Acoustic deep brain modulation: Enhancing neuronal activation and neurogenesis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Non-invasive deep brain modulation (DBM) is a promising therapy for brain diseases.
• Acoustic DBM, using focused ultrasound or shock waves, offers targeted modulation but requires optimized parameters.
• Current understanding of acoustic DBM's mechanistic effects and outcomes is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust shock wave DBM protocol by optimizing stimulation parameters.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this optimized protocol in preclinical models.
• To investigate the underlying neural and mechanical mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized shock waves with a broad peak intensity spectrum (10-127 W/mm²) for extensive neuromodulation.
• Compared various shock wave pressure profiles for DBM, assessing neural and behavioral responses.
• Employed numerical analysis to understand the mechanical dynamics within the brain.

Main Results:

• An optimized shock wave profile enhanced neuronal activity in the mouse hypothalamus.
• The optimized protocol increased hippocampal neurogenesis without causing neuronal damage.
• Observed reduced locomotion in behavioral tests, with no significant impact on spatial memory.

Conclusions:

• An optimized shock wave stimulation protocol for non-invasive DBM was established.
• The protocol selectively modulates deep brain neural functions.
• This optimized DBM protocol offers potential for novel non-invasive therapeutic devices for brain diseases.