An integrated neuroprotective intervention for brain ischemia validated by ECoG-fPAM

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Stroke Research

Background:

• Brain ischemia, a leading cause of disability, has limited treatment options like recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA).
• Existing treatments for ischemia have narrow applicability and potential side effects, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of an integrated intervention combining cathodal-transcranial direct current stimulation (C-tDCS) and peripheral sensory stimulation (PSS).
• To investigate the neurovascular and neuroprotective effects of C-tDCS + PSS during the hyperacute phase of stroke in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a hybrid electrocorticography (ECoG) and functional photoacoustic microscopy (fPAM) system (ECoG-fPAM) for cortical functional imaging.
• Administered an integrated intervention of C-tDCS + PSS immediately following ischemic insult in rats.
• Assessed neuroprotection using NeuN/ED-1 immunohistochemical and TTC staining.

Main Results:

• The integrated intervention promoted recovery of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and restored neural activity, including somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and alpha-to-delta ratio (ADR).
• Histological analyses confirmed a significant neuroprotective effect, with increased neuron survival and reduced infarct size.
• ECoG-fPAM imaging demonstrated the intervention's ability to inhibit ischemia expansion and reverse cortical neurovascular dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• The combination of C-tDCS and PSS administered during the hyperacute phase of ischemia shows significant promise for stroke recovery.
• This integrated approach effectively promotes neuroprotection and restores neurovascular functions, offering a potential new therapeutic avenue for ischemic stroke.