Peripheral Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation (pFUS)

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Bioengineering
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Studying the peripheral nervous system requires tools for selective neuronal targeting and stimulation.
• Current methods like implantable electrodes are invasive and limited in scope.
• Optogenetics offers molecular specificity but still requires implants and faces clinical translation hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce peripheral focused ultrasound neuromodulation (pFUS) as a novel tool for selective neuronal pathway activation.
• Expand characterization of pFUS capabilities in various experimental models.
• Demonstrate pFUS as a valuable investigative and translational tool for the peripheral nervous system.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 3D in vitro culture of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to confirm ultrasound activation.
• Tested pFUS for activating nerve pathways at multiple sites including ganglia and end-organs.
• Compared selective activation of overlapping pathways and used an LPS-induced inflammation model to demonstrate therapeutic potential in target organs.

Main Results:

• Confirmed ultrasound activation of peripheral neurons in vitro at physiologically relevant pressures.
• Demonstrated pFUS's ability to selectively activate distinct neural pathways (e.g., cholinergic anti-inflammatory vs. metabolic sensory).
• Showed pFUS can attenuate hyperglycemia in a mouse model by stimulating the liver, pancreas, or intestines, linking effects to specific cell types.

Conclusions:

• pFUS is a non-invasive, easy-to-use tool that addresses limitations of existing neuromodulation techniques.
• This technology provides a fundamental platform for future research and manipulation of the peripheral nervous and neuroendocrine systems.