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Updated: Nov 24, 2025
Simultaneous Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 5, 2017
Depression of auditory cortex excitability by transcranial alternating current stimulation
Yao Wang1, Gaoyuan Dong2, Limeng Shi3
1School of Electronics & Information Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China; School of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering Tianjin University, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) applied to the auditory cortex inhibited the 40-Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR). This noninvasive brain stimulation technique may alter auditory cortex excitability and brain region activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Noninvasive Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) modulates brain function, but its direct effects on auditory cortex excitability are rarely documented.
- Understanding how tACS parameters influence auditory processing is crucial for its therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 11-Hz tACS on auditory steady-state response (ASSR) in normal-hearing subjects.
- To explore tACS-induced changes in auditory cortex excitability and associated brain regions.
Main Methods:
- 11-Hz tACS was applied to the auditory cortex of 12 participants.
- Auditory steady-state response (ASSR) was measured.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) source analysis was performed.
Main Results:
- tACS demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the 40-Hz ASSR.
- EEG source analysis indicated potential enhancement of middle temporal gyrus activity under both sham and real tACS conditions.
- Reduced posterior cingulate gyrus activity was observed under real tACS.
Conclusions:
- tACS applied to the temporal lobe tends to decrease 40-Hz ASSR in humans.
- This study contributes to understanding tACS-induced modulation of auditory cortex excitability.
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