Multielectrode Cortical Stimulation Selectively Induces Unidirectional Wave Propagation of Excitatory Neuronal...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Biophysics

Background:

• Cortical stimulation is a developing tool for research and therapy.
• Current methods rely on trial-and-error due to a lack of predictive models.
• Traveling waves are key to cortical processing, but their control is not understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To predict and understand how cortical surface stimulation can induce directional traveling waves.
• To explore the role of asymmetric activation of inhibitory interneurons in wave induction.
• To bridge the gap between microscale stimulation effects and mesoscale circuit dynamics.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid biophysical-anatomical and neural-computational model was utilized.
• Simulations analyzed the activation patterns of different neuron types (pyramidal, basket, Martinotti cells).
• Network model simulations predicted the resulting wave propagation.

Main Results:

• Asymmetric stimulation led to differential activation of inhibitory interneurons.
• Pyramidal and basket cells were highly activated by anodal stimulation; Martinotti cells showed moderate activation by both.
• Simulations showed unidirectional traveling waves in superficial excitatory cells.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetric electrical stimulation can reliably induce directional traveling waves.
• This induction relies on distinct inhibitory interneuron activities shaping circuit dynamics.
• The findings pave the way for predictable, persistent changes in brain activity for therapeutic applications.