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Direct current stimulation-induced synaptic plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex: structure follows function.

Anne-Kathrin Gellner1, Janine Reis2, Carsten Holtick2

  • 1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Brain Stimulation
|August 14, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Non-invasive brain stimulation (DCS) enhances structural plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex by increasing dendritic spine density. This effect requires a secondary input and BDNF, mirroring motor learning mechanisms.

Keywords:
Dendritic spineNoninvasive brain stimulationSpine morphologyStructural plasticity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Synaptic Plasticity
  • Neuroplasticity

Background:

  • Non-invasive direct current stimulation (DCS) is known to induce functional brain plasticity and aid motor learning.
  • The impact of DCS on structural synaptic plasticity remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of anodal DCS on structural plasticity and dendritic spine morphology in the mouse sensorimotor cortex (M1/S1).
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including the role of BDNF and secondary synaptic input.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo 2-photon microscopy was used in transgenic mice with a chronic cranial window over M1/S1 to observe dendritic spines during simultaneous DCS.
  • Electrical forepaw stimulation (eFS) provided a secondary synaptic input, mimicking natural activity.
  • Spine density and morphology changes were analyzed under various stimulation conditions (DCS/eFS, sham, etc.) and in BDNF-deficient mice.

Main Results:

  • Combined DCS and eFS rapidly increased spine density, with effects persisting for 24 hours.
  • This increase resulted from enhanced spine survival and the formation of new, larger-headed spines.
  • The DCS-induced increase in spine density was abolished in mice with reduced BDNF expression.

Conclusions:

  • DCS can induce structural synaptic plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex, contingent upon a secondary synaptic input and physiological BDNF levels.
  • These structural changes exhibit significant parallels to the spine dynamics observed during motor learning.