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Updated: Jul 21, 2025
Stereotaxic Infusion of Oligomeric Amyloid-beta into the Mouse Hippocampus
Published on: June 17, 2015
Intensity-dependent gamma electrical stimulation regulates microglial activation, reduces beta-amyloid load, and
Qian Liu1,2, Adam Contreras1, Muhammad Shan Afaq1
1Institute for Regenerative Cures, Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
Background:
Gamma sensory stimulation may reduce AD-specific pathology. Yet, the efficacy of alternating electrical current stimulation in animal models of AD is unknown, and prior research has not addressed intensity-dependent effects.
Methods:
The intensity-dependent effect of gamma electrical stimulation (GES) with a sinusoidal alternating current at 40 Hz on Aβ clearance and microglia modulation were assessed in 5xFAD mouse hippocampus and cortex, as well as the behavioral performance of the animals with the Morris Water Maze.
Results:
One hour of epidural GES delivered over a month significantly (1) reduced Aβ load in the AD brain, (2) increased microglia cell counts, decreased cell body size, increased length of cellular processes of the Iba1 + cells, and (3) improved behavioral performance (learning & memory). All these effects were most pronounced when a higher stimulation current was applied.
Conclusion:
The efficacy of GES on the reduction of AD pathology and the intensity-dependent feature provide guidance for the development of this promising therapeutic approach.
