Modulation of Human Brain Functional Connectivity with Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuromodulation
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) is a novel non-invasive neuromodulation technique.
• Its precise mechanisms and effects on large-scale brain networks are not fully understood.
• The subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) is a deep brain region implicated in mood disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if tFUS can reliably modulate functional connectivity (FC) with the sgACC.
• To assess the effects of tFUS on sgACC's integration into large-scale brain networks.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to record blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) activity.
• tFUS was applied for 5 minutes targeting the sgACC.
• Comparisons were made between active tFUS and sham stimulation.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in FC with the sgACC was observed during and immediately after tFUS, compared to sham.
• This enhancement in FC was a slow increase observed in approximately 80% of sgACC connections.
• Findings suggest enhanced integration of the sgACC into brain networks.

Conclusions:

• tFUS can effectively modulate functional connectivity in deep brain regions like the sgACC.
• The findings support the feasibility of using tFUS for neuromodulation.
• tFUS holds potential for therapeutic applications in psychiatric disorders.