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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS in Mice
Published on: September 23, 2018
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Transcranial direct current stimulation alters cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid exchange in mouse brain
1Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Ohtsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8610, Japan.
Brain Stimulation
|April 30, 2024
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhances brain waste clearance by increasing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow. This effect is mediated by astrocytic signaling and may improve glymphatic system function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physiology
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique.
- The glymphatic system clears metabolic waste via cerebrospinal fluid-interstitial fluid (CSF-ISF) exchange.
- The precise impact of tDCS on glymphatic function remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of tDCS on CSF-ISF exchange dynamics.
- To explore the role of astrocytic IP3/Ca2+ signaling in tDCS-mediated glymphatic modulation.
- To assess tDCS's influence on brain metabolic waste clearance.
Main Methods:
- tDCS was applied to anesthetized mice.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tracer influx was measured using biotinylated dextran amine (BDA).
- Brain fluid dynamics, EEG, and AQP4 expression were analyzed, including in IP3R2 knockout mice.
Main Results:
- tDCS increased CSF tracer influx, indicating enhanced CSF-ISF exchange.
- tDCS promoted metabolic waste efflux and increased delta wave activity in EEG.
- No significant changes in CSF-ISF exchange or delta wave activity were observed in IP3R2 knockout mice.
Conclusions:
- tDCS augments glymphatic system influx and efflux.
- Astrocytic IP3/Ca2+ signaling mediates tDCS effects on brain clearance.
- tDCS shows potential for modulating brain metabolic waste clearance.
