitation, which obscures the direct activation of the target area by FUS. To address this issue, we developed a new mouse model, the double transgenic Pou4f3+/DTR × Thy1-GCaMP6s, which allows for inducible deafening using diphtheria toxin and minimizes off-target effects of UNM while allowing effects on neural activity to be visualized with fluorescent calcium imaging. Using this model, we found that the auditory confounds caused by FUS can be significantly reduced or eliminated within a certain pressure range. At higher pressures, FUS can result in focal fluorescence dips at the target, elicit non-auditory sensory confounds, and damage tissue, leading to spreading depolarization. Under the acoustic conditions we tested, we did not observe direct calcium responses in the mouse cortex. Our findings provide a cleaner animal model for UNM and sonogenetics research, establish a parameter range within which off-target effects are confidently avoided, and reveal the non-auditory side effects of higher-pressure stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongsun Guo
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Hossein Salahshoor
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Sangjin Yoo
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Tomokazu Sato
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Doris Y. Tsao
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Mikhail G. Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang M, Wang T, Li X, Yuan Y. Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation modulates cortical neurovascular coupling in an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rat model. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:11646-11655. [PMID: 37874023 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is accompanied by changes in cranial nerve function and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation can modulate brain neural activity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, to date, the modulatory effects of low-intensity ultrasound stimulation on CBF and neurovascular coupling in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have not been reported. To address this question, Sprague-Dawley, Wistar-Kyoto, and spontaneously hypertensive (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rat model) rats were divided into the control and low-intensity ultrasound stimulation (LIUS) groups. Cortical electrical stimulation was used to induce cortical excitability in different types of rats, and a penetrable laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system and electrodes were used to evaluate the electrical stimulation-induced CBF, cortical excitability, and neurovascular coupling in free-moving rats. The CBF, cortical excitability, and neurovascular coupling (NVC) under cortical electrical stimulation in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rats were significantly different from those in the Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto rats. We also found that low-intensity ultrasound stimulation significantly interfered with the cortical excitability and neurovascular coupling induced by cortical electrical stimulation in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Our findings suggest that neurovascular coupling is a potential biomarker for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, low-intensity ultrasound stimulation can improve abnormal brain function in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lay a research foundation for its application in the clinical treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengran Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Teng Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yu F, Müller WS, Ehnholm G, Okada Y, Lin JW. Ultrasound-Induced Membrane Hyperpolarization in Motor Axons and Muscle Fibers of the Crayfish Neuromuscular Junction. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023; 49:2527-2536. [PMID: 37758529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Focused ultrasound (FUS) can modulate neuronal activity by depolarization or hyperpolarization. Although FUS-evoked depolarization has been studied extensively, the mechanisms underlying FUS-evoked hyperpolarization (FUSH) have received little attention. In the study described here, we developed a procedure using FUS to selectively hyperpolarize motor axons in crayfish. As a previous study had reported that these axons express mechano- and thermosensitive two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels, we tested the hypothesis that K2P channels underlie FUSH. METHODS Intracellular recordings from a motor axon and a muscle fiber were obtained simultaneously from the crayfish opener neuromuscular preparation. FUSH was examined while K2P channel activities were modulated by varying temperature or by K2P channel blockers. RESULTS FUSH in the axons did not exhibit a coherent temperature dependence, consistent with predicted K2P channel behavior, although changes in the resting membrane potential of the same axons indicated well-behaved K2P channel temperature dependence. The same conclusion was supported by pharmacological data; namely, FUSH was not suppressed by K2P channel blockers. Comparison between the FUS-evoked responses recorded in motor axons and muscle fibers revealed that the latter exhibited very little FUSH, indicating that the FUSH was specific to the axons. CONCLUSION It is not likely that K2P channels are the underlying mechanism for FUSH in motor axons. Alternative mechanisms such as sonophore and axon-specific potassium channels were considered. Although the sonophore hypothesis could account for electrophysiological features of axonal recordings, it is not consistent with the lack of FUSH in muscle fibers. An axon-specific and mechanosensitive potassium channel is also a possible explanation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feiyuan Yu
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Gösta Ehnholm
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland
| | - Yoshio Okada
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jen-Wei Lin
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Badawe HM, El Hassan RH, Khraiche ML. Modeling ultrasound modulation of neural function in a single cell. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22522. [PMID: 38046165 PMCID: PMC10686887 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low intensity ultrasound stimulation has been shown to non-invasively modulate neural function in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) with high precision. Ultrasound sonication is capable of either excitation or inhibition, depending on the ultrasound parameters used. On the other hand, the mode of interaction of ultrasonic waves with the neural tissue for effective neuromodulation remains ambiguous. New method Here within we propose a numerical model that incorporates the mechanical effects of ultrasound stimulation on the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) neuron by incorporating the relation between increased external pressure and the membrane induced tension, with a stress on the flexoelectric effect on the neural membrane. The external pressure causes an increase in the total tension of the membrane thus affecting the probability of the ion channels being open after the conformational changes that those channels undergo. Results The interplay between varying the acoustic intensities and frequencies depicts different action potential suppression rates, whereby a combination of low intensity and low frequency ultrasound sonication proved to be the most effective in modulating neural function.Comparison with Existing Methods: Our method solely depends on the HH model of a single neuron and the linear flexoelectric effect of the dielectric neural membrane, when under an ultrasound-induced mechanical strain, while varying the ion-channels conductances based on different sonication frequencies and intensities. We study the effect of ultrasound parameters on the firing rate, latency, and action potential amplitude of a HH neuron for a better understanding of the neuromodulation modality of ultrasound stimulation (in the continuous and pulsed modes). Conclusions This simulation work confirms the published experimental data that low intensity and low frequency ultrasound sonication has a higher success rate of modulating neural firing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heba M. Badawe
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rima H. El Hassan
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Massoud L. Khraiche
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang T, Guo B, Zuo Z, Long X, Hu S, Li S, Su X, Wang Y, Liu C. Excitatory-inhibitory modulation of transcranial focus ultrasound stimulation on human motor cortex. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:3829-3841. [PMID: 37309308 PMCID: PMC10651987 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Transcranial focus ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) is a promising non-invasive neuromodulation technology. This study aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of tFUS on human motor cortex (M1) excitability and explore the mechanism of neurotransmitter-related intracortical circuitry and plasticity. METHODS Single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-eliciting motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were used to assessed M1 excitability in 10 subjects. Paired-pulse TMS was used to measure the effects of tFUS on GABA- and glutamate-related intracortical excitability and 1 H-MRS was used to assess the effects of repetitive tFUS on GABA and Glx (glutamine + glutamate) neurometabolic concentrations in the targeting region in nine subjects. RESULTS The etFUS significantly increased M1 excitability, decreased short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and long interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). The itFUS significantly suppressed M1 excitability, increased SICI, LICI, and decreased intracortical facilitation (ICF). Seven times of etFUS decreased the GABA concentration (6.32%), increased the Glx concentration (12.40%), and decreased the GABA/Glx ratio measured by MRS, while itFUS increased the GABA concentration (18.59%), decreased Glx concentration (0.35%), and significantly increased GABA/Glx ratio. CONCLUSION The findings support that tFUS with different parameters can exert excitatory and inhibitory neuromodulatory effects on the human motor cortex. We provide novel insights that tFUS change cortical excitability and plasticity by regulating excitatory-inhibition balance related to the GABAergic and glutamatergic receptor function and neurotransmitter metabolic level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of NeuromodulationBeijingChina
| | - Bingqi Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of NeuromodulationBeijingChina
| | - Zhentao Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Beijing MR Center for Brain Research, Institute of BiophysicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterInstitute of Artificial IntelligenceHefeiChina
- Sino‐Danish CollegeUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojing Long
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Shimin Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of NeuromodulationBeijingChina
| | - Siran Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of NeuromodulationBeijingChina
- Institute of Sleep and Consciousness Disorders, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Hebei Hospital of Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityShijiazhuangChina
- Neuromedical Technology Innovation Center of Hebei ProvinceShijiazhuangChina
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of NeuromodulationBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bian N, Long A, Yuan Y. Desynchronization of neuronal firing in multiparameter ultrasound stimulation. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2023; 9:065023. [PMID: 37820600 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ad023f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation, a novel neuromodulation technique, that possesses the advantages of non-invasiveness, high penetration depth, and high spatial resolution, has achieved positive neuromodulation effects in animal studies. But the regulatory mechanism remains controversial. The intramembrane cavitation effect is considered one of the mechanisms for ultrasound neuromodulation. In this study, the modified equations of ultrasonic cavitation bubble dynamics were coupled with the dual-coupled neuron Hindmarsh-Rose model, small-world neural network model, and the Jansen-Rit neural mass model, which simulate simple coupled neurons, complex neuronal networks, and discharge signals in epileptic disorders respectively. The results demonstrated that ultrasound stimulation has an appreciable modulatory effect on neuronal firing desynchronization in Hindmarsh-Rose model and small-world neural network model. The desynchronization effect is related to the stimulation frequency and intensity. Furthermore, ultrasound stimulation has an inhibitory effect on epileptic seizures, and the effect is enhanced by increasing ultrasound frequency from 0.1-1.0 MHz. This is the first combination of ultrasonic intramembrane cavitation effect theory with neurons and neural network firing desynchronization, which can provide guidance of parametric and theories support for the studies of neurological diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Bian
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai Long
- Xiangtan Big Data and Industrial Innovation Development Center, Xiangtan 411104, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ziebell P, Rodrigues J, Forster A, Sanguinetti JL, Allen JJ, Hewig J. Inhibition of midfrontal theta with transcranial ultrasound explains greater approach versus withdrawal behavior in humans. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1278-1288. [PMID: 37611659 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reviews highlighted low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (TUS) as a promising new tool for non-invasive neuromodulation in basic and applied sciences. Our preregistered double-blind within-subjects study (N = 152) utilized TUS targeting the right prefrontal cortex, which, in earlier work, was found to positively enhance self-reported global mood, decrease negative states of self-reported emotional conflict (anxiety/worrying), and modulate related midfrontal functional magnetic resonance imaging activity in affect regulation brain networks. To further explore TUS effects on objective physiological and behavioral variables, we used a virtual T-maze task that has been established in prior studies to measure motivational conflicts regarding whether participants execute approach versus withdrawal behavior (with free-choice responses via continuous joystick movements) while allowing to record related electroencephalographic data such as midfrontal theta activity (MFT). MFT, a reliable marker of conflict representation on a neuronal level, was of particular interest to us since it has repeatedly been shown to explain related behavior, with relatively low MFT typically preceding approach-like risky behavior and relatively high MFT typically preceding withdrawal-like risk aversion. Our central hypothesis is that TUS decreases MFT in T-maze conflict situations and thereby increases approach and reduces withdrawal. Results indicate that TUS led to significant MFT decreases, which significantly explained increases in approach behavior and decreases in withdrawal behavior. This study expands TUS evidence on a physiological and behavioral level with a large sample size of human subjects, suggesting the promise of further research based on this distinct TUS-MFT-behavior link to influence conflict monitoring and its behavioral consequences. Ultimately, this can serve as a foundation for future clinical work to establish TUS interventions for emotional and motivational mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Ziebell
- University of Würzburg, Department of Psychology I, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Rodrigues
- University of Würzburg, Department of Psychology I, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - André Forster
- University of Würzburg, Department of Psychology I, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Joseph L Sanguinetti
- University of Arizona, Department of Psychology, 1503 E. University Blvd. (Building 68), Tucson (AZ) 85721, USA.
| | - John Jb Allen
- University of Arizona, Department of Psychology, 1503 E. University Blvd. (Building 68), Tucson (AZ) 85721, USA.
| | - Johannes Hewig
- University of Würzburg, Department of Psychology I, Marcusstr. 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mishra A, Yang PF, Manuel TJ, Newton AT, Phipps MA, Luo H, Sigona MK, Reed JL, Gore JC, Grissom WA, Caskey CF, Chen LM. Disrupting nociceptive information processing flow through transcranial focused ultrasound neuromodulation of thalamic nuclei. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1430-1444. [PMID: 37741439 PMCID: PMC10702144 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MRI-guided transcranial focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a next-generation neuromodulation tool can precisely target and stimulate deep brain regions with high spatial selectivity. Combined with MR-ARFI (acoustic radiation force imaging) and using fMRI BOLD signal as functional readouts, our previous studies have shown that low-intensity FUS can excite or suppress neural activity in the somatosensory cortex. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether low-intensity FUS can suppress nociceptive heat stimulation-induced responses in thalamic nuclei during hand stimulation, and to determine how this suppression influences the information processing flow within nociception networks. FINDINGS BOLD fMRI activations evoked by 47.5 °C heat stimulation of hand were detected in 24 cortical regions, which belong to sensory, affective, and cognitive nociceptive networks. Concurrent delivery of low-intensity FUS pulses (650 kHz, 550 kPa) to the predefined heat nociceptive stimulus-responsive thalamic centromedial_parafascicular (CM_para), mediodorsal (MD), ventral_lateral (VL_ and ventral_lateral_posteroventral (VLpv) nuclei suppressed their heat responses. Off-target cortical areas exhibited reduced, enhanced, or no significant fMRI signal changes, depending on the specific areas. Differentiable thalamocortical information flow during the processing of nociceptive heat input was observed, as indicated by the time to reach 10% or 30% of the heat-evoked BOLD signal peak. Suppression of thalamic heat responses significantly altered nociceptive processing flow and direction between the thalamus and cortical areas. Modulation of contralateral versus ipsilateral areas by unilateral thalamic activity differed. Signals detected in high-order cortical areas, such as dorsal frontal (DFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal (vlPFC) cortices, exhibited faster response latencies than sensory areas. CONCLUSIONS The concurrent delivery of FUS suppressed nociceptive heat response in thalamic nuclei and disrupted the nociceptive network. This study offers new insights into the causal functional connections within the thalamocortical networks and demonstrates the modulatory effects of low-intensity FUS on nociceptive information processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arabinda Mishra
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Thomas J Manuel
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Allen T Newton
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - M Anthony Phipps
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Huiwen Luo
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michelle K Sigona
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamie L Reed
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William A Grissom
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles F Caskey
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Forster A, Rodrigues J, Ziebell P, Sanguinetti JL, Allen JJ, Hewig J. Investigating the role of the right inferior frontal gyrus in control perception: A double-blind cross-over study using ultrasonic neuromodulation. Neuropsychologia 2023; 187:108589. [PMID: 37302753 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Being able to control inner and environmental states is a basic need of living creatures. The perception of such control is based on the perceived ratio of outcome probabilities given the presence and the absence of agentic behavior. If an organism believes that options exist to change the probability of a given outcome, control perception (CP) may emerge. Nonetheless, regarding this model, not much is known about how the brain processes CP from this information. This study uses low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound neuromodulation in a randomized-controlled double blind cross-over design to investigate the impact of the right inferior frontal gyrus of the lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC) on this process. 39 healthy participants visited the laboratory twice (once in a sham, once in a neuromodulation condition) and rated their control perception regarding a classical control illusion task. EEG alpha and theta power density were analyzed in a hierarchical single trial-based mixed modeling approach. Results indicate that the litFUS neuromodulation changed the processing of stimulus probability without changing CP. Furthermore, neuromodulation of the right lPFC was found to modulate mid-frontal theta by altering its relationship with self-reported effort and worrying. While these data indicate lateral prefrontal sensitivity to stimulus probability, no evidence emerged for the dependency of CP on this processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Forster
- Julius Maximilians Univeristy of Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Rodrigues
- Julius Maximilians Univeristy of Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Philipp Ziebell
- Julius Maximilians Univeristy of Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | | | - Johannes Hewig
- Julius Maximilians Univeristy of Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
McCune EP, Lee SA, Konofagou EE. Interdependence of Tissue Temperature, Cavitation, and Displacement Imaging During Focused Ultrasound Nerve Sonication. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2023; 70:600-612. [PMID: 37256815 PMCID: PMC10332467 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2023.3280455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) peripheral neuromodulation has been linked to nerve displacement caused by the acoustic radiation force; however, the roles of cavitation and temperature accumulation on nerve modulation are less clear, as are the relationships between these three mechanisms of action. Temperature directly changes tissue stiffness and viscosity. Viscoelastic properties have been shown to affect cavitation thresholds in both theoretical and ex vivo models, but the direct effect of temperature on cavitation has not been investigated in vivo. Here, cavitation and tissue displacement were simultaneously mapped in response to baseline tissue temperatures of either 30 °C or 38 °C during sciatic nerve sonication in mice. In each mouse, the sciatic nerve was repeatedly sonicated at 1.1-MHz, 4-MPa peak-negative pressure, 5-ms pulse duration, and either 15- or 30-Hz pulse repetition frequency (PRF) for 10 s at each tissue temperature. Cavitation increased by 1.8-4.5 dB at a tissue temperature of 38 °C compared to 30 °C, as measured both by passive cavitation images and cavitation doses. Tissue displacement also increased by 1.3- [Formula: see text] at baseline temperatures of 38 °C compared to 30 °C. Histological findings indicated small increases in red blood cell extravasation in the 38 °C baseline temperature condition compared to 30 °C at both PRFs. A strong positive correlation was found between the inertial cavitation dose and displacement imaging noise, indicating the potential ability of displacement imaging to simultaneously detect inertial cavitation in vivo. Overall, tissue temperature was found to modulate both in vivo cavitation and tissue displacement, and thus, both tissue temperature and cavitation can be monitored during FUS to ensure both safety and efficiency.
Collapse
|
33
|
Tsehay Y, Zeng Y, Weber-Levine C, Awosika T, Kerensky M, Hersh AM, Ou Z, Jiang K, Bhimreddy M, Bauer SJ, Theodore JN, Quiroz VM, Suk I, Alomari S, Sun J, Tong S, Thakor N, Doloff JC, Theodore N, Manbachi A. Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Neuromodulation of a Rodent's Spinal Cord Suppresses Motor Evoked Potentials. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2023; 70:1992-2001. [PMID: 37018313 PMCID: PMC10510849 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2022.3233345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Here we investigate the ability of low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) applied to the spinal cord to modulate the transmission of motor signals. METHODS Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10, 250-300 g, 15 weeks old) were used in this study. Anesthesia was initially induced with 2% isoflurane carried by oxygen at 4 L/min via a nose cone. Cranial, upper extremity, and lower extremity electrodes were placed. A thoracic laminectomy was performed to expose the spinal cord at the T11 and T12 vertebral levels. A LIUS transducer was coupled to the exposed spinal cord, and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were acquired each minute for either 5- or 10-minutes of sonication. Following the sonication period, the ultrasound was turned off and post-sonication MEPs were acquired for an additional 5 minutes. RESULTS Hindlimb MEP amplitude significantly decreased during sonication in both the 5- (p < 0.001) and 10-min (p = 0.004) cohorts with a corresponding gradual recovery to baseline. Forelimb MEP amplitude did not demonstrate any statistically significant changes during sonication in either the 5- (p = 0.46) or 10-min (p = 0.80) trials. CONCLUSION LIUS applied to the spinal cord suppresses MEP signals caudal to the site of sonication, with recovery of MEPs to baseline after sonication. SIGNIFICANCE LIUS can suppress motor signals in the spinal cord and may be useful in treating movement disorders driven by excessive excitation of spinal neurons.
Collapse
|
34
|
Karatum O, Han M, Erdogan ET, Karamursel S, Nizamoglu S. Physical mechanisms of emerging neuromodulation modalities. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:031001. [PMID: 37224804 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acd870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
One of the ultimate goals of neurostimulation field is to design materials, devices and systems that can simultaneously achieve safe, effective and tether-free operation. For that, understanding the working mechanisms and potential applicability of neurostimulation techniques is important to develop noninvasive, enhanced, and multi-modal control of neural activity. Here, we review direct and transduction-based neurostimulation techniques by discussing their interaction mechanisms with neurons via electrical, mechanical, and thermal means. We show how each technique targets modulation of specific ion channels (e.g. voltage-gated, mechanosensitive, heat-sensitive) by exploiting fundamental wave properties (e.g. interference) or engineering nanomaterial-based systems for efficient energy transduction. Overall, our review provides a detailed mechanistic understanding of neurostimulation techniques together with their applications toin vitro, in vivo, and translational studies to guide the researchers toward developing more advanced systems in terms of noninvasiveness, spatiotemporal resolution, and clinical applicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Onuralp Karatum
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Mertcan Han
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Tuna Erdogan
- Department of Physiology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Sacit Karamursel
- Department of Physiology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Sedat Nizamoglu
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Forster A, Rodrigues J, Ziebell P, Sanguinetti JL, Allen JJB, Hewig J. Transcranial focused ultrasound modulates the emergence of learned helplessness via midline theta modification. J Affect Disord 2023; 329:273-284. [PMID: 36842652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helplessness and hopelessness are states closely related to depressive disorders. They ensue following the anticipated absence of valid behavioral options to alleviate an aversive state. One neural structure involved in the detection of such options, is the cingulate cortex (CC), which conveys the evaluation of behavior against the value of its outcome. Accordingly, CC-related EEG measures are thought to correlate to feedback evaluation but also to anxious and conflict-related states, signaling the need for further adaptation to current requirements. Against this background, this study investigated the role of CC functioning in the emergence and prevention of helpless/hopeless states by applying low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (litFUS) neuromodulation prior to a learned helplessness task. METHOD In a randomized controlled double blind experimental setup with 55 participants, litFUS was used to inhibit the right lateral prefrontal cortex (lPFC), a region closely connected to CC modulation. Participants were instructed to play 8 games of chess against a computer that was unbeatable to them, while an EEG was recorded. Theta oscillation in midline electrodes, playing performance and self-rate measures on cognitive, affective and physiological parameters were assessed. RESULTS The results show a considerable influence of litFUS neuromodulation of the lPFC on midline theta activity (Fz and Pz electrode position) which in turn correlated to several psychological variables including self-report data on emotion, cognition, and arousal as well as behavioral measures (playing performance). LIMITATIONS Due to the small sample size and sample characteristics, results cannot be generalized to the field of clinical application. A replication of results in larger samples and in context of other sonication parameters is needed to increase the robustness of results and to maximize the efficacy of litFUS application. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the development of learned helplessness/hopelessness could be positively influenced in its course by litFUS neuromodulation of the right lPFC. In line with previous results, especially the posterior midline electrode Pz seems to be an interesting target for further research in this field as theta activity at this electrode is correlated to control perception and motivated behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use neuromodulation to monitor and manipulate the development of helplessness in the laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Forster
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Johannes Rodrigues
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Philipp Ziebell
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | | | - Johannes Hewig
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Marcusstraße 9-11, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yuan Y, Wu Q, Wang X, Liu M, Yan J, Ji H. Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation modulates time-frequency patterns of cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling of mouse under peripheral sensory stimulation state. Neuroimage 2023; 270:119979. [PMID: 36863547 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.119979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) not only modulates cerebral hemodynamics, neural activity, and neurovascular coupling characteristics in resting samples but also exerts a significant inhibitory effect on the neural activity in task samples. However, the effect of TUS on cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling in task samples remains to be elucidated. To answer this question, we first used forepaw electrical stimulation of the mice to elicit the corresponding cortical excitation, and then stimulated this cortical region using different modes of TUS, and simultaneously recorded the local field potential using electrophysiological acquisition and hemodynamics using optical intrinsic signal imaging. The results indicate that for the mice under peripheral sensory stimulation state, TUS with a duty cycle of 50% can (1) enhance the amplitude of cerebral blood oxygenation signal, (2) reduce the time-frequency characteristics of evoked potential, (3) reduce the strength of neurovascular coupling in time domain, (4) enhance the strength of neurovascular coupling in frequency domain, and (5) reduce the time-frequency cross-coupling of neurovasculature. The results of this study indicate that TUS can modulate the cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling in peripheral sensory stimulation state mice under specific parameters. This study opens up a new area of investigation for potential applicability of TUS in brain diseases related to cerebral blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yuan
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
| | - Qianqian Wu
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Xingran Wang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Mengyang Liu
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jiaqing Yan
- College of Electrical and Control Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100041, China.
| | - Hui Ji
- Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kuhn T, Spivak NM, Dang BH, Becerra S, Halavi SE, Rotstein N, Rosenberg BM, Hiller S, Swenson A, Cvijanovic L, Dang N, Sun M, Kronemyer D, Berlow R, Revett MR, Suthana N, Monti MM, Bookheimer S. Transcranial focused ultrasound selectively increases perfusion and modulates functional connectivity of deep brain regions in humans. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1120410. [PMID: 37091318 PMCID: PMC10114286 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1120410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundLow intensity, transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a re-emerging brain stimulation technique with the unique capability of reaching deep brain structures non-invasively.Objective/HypothesisWe sought to demonstrate that tFUS can selectively and accurately target and modulate deep brain structures in humans important for emotional functioning as well as learning and memory. We hypothesized that tFUS would result in significant longitudinal changes in perfusion in the targeted brain region as well as selective modulation of BOLD activity and BOLD-based functional connectivity of the target region.MethodsIn this study, we collected MRI before, simultaneously during, and after tFUS of two deep brain structures on different days in sixteen healthy adults each serving as their own control. Using longitudinal arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI and simultaneous blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI, we found changes in cerebral perfusion, regional brain activity and functional connectivity specific to the targeted regions of the amygdala and entorhinal cortex (ErC).ResultstFUS selectively increased perfusion in the targeted brain region and not in the contralateral homolog or either bilateral control region. Additionally, tFUS directly affected BOLD activity in a target specific fashion without engaging auditory cortex in any analysis. Finally, tFUS resulted in selective modulation of the targeted functional network connectivity.ConclusionWe demonstrate that tFUS can selectively modulate perfusion, neural activity and connectivity in deep brain structures and connected networks. Lack of auditory cortex findings suggests that the mechanism of tFUS action is not due to auditory or acoustic startle response but rather a direct neuromodulatory process. Our findings suggest that tFUS has the potential for future application as a novel therapy in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with subcortical pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Kuhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Taylor Kuhn,
| | - Norman M. Spivak
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- UCLA-Caltech Medical Scientist Training Program, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bianca H. Dang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sergio Becerra
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sabrina E. Halavi
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Natalie Rotstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin M. Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sonja Hiller
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Swenson
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Luka Cvijanovic
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nolan Dang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Michael Sun
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - David Kronemyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rustin Berlow
- American Brain Stimulation Clinic, Del Mar, CA, United States
| | - Malina R. Revett
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nanthia Suthana
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Martin M. Monti
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Susan Bookheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yüksel MM, Sun S, Latchoumane C, Bloch J, Courtine G, Raffin EE, Hummel FC. Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation for Stroke Recovery: A Novel Deep Brain Stimulation Approach for Neurorehabilitation? IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 4:300-318. [PMID: 38196977 PMCID: PMC10776095 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2023.3263690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke as the leading cause of adult long-term disability and has a significant impact on patients, society and socio-economics. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are considered as potential therapeutic options to enhance functional reorganization and augment the effects of neurorehabilitation. However, non-invasive electrical and magnetic stimulation paradigms are limited by their depth focality trade-off function that does not allow to target deep key brain structures critically important for recovery processes. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging approach for non-invasive deep brain neuromodulation. Using non-ionizing, ultrasonic waves with millimeter-accuracy spatial resolution, excellent steering capacity and long penetration depth, TUS has the potential to serve as a novel non-invasive deep brain stimulation method to establish unprecedented neuromodulation and novel neurorehabilitation protocols. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview on the current knowledge about the neuromodulatory effects of TUS while discussing the potential of TUS in the field of stroke recovery, with respect to existing NIBS methods. We will address and discuss critically crucial open questions and remaining challenges that need to be addressed before establishing TUS as a new clinical neurorehabilitation approach for motor stroke recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmut Martin Yüksel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind InstituteÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneGeneva1201Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind InstituteÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation Sion1951Switzerland
| | - Shiqi Sun
- Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)Lausanne1015Switzerland
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceLausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL)Lausanne1011Switzerland
- Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore)EPFL/CHUV/UNILLausanne1011Switzerland
| | - Charles Latchoumane
- Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)Lausanne1015Switzerland
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceLausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL)Lausanne1011Switzerland
- Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore)EPFL/CHUV/UNILLausanne1011Switzerland
| | - Jocelyne Bloch
- Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life SciencesSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)Lausanne1015Switzerland
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceLausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL)Lausanne1015Switzerland
- Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore)EPFL/CHUV/UNILLausanne1015Switzerland
- Department of NeurosurgeryLausanne University HospitalLausanne1011Switzerland
| | - Gregoire Courtine
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceLausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the University of Lausanne (UNIL)Lausanne1015Switzerland
- Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore)EPFL/CHUV/UNILLausanne1015Switzerland
- Department of NeurosurgeryLausanne University HospitalLausanne1011Switzerland
| | - Estelle Emeline Raffin
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind InstituteÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneGeneva1201Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind InstituteÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation Sion1951Switzerland
| | - Friedhelm Christoph Hummel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind InstituteÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de LausanneGeneva1202Switzerland
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind InstituteÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Valais, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation Sion1951Switzerland
- Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of Geneva Medical SchoolGeneva1211Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Weak Ultrasound Contributes to Neuromodulatory Effects in the Rat Motor Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032578. [PMID: 36768901 PMCID: PMC9917173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a novel neuromodulating technique. It has been demonstrated that the neuromodulatory effects can be induced by weak ultrasound exposure levels (spatial-peak temporal average intensity, ISPTA < 10 mW/cm2) in vitro. However, fewer studies have examined the use of weak tFUS to potentially induce long-lasting neuromodulatory responses in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine the lower-bound threshold of tFUS stimulation for inducing neuromodulation in the motor cortex of rats. A total of 94 Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The sonication region aimed at the motor cortex under weak tFUS exposure (ISPTA of 0.338-12.15 mW/cm2). The neuromodulatory effects of tFUS on the motor cortex were evaluated by the changes in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In addition to histology analysis, the in vitro cell culture was used to confirm the neuromodulatory mechanisms following tFUS stimulation. In the results, the dose-dependent inhibitory effects of tFUS were found, showing increased intensities of tFUS suppressed MEPs and lasted for 30 min. Weak tFUS significantly decreased the expression of excitatory neurons and increased the expression of inhibitory GABAergic neurons. The PIEZO-1 proteins of GABAergic neurons were found to involve in the inhibitory neuromodulation. In conclusion, we show the use of weak ultrasound to induce long-lasting neuromodulatory effects and explore the potential use of weak ultrasound for future clinical neuromodulatory applications.
Collapse
|
40
|
Bao SC, Li F, Xiao Y, Niu L, Zheng H. Peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation and its applications: From therapeutics to human-computer interaction. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1115946. [PMID: 37123351 PMCID: PMC10140332 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1115946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation (pFUS) has gained increasing attention in the past few decades, because it can be delivered to peripheral nerves, neural endings, or sub-organs. With different stimulation parameters, ultrasound stimulation could induce different modulation effects. Depending on the transmission medium, pFUS can be classified as body-coupled US stimulation, commonly used for therapeutics or neuromodulation, or as an air-coupled contactless US haptic system, which provides sensory inputs and allows distinct human-computer interaction paradigms. Despite growing interest in pFUS, the underlying working mechanisms remain only partially understood, and many applications are still in their infancy. This review focused on existing applications, working mechanisms, the latest progress, and future directions of pFUS. In terms of therapeutics, large-sample randomized clinical trials in humans are needed to translate these state of art techniques into treatments for specific diseases. The airborne US for human-computer interaction is still in its preliminary stage, but further efforts in task-oriented US applications might provide a promising interaction tool soon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Chun Bao
- National Innovation Center for Advanced Medical Devices, Shenzhen, China
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fei Li
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- National Innovation Center for Advanced Medical Devices, Shenzhen, China
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hairong Zheng
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Hairong Zheng,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zhong YX, Liao JC, Liu X, Tian H, Deng LR, Long L. Low intensity focused ultrasound: a new prospect for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Ann Med 2023; 55:2251145. [PMID: 37634059 PMCID: PMC10461511 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2251145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: As a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson's disease (PD) still lacks effective and safe targeted drug therapy. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a new method to stimulate the brain and open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), has been widely concerned by PD researchers due to its non-invasive characteristics.Methods: PubMed was searched for the past 10 years using the terms 'focused ultrasound', 'transcranial ultrasound', 'pulse ultrasound', and 'Parkinson's disease'. Relevant citations were selected from the authors' references. After excluding articles describing high-intensity focused ultrasound or non-Parkinson's disease applications, we found more than 100 full-text analyses for pooled analysis.Results: Current preclinical studies have shown that LIFU could improve PD motor symptoms by regulating microglia activation, increasing neurotrophic factors, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting nerve repair and regeneration, while LIFU combined with microbubbles (MBs) can promote drugs to cross the BBB, which may become a new direction of PD treatment. Therefore, finding an efficient drug carrier system is the top priority of applying LIFU with MBs to deliver drugs.Conclusions: This article aims to review neuro-modulatory effect of LIFU and the possible biophysical mechanism in the treatment of PD, summarize the latest progress in delivering vehicles with MBs, and discuss its advantages and limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Xiao Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Chi Liao
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xv Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Ren Deng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Long
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hu YY, Yang G, Liang XS, Ding XS, Xu DE, Li Z, Ma QH, Chen R, Sun YY. Transcranial low-intensity ultrasound stimulation for treating central nervous system disorders: A promising therapeutic application. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1117188. [PMID: 36970512 PMCID: PMC10030814 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1117188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation is a neurostimulation technique that has gradually attracted the attention of researchers, especially as a potential therapy for neurological disorders, because of its high spatial resolution, its good penetration depth, and its non-invasiveness. Ultrasound can be categorized as high-intensity and low-intensity based on the intensity of its acoustic wave. High-intensity ultrasound can be used for thermal ablation by taking advantage of its high-energy characteristics. Low-intensity ultrasound, which produces low energy, can be used as a means to regulate the nervous system. The present review describes the current status of research on low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (LITUS) in the treatment of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, essential tremor, depression, Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review summarizes preclinical and clinical studies using LITUS to treat the aforementioned neurological disorders and discusses their underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Yun Hu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Lab Center, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue-Song Liang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Second Clinical College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuan-Si Ding
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - De-En Xu
- Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Sleep Medicine Center, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Quan-Hong Ma
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Quan-Hong Ma
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Chen
| | - Yan-Yun Sun
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Yan-Yun Sun
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kim HC, Lee W, Kowsari K, Weisholtz DS, Yoo SS. Effects of focused ultrasound pulse duration on stimulating cortical and subcortical motor circuits in awake sheep. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278865. [PMID: 36512563 PMCID: PMC9746960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) offers new functional neuromodulation opportunities, enabling stimulation of cortical as well as deep brain areas with high spatial resolution. Brain stimulation of awake sheep, in the absence of the confounding effects of anesthesia on brain function, provides translational insight into potential human applications with safety information supplemented by histological analyses. We examined the effects of tFUS pulsing parameters, particularly regarding pulse durations (PDs), on stimulating the cortical motor area (M1) and its thalamic projection in unanesthetized, awake sheep (n = 8). A wearable tFUS headgear, custom-made for individual sheep, enabled experiments to be conducted without using anesthesia. FUS stimuli, each 200 ms long, were delivered to the M1 and the thalamus using three different PDs (0.5, 1, and 2 ms) with the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) adjusted to maintain a 70% duty cycle at a derated in situ spatial-peak temporal-average intensity (Ispta) of 3.6 W/cm2. Efferent electromyography (EMG) responses to stimulation were quantified from both hind limbs. Group-averaged EMG responses from each of the hind limbs across the experimental conditions revealed selective responses from the hind limb contralateral to sonication. The use of 0.5 and 1 ms PDs generated higher EMG signal amplitudes compared to those obtained using a 2 ms PD. Faster efferent response was also observed from thalamic stimulation than that from stimulating the M1. Post-sonication behavioral observation and histological assessment performed 24 h and 1 month after sonication were not indicative of any abnormalities. The results suggest the presence of pulsing scheme-dependent effects of tFUS on brain stimulation and attest its safety in awake large animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Chul Kim
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Wonhye Lee
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Kavin Kowsari
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Daniel S. Weisholtz
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Seung-Schik Yoo
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wang T, Wang X, Tian Y, Gang W, Li X, Yan J, Yuan Y. Modulation effect of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation on REM and NREM sleep. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:5238-5250. [PMID: 36376911 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that modulating neural activity can affect rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) can effectively modulate neural activity. However, the modulation effect of TUS on REM and NREM sleep is still unclear. In this study, we used ultrasound to stimulate motor cortex and hippocampus, respectively, and found the following: (i) In healthy mice, TUS increased the NREM sleep ratio and decreased the REM sleep ratio, and altered the relative power and sample entropy of the delta band and spindle in NREM sleep and that of the theta and gamma bands in REM sleep. (ii) In sleep-deprived mice, TUS decreased the ratio of REM sleep or the relative power of the theta band during REM sleep. (iii) In sleep-disordered Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mice, TUS increased the total sleep time and the ratio of NREM sleep and modulated the relative power and the sample entropy of the delta and spindle bands during NREM and that of the theta band during REM sleep. These results demonstrated that TUS can effectively modulate REM and NREM sleep and that modulation effect depends on the sleep state of the samples, and can improve sleep in sleep-disordered AD mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Yanshan University School of Electrical Engineering, , Qinhuangdao 066004 , China
- Yanshan University Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, , Qinhuangdao 066004 , China
| | - Xingran Wang
- Yanshan University School of Electrical Engineering, , Qinhuangdao 066004 , China
- Yanshan University Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, , Qinhuangdao 066004 , China
| | - Yanfei Tian
- Hebei Medical University Department of Pharmacology, , Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017 , China
| | - Wei Gang
- Hebei Medical University Department of Pharmacology, , Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017 , China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Beijing Normal University State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, , Beijing 100875 , China
| | - Jiaqing Yan
- North China University of Technology College of Electrical and Control Engineering, , Beijing 100041 , China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Yanshan University School of Electrical Engineering, , Qinhuangdao 066004 , China
- Yanshan University Key Laboratory of Intelligent Rehabilitation and Neuromodulation of Hebei Province, , Qinhuangdao 066004 , China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang PF, Phipps MA, Newton AT, Jonathan S, Manuel TJ, Gore JC, Grissom WA, Caskey CF, Chen LM. Differential dose responses of transcranial focused ultrasound at brain regions indicate causal interactions. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:1552-1564. [PMID: 36496128 PMCID: PMC9806861 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that focused ultrasound (FUS) pulses in low pressure range exerted bidirectional and brain state-dependent neuromodulation in the nonhuman primate somatosensory cortices by fMRI. Here we aim to gain insights about the proposed neuron selective modulation of FUS and probe feedforward versus feedback interactions by simultaneously quantifying the stimulus (FUS pressures: 925, 425, 250 kPa) and response (% BOLD fMRI changes) function at the targeted area 3a/3b and off-target cortical areas at 7T. In resting-state, lowered intensities of FUS resulted in decreased fMRI signal changes at the target area 3a/3b and off-target area 1/2, S2, MCC, insula and auditory cortex, and no signal difference in thalamic VPL and MD nuclei. In activated states, concurrent high-intensity FUS significantly enhanced touch-evoked signals in area 1/2. Medium- and low-intensity FUS significantly suppressed touch-evoked BOLD signals in all areas except in the auditory cortex, VPL and MD thalamic nuclei. Distinct state dependent and dose-response curves led us to hypothesize that FUS's neuromodulatory effects may be mediated through preferential activation of different populations of neurons. Area 3a/3b may have distinct causal feedforward and feedback interactions with Area 1/2, S2, MCC, insula, and VPL. FUS offers a noninvasive neural stimulation tool for dissecting brain circuits and probing causal functional connections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pai-Feng Yang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - M Anthony Phipps
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Allen T Newton
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sumeeth Jonathan
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Thomas J Manuel
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William A Grissom
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles F Caskey
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Park TY, Jeong JH, Chung YA, Yeo SH, Kim H. Application of subject-specific helmets for the study of human visuomotor behavior using transcranial focused ultrasound: a pilot study. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 226:107127. [PMID: 36126434 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.107127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE As a novel non-invasive human brain stimulation method, transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is receiving growing attention due to its superior spatial specificity and depth penetrability. Since the focal point of tFUS needs to be fixated precisely to the target brain region during stimulation, a critical issue is to identify and maintain the accurate position and orientation of the tFUS transducer relative to the subject's head. This study aims to propose the entire framework of tFUS stimulation integrating the methods previously proposed by the authors for tFUS transducer configuration optimization and a subject-specific 3D-printed helmet, and to validate this complete setup in a human behavioral neuromodulation study. METHODS To find the optimal configuration of the tFUS transducer, a numerical method based on subject-specific tFUS beamlines simulation was used. Then, the subject-specific 3D-printed helmet has been applied to effectively secure the transducer at the estimated optimal configuration. To validate this tFUS framework, a common behavioral neuromodulation paradigm was chosen; the effect of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) stimulation on anti-saccade (AS) behavior. While human participants (n=2) were performing AS tasks, tFUS stimulations were randomly applied to the left DLPFC right after the fixation target disappeared. RESULTS The neuromodulation result strongly suggests that the cortical stimulation using the proposed tFUS setup is effective in significantly reducing the error rates of anti-saccades (about -10 %p for S1 and -16 %p for S2), whereas no significant effect was observed on their latencies. These observed behavioral effects are consistent with the previous results based on conventional brain stimulation or lesion studies. CONCLUSIONS The proposed subject-specific tFUS framework has been effectively used in human neuromodulation study. The result suggests that the tFUS stimulation targeted to the DLPFC can generate a neuromodulatory effect on AS behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tae Young Park
- Bionics Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyeok Jeong
- Bionics Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 136-713, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong An Chung
- Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Yeo
- School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Hyungmin Kim
- Bionics Research Center, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Remus: System for remote deep brain interventions. iScience 2022; 25:105251. [PMID: 36304108 PMCID: PMC9593303 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial-focused ultrasound brings personalized medicine to the human brain. Ultrasound can modulate neural activity or release drugs in specific neural circuits but this personalized approach requires a system that delivers ultrasound into specified targets flexibly and on command. We developed a remote ultrasound system (Remus) that programmatically targets deep brain regions with high spatiotemporal precision and in a multi-focal manner. We validated these functions by modulating two deep brain nuclei—the left and right lateral geniculate nucleus—in a task-performing nonhuman primate. This flexible system will enable researchers and clinicians to diagnose and treat specific deep brain circuits in a noninvasive yet targeted manner, thus embodying the promise of personalized treatments of brain disorders. Remus delivers ultrasound into deep brain targets of task-performing subjects Targets are specified programmatically and at high spatial and temporal precision Brief pulses delivered to deep brain regions modulate visual choice behavior The system enables reproducible daily applications and continuous safety monitoring
Collapse
|
48
|
Huang L, Kang J, Chen G, Ye W, Meng X, Du Q, Feng Z. Low-intensity focused ultrasound attenuates early traumatic brain injury by OX-A/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7455-7469. [PMID: 36126193 PMCID: PMC9550253 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious hazard to human health and is characterized by high rates of disability and mortality. It is necessary to explore new effective treatment methods to reduce the impact of TBI on individuals and society. As an emerging neuromodulation technique, ultrasound is used to treat some neurological diseases, but the neuroprotective mechanism of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) in TBI remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of LIFUS in TBI. Methods: A rat model of TBI was established using the free-fall method. After establishing the TBI model, the hypothalamus region was covered with LIFUS radiation, and an orexin receptor 1 (OXR1) antagonist (SB334867) was injected intraperitoneally. Neurobehavioral examination, Nissl staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining of the brain tissue, and brain water content, were performed 3 days later. Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemical staining, were used to evaluate the neuroprotective mechanisms of LIFUS. Results: LIFUS improved tissue damage, neurological deficits, and brain edema. LIFUS can increase the expression of orexin-A (OX-A) and OXR1, significantly inhibit the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein and nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome after TBI, and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors after TBI; however, SB334867 can reverse this effect. Conclusions: This study suggests that LIFUS may play a neuroprotective role by promoting the release of OX-A from the hypothalamus and inhibiting the inflammatory response after TBI through the OX-A /NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianghua Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Junwei Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Gengfa Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Wen Ye
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Xiangqiang Meng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Qing Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Magnetic resonance imaging analysis predicts nanoparticle concentration delivered to the brain parenchyma. Commun Biol 2022; 5:964. [PMID: 36109574 PMCID: PMC9477799 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound in combination with the introduction of microbubbles into the vasculature effectively opens the blood brain barrier (BBB) to allow the passage of therapeutic agents. Increased permeability of the BBB is typically demonstrated with small-molecule agents (e.g., 1-nm gadolinium salts). Permeability to small-molecule agents, however, cannot reliably predict the transfer of remarkably larger molecules (e.g., monoclonal antibodies) required by numerous therapies. To overcome this issue, we developed a magnetic resonance imaging analysis based on the ΔR2* physical parameter that can be measured intraoperatively for efficient real-time treatment management. We demonstrate successful correlations between ΔR2* values and parenchymal concentrations of 3 differently sized (18 nm–44 nm) populations of liposomes in a rat model. Reaching an appropriate ΔR2* value during treatment can reflect the effective delivery of large therapeutic agents. This prediction power enables the achievement of desirable parenchymal drug concentrations, which is paramount to obtaining effective therapeutic outcomes. ΔR2* values from MRI analysis correlate with concentrations of liposomes in the size range of 18–44 nm in a rat model.
Collapse
|
50
|
Ayana G, Ryu J, Choe SW. Ultrasound-Responsive Nanocarriers for Breast Cancer Chemotherapy. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13091508. [PMID: 36144131 PMCID: PMC9503784 DOI: 10.3390/mi13091508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and it is treated with surgical intervention, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these regimens. Despite chemotherapy's ample use, it has limitations such as bioavailability, adverse side effects, high-dose requirements, low therapeutic indices, multiple drug resistance development, and non-specific targeting. Drug delivery vehicles or carriers, of which nanocarriers are prominent, have been introduced to overcome chemotherapy limitations. Nanocarriers have been preferentially used in breast cancer chemotherapy because of their role in protecting therapeutic agents from degradation, enabling efficient drug concentration in target cells or tissues, overcoming drug resistance, and their relatively small size. However, nanocarriers are affected by physiological barriers, bioavailability of transported drugs, and other factors. To resolve these issues, the use of external stimuli has been introduced, such as ultrasound, infrared light, thermal stimulation, microwaves, and X-rays. Recently, ultrasound-responsive nanocarriers have become popular because they are cost-effective, non-invasive, specific, tissue-penetrating, and deliver high drug concentrations to their target. In this paper, we review recent developments in ultrasound-guided nanocarriers for breast cancer chemotherapy, discuss the relevant challenges, and provide insights into future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gelan Ayana
- Department of Medical IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea
| | - Jaemyung Ryu
- Department of Optical Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (S.-w.C.); Tel.: +82-54-478-7781 (S.-w.C.); Fax: +82-54-462-1049 (S.-w.C.)
| | - Se-woon Choe
- Department of Medical IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea
- Department of IT Convergence Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39253, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.R.); (S.-w.C.); Tel.: +82-54-478-7781 (S.-w.C.); Fax: +82-54-462-1049 (S.-w.C.)
| |
Collapse
|