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Reversible Functional Changes Evoked by Anodal Epidural Direct Current Electrical Stimulation of the Rat Auditory
Ana Cecilia Colmenárez-Raga1, Iván Díaz1, Marianny Pernia1
1Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|April 30, 2019
Summary
Epidural electrical stimulation of the rat auditory cortex temporarily reduces hearing sensitivity. Multisession stimulation causes reversible hearing loss and widespread neural changes, suggesting localized effects with potential global brain responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory System Research
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- The auditory cortex influences auditory processing via corticofugal projections.
- Understanding the effects of epidural electrical stimulation is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness and reversibility of multisession epidural electrical stimulation of the rat auditory cortex.
- To assess the impact of this stimulation on auditory function and brain tissue.
Main Methods:
- Anodal direct current stimulation applied to the rat auditory cortex over multiple sessions.
- Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) recorded to measure hearing thresholds and wave amplitudes.
- Quantitative immunocytochemistry used to analyze glial cell (GFAP, Iba1) and neuronal (c-Fos) markers.
Main Results:
- Epidural stimulation caused a reversible increase in ABR auditory thresholds, indicating temporary hearing loss.
- Multisession stimulation led to delayed threshold recovery (4 days) compared to single sessions (10 min).
- Histological analysis revealed localized glial reactivity within the auditory cortex and widespread changes in neuronal activity (c-Fos) across sensory cortices.
Conclusions:
- Epidural auditory cortex stimulation induces reversible hearing sensitivity reduction.
- Multisession stimulation results in localized cortical effects and broader plastic changes in sensory cortices, potentially due to electrolytic currents.
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