Modeling transcranial electric stimulation in mouse: a high resolution finite element study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Mouse models are crucial for studying transcranial electrical stimulation (TES).
• Limited understanding exists regarding electric field distribution in mouse brains during TES.
• A lack of computational models hinders accurate estimation of TES-induced electric fields in mice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the electric field and current density distribution in the mouse brain induced by TES.
• To develop and utilize a high-resolution finite element mouse model for TES simulations.
• To assess the suitability of ear clip electrodes in mouse models for simulating human electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Main Methods:

• Creation of a high-resolution, anatomically realistic finite element mouse model.
• Incorporation of ear clip electrodes, commonly used in mouse TES studies.
• Computation of electric field strength and current density distribution using the model.

Main Results:

• The median electric field strength in the mouse brain at 1 mA stimulus current was 5.57 V/m.
• The cerebellum exhibited the strongest electric field, reaching 20.19 V/m.
• To match human ECT median electric fields, mouse electrode current should be approximately 15 mA.
• The posterior brain region's strongest field in mice contrasts with human ECT's frontal targeting.

Conclusions:

• The ear clip electrode configuration may not be an optimal model for human ECT in mice.
• High-resolution, realistic models are valuable for guiding TES parameter selection in mouse studies.
• Further research is needed to refine mouse models for accurate simulation of human TES protocols.