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Glia: A Neglected Player in Non-invasive Direct Current Brain Stimulation
Anne-Kathrin Gellner1, Janine Reis1, Brita Fritsch1
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Freiburg Freiburg, Germany.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|August 24, 2016
Summary
Direct current stimulation (DCS) enhances brain plasticity by affecting neurons. This review explores DCS effects on glia and their role in neuroplasticity, highlighting under-researched glial contributions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neurostimulation
Background:
- Non-invasive direct current stimulation (DCS) enhances neuronal plasticity.
- Glial cells constitute about 50% of brain cells and are electrically active.
- The role of glia in DCS-induced neuroplasticity remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on DCS effects on glial cells.
- To present novel dose-response data regarding DCS and glia.
- To propose a research framework for understanding glial contributions to DCS-mediated neuroplasticity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on DCS and glia.
- Presentation of original experimental data on DCS dose-response effects on glia.
- Development of a conceptual framework for future research.
Main Results:
- DCS directly modulates neuronal networks, promoting plasticity.
- Glial cells are electrically active and involved in synaptic plasticity.
- Evidence suggests glia play a role in DCS effects, but this is sparsely investigated.
Conclusions:
- Future research should investigate the direct effects of DCS on glia.
- Understanding glial contributions is crucial for a complete picture of DCS-induced neuroplasticity.
- A dual perspective (direct glial effects and glial contribution to neuroplasticity) is needed.
