Effects of transcranial magneto-acoustical stimulation on excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharge patterns

Transcranial Magneto-Acoustical Stimulation (TMAS) represents an innovative, highly efficacious, and non-invasive modality for brain stimulation. Neurons, as integral components of neural networks, are crucial for the transmission of information. Nevertheless, the impact of TMAS on the discharge patterns of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons is not yet fully understood. To address this gap, the Hodgkin-Huxley neuronal model is analyzed using the improved Euler method. The neuronal discharge patterns are comprehensively examined by systematically adjusting ion channel parameters and stimulation parameters. The results indicate that ultrasound frequency exerted minimal influence on the properties of neuronal action potentials. Conversely, as the static magnetic field strength and ultrasound power are augmented, the excitability of both types of neurons progressively enhances. However, the changes in the electrical properties of action potentials are less pronounced in inhibitory neurons compared to excitatory neurons. Furthermore, alterations in ion channel parameters significantly influence the firing characteristics of both types of neurons. The present study elucidates that TMAS has a significant effect on the firing patterns of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Excitatory neurons showed stronger regular discharges in response to static magnetic fields and increased ultrasound power, whereas inhibitory neurons did not respond to low-intensity static magnetic fields. In addition, our systematic analysis revealed synergistic effects between ion channel parameters and TMAS stimulation parameters. These findings shed light on how neuron type specificity and ion channel dynamics work together to shape the efficacy of TMAS, thus advancing previous studies.