Pulsed Ultrasound Techniques to Stimulate Brain Circuit Activity

A new “pulsed ultrasound technique” that can remotely stimulate brain circuit activity has been developed by neuroscientists at Arizona State University. This new technique works without any requirement for exogenous proteins or even medical devices that are surgically implanted for a similar purpose.

The new study provides insights into how low-power ultrasound can be harnessed for the noninvasive neurostimulation of brain circuits and offers the potential for new treatments of brain disorders and diseases, like traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injury and even Alzheimer's disease.

About Ultrasound
Ultrasound scan or sonogram uses sound waves to obtain images of the internal organs. Ultrasound scan is used during pregnancy and to examine breast, abdomen, renal and thyroid.

"We were able to unravel how ultrasound can stimulate the electrical activity of neurons by optically monitoring the activity of neuronal circuits, while we simultaneously propagated low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound through brain tissues," said lead investigator William "Jamie" Tyler.

The researchers discovered that remotely delivered low intensity, low frequency ultrasound (LILFU) increased the activity of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in a way sufficient to trigger action potentials and the release of neurotransmitter from synapses.

As the processes are important for transferring information among neurons, the researchers suggested that this type of ultrasound provides a powerful new tool for modulating the activity of neural circuits.

Leg Clot can be Detected by Simple Method as Well
Scientists have found that a simpler tool was as effective as the complex one in a comparison between two diagnostic methods used to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

"Many of the stimulation methods used by neuroscientists require the use and implantation of stimulating electrodes, requiring direct contact with nervous tissue or the introduction of exogenous proteins, such as those used for the light-activation of neurons," explained Tyler.

In their search for new types of noninvasive neurostimulation methods, the scientists revisited ultrasound.

Cryoablation is a Safe Procedure for Breast Cancer Patients
Ultrasound-guided cryoablation of small breast cancer may be a safe procedure associated with minimal morbidity and high patient satisfaction

"We were quite surprised to find that ultrasound at power levels lower than those typically used in routine diagnostic medical imaging procedures could produce an increase in the activity of neurons while higher power levels produced very little effect on their activity," said Tyler.

The skull has been a stumbling block to using ultrasound noninvasively in the brain. However, they found that low-frequency ultrasound could be focused through human skulls.

Safer and More Effective Cancer Therapy Possible With Endoscopic Ultrasound
American scientists are studying the efficacy of a therapeutic technique that can allow doctors to directly inject tumours with cancer fighting agents from inside the body.

Talking about the potential of using his groups' methods to remotely control brain activity, Tyler said: "One might be able to envision potential applications ranging from medical interventions to use in video gaming or the creation of artificial memories along the lines of Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in 'Total Recall.' Imagine taking a vacation without actually going anywhere?

"Obviously, we need to conduct further research and development, but one of the most exhilarating prospects is that low intensity, low frequency ultrasound permits deep-brain stimulation procedures without requiring exogenous proteins or surgically implanted medical devices."

The study is published in the latest issue of the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) One.

Source-ANI
TAN/L