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Cortical neuron activation induced by electromagnetic stimulation: a quantitative analysis via modelling and
Tiecheng Wu1, Jie Fan1,2, Kim Seng Lee3
1Neuroengineering Laboratory, National University of Singapore, Block EA #04-25, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
Journal of Computational Neuroscience
|January 1, 2016
Summary
This study developed a detailed neuron simulation to investigate non-invasive neuromodulation. Realistic models show stimulation thresholds depend on field direction and pulse shape, impacting neuronal activation.
Area of Science:
- Computational neuroscience
- Biophysics
- Neurostimulation
Background:
- Non-invasive neuromodulation efficacy depends on various factors.
- A comprehensive understanding of these factors' interplay on realistic neurons is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate stimulation-evoked neuronal activation using detailed neuron models.
- To explore the influence of stimulation parameters and neuron morphology on activation thresholds.
Main Methods:
- Developed a simulation scheme incorporating detailed physiological and morphological properties of pyramidal cells.
- Simulated activation thresholds and initiation sites across various field directions and pulse waveforms.
- Analyzed the impact of pulse length, field orientation, and axonal geometry on neuronal excitability.
Main Results:
- Neuronal activation thresholds showed minor anisotropy, minimized when the electric field aligned with the dendritic-somatic axis.
- Layer 5 pyramidal cells exhibited lower thresholds, with significant intra-layer variance.
- Reduced pulse length increased thresholds and variance; axonal tortuosity and arborization hindered action potential initiation.
- Stimulation initiation sites depended on stimulus orientation and duration, suggesting competition among axonal components.
Conclusions:
- Cable theory-based simulations with detailed neuron models provide quantitatively accurate evaluations of cell activity.
- Simulation results closely resemble physiological and clinical recordings, validating the approach.
- Cellular excitability in response to neuromodulation is influenced by a complex interplay of stimulus parameters and local neuronal geometry.
Keywords:
Action potential initiation pointComputer simulationNeuromodulationPyramidal cellStimulation threshold
