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Wang K, Chen K, Wei Z, Wang T, Wei A, Gao X, Qin Y, Zhu Y, Ge Y, Cui B, Zhu M. Visual light flicker stimulation: enhancing alertness in sleep-deprived rats. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1415614. [PMID: 38903600 PMCID: PMC11188382 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1415614] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the evolving field of neurophysiological research, visual light flicker stimulation is recognized as a promising non-invasive intervention for cognitive enhancement, particularly in sleep-deprived conditions. Methods This study explored the effects of specific flicker frequencies (40 Hz and 20-30 Hz random flicker) on alertness recovery in sleep-deprived rats. We employed a multidisciplinary approach that included behavioral assessments with the Y-maze, in vivo electrophysiological recordings, and molecular analyses such as c-FOS immunohistochemistry and hormone level measurements. Results Both 40 Hz and 20-30 Hz flicker significantly enhanced behavioral performance in the Y-maze test, suggesting an improvement in alertness. Neurophysiological data indicated activation of neural circuits in key brain areas like the thalamus and hippocampus. Additionally, flicker exposure normalized cortisol and serotonin levels, essential for stress response and mood regulation. Notably, increased c-FOS expression in brain regions related to alertness and cognitive functions suggested heightened neural activity. Discussion These findings underscore the potential of light flicker stimulation not only to mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation but also to enhance cognitive functions. The results pave the way for future translational research into light-based therapies in human subjects, with possible implications for occupational health and cognitive ergonomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
- Medical Support Technology Research Department, Systems Engineering Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Lab of Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China
| | - Zilin Wei
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianhui Wang
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
| | - Aili Wei
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiujie Gao
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingkai Qin
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingwen Zhu
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Ge
- Logistic Support Department of Central Military Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Cui
- Military Medical Sciences Academy, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengfu Zhu
- Medical Support Technology Research Department, Systems Engineering Institute, Tianjin, China
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Wang T, Wang M, Wang J, Li Z, Yuan Y. Modulatory effects of low-intensity retinal ultrasound stimulation on rapid and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae143. [PMID: 38602742 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae143] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Prior investigations have established that the manipulation of neural activity has the potential to influence both rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Low-intensity retinal ultrasound stimulation has shown effectiveness in the modulation of neural activity. Nevertheless, the specific effects of retinal ultrasound stimulation on rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep, as well as its potential to enhance overall sleep quality, remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that: In healthy mice, retinal ultrasound stimulation: (i) reduced total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement sleep ratio; (ii) changed relative power and sample entropy of the delta (0.5-4 Hz) in non-rapid eye movement sleep; and (iii) enhanced relative power of the theta (4-8 Hz) and reduced theta-gamma coupling strength in rapid eye movement sleep. In Alzheimer's disease mice with sleep disturbances, retinal ultrasound stimulation: (i) reduced the total sleep time; (ii) altered the relative power of the gamma band during rapid eye movement sleep; and (iii) enhanced the coupling strength of delta-gamma in non-rapid eye movement sleep and weakened the coupling strength of theta-fast gamma. The results indicate that retinal ultrasound stimulation can modulate rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement-related neural activity; however, it is not beneficial to the sleep quality of healthy and Alzheimer's disease mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, 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
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Huffman DM, Ajwad AA, Agarwal A, Lhamon ME, Donohue K, O'Hara BF, Sunderam S. Selective REM sleep restriction in mice using a device designed for tunable somatosensory stimulation. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 404:110063. [PMID: 38301833 PMCID: PMC10922658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110063] [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: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep perturbation is widely used to investigate the physiological mechanisms that mediate sleep-wake dynamics, and to isolate the specific roles of sleep in health and disease. However, state-of-the-art methods to accomplish sleep perturbation in preclinical models are limited in their throughput, flexibility, and specificity. NEW METHOD A system was developed to deliver vibro-tactile somatosensory stimulation aimed at controlled, selective sleep perturbation. The frequency and intensity of stimulation can be tuned to target a variety of experimental applications, from sudden arousal to sub-threshold transitions between light and deep stages of NREM sleep. This device was activated in closed-loop to selectively interrupt REM sleep in mice. RESULTS Vibro-tactile stimulation effectively and selectively interrupted REM sleep - significantly reducing the average REM bout duration relative to matched, unstimulated baseline recordings. As REM sleep was repeatedly interrupted, homeostatic mechanisms prompted a progressively quicker return to REM sleep. These effects were dependent on the parameters of stimulation applied. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Existing sleep perturbation systems often require moving parts within the cage and/or restrictive housing. The system presented is unique in that it interrupts sleep without invading the animal's space. The ability to vary stimulation parameters is a great advantage over existing methods, as it allows for adaptation in response to habituation and/or circadian/homeostatic changes in arousal threshold. CONCLUSIONS The proposed method of stimulation demonstrates feasibility in affecting mouse sleep within a standard home cage environment, thus limiting environmental stress. Furthermore, the ability to tune frequency and intensity of stimulation allows for graded control over the extent of sleep perturbation, which potentially expands the utility of this technology beyond applications related to sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon M Huffman
- F. Joseph Halcomb, III M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Asma'a A Ajwad
- F. Joseph Halcomb, III M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sridhar Sunderam
- F. Joseph Halcomb, III M.D. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Ding L, Gu Z, Chen H, Wang P, Song Y, Zhang X, Li M, Chen J, Han H, Cheng J, Tong Z. Phototherapy for age-related brain diseases: Challenges, successes and future. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102183. [PMID: 38218465 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102183] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Brain diseases present a significant obstacle to both global health and economic progress, owing to their elusive pathogenesis and the limited effectiveness of pharmaceutical interventions. Phototherapy has emerged as a promising non-invasive therapeutic modality for addressing age-related brain disorders, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), among others. This review examines the recent progressions in phototherapeutic interventions. Firstly, the article elucidates the various wavelengths of visible light that possess the capability to penetrate the skin and skull, as well as the pathways of light stimulation, encompassing the eyes, skin, veins, and skull. Secondly, it deliberates on the molecular mechanisms of visible light on photosensitive proteins, within the context of brain disorders and other molecular pathways of light modulation. Lastly, the practical application of phototherapy in diverse clinical neurological disorders is indicated. Additionally, this review presents novel approaches that combine phototherapy and pharmacological interventions. Moreover, it outlines the limitations of phototherapeutics and proposes innovative strategies to improve the treatment of cerebral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ding
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Ziqi Gu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Haishu Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Panpan Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Yilan Song
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Xincheng Zhang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Jinhan Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China
| | - Hongbin Han
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China. Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment and Technique, NMPA key Laboratory for Evaluation of Medical Imaging Equipment and Technique, Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jianhua Cheng
- Department of neurology, the first affiliated hospital of Wenzhou medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Zhiqian Tong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, PR China.
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Liu S, Zhang S, Guo M, Lei Q, He L, Li Z. Acoustic stimulation during sleep improves cognition and ameliorates Alzheimer's disease pathology in APP/PS1 mice. Exp Gerontol 2023; 182:112299. [PMID: 37776987 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Nonpharmacological therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have become a popular research topic, and acoustic stimulation during sleep is one such promising strategy for the clinical treatment of AD. Some animal experiments have illustrated that acoustic stimulation at a specific frequency can ameliorate AD-related pathology or improve cognition in mice, but these studies did not explore the effective time window of auditory stimulation. Here, we explored the effects of acoustic stimulation during wakefulness and acoustic stimulation during sleep on cognition and AD-related pathology in APP/PS1 mice and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, forty APP/PS1 mice were equally divided into the following 4 groups and treated for 28 days: the chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) group (exposed to sleep deprivation from zeitgeber time [ZT] 0 to ZT 12 each day), the normal sleep and stress exposure (NSS) group (exposed to a stressor from ZT 0 to ZT 12 each day), the acoustic stimulation during wakefulness (ASW) group (exposed to sleep deprivation and 40 Hz acoustic stimulation from ZT 0 to ZT 12 each day) and the acoustic stimulation during sleep (ASS) group (exposed to sleep deprivation from ZT 0 to ZT 12 and 40 Hz acoustic stimulation from ZT 12 to ZT 24 each day). After the intervention, cognition was assessed by behavioural experiments. The amyloid-β burden was analysed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tau pathology was assessed by Western blotting. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting and fluorescence intensity measurement. We found that the NSS and ASS groups had better cognitive functions than the CSD and ASW groups. The Aβ burden and tau phosphorylation were lower in the NSS and ASS groups than in the CSD and ASW groups. Mitochondrial function was better in the NSS and ASS groups than in the CSD and ASW groups. However, the differences in these parameters between the NSS and ASS groups and between the CSD and ASW groups were not significant. Our findings suggest that acoustic stimulation at a specific frequency during sleep, but not during wakefulness, reduces the amyloid-β burden by inhibiting amyloid beta precursor protein-binding protein 2, hinders tau phosphorylation by blocking glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and restores mitochondrial function by elevating mitophagy and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunjie Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
| | - Su Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
| | - Mengxia Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
| | - Qingfeng Lei
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
| | - Lu He
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Neurology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Shenzhen Research Institute of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University.
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FXR1 regulation of parvalbumin interneurons in the prefrontal cortex is critical for schizophrenia-like behaviors. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6845-6867. [PMID: 33863995 PMCID: PMC8521570 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01096-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parvalbumin interneurons (PVIs) are affected in many psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia (SCZ), however the mechanism remains unclear. FXR1, a high confident risk gene for SCZ, is indispensable but its role in the brain is largely unknown. We show that deleting FXR1 from PVIs of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) leads to reduced PVI excitability, impaired mPFC gamma oscillation, and SCZ-like behaviors. PVI-specific translational profiling reveals that FXR1 regulates the expression of Cacna1h/Cav3.2 a T-type calcium channel implicated in autism and epilepsy. Inhibition of Cav3.2 in PVIs of mPFC phenocopies whereas elevation of Cav3.2 in PVIs of mPFC rescues behavioral deficits resulted from FXR1 deficiency. Stimulation of PVIs using a gamma oscillation-enhancing light flicker rescues behavioral abnormalities caused by FXR1 deficiency in PVIs. This work unveils the function of a newly identified SCZ risk gene in SCZ-relevant neurons and identifies a therapeutic target and a potential noninvasive treatment for psychiatric disorders.
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