Ultrasound Neuromodulation Shows Potential for Brain Disorder Treatment

Researchers used a novel method of noninvasive brain stimulation called patterned low-intensity low-frequency ultrasound stimulation (LILFUS) to induce long-lasting changes in the brain function of mice that, in some cases, enabled the animals to acquire new motor skills, according to a study published in Science Advances.

LILFUS mimics brainwave patterns of theta (5 Hz) and gamma (30 Hz) oscillations associated with learning and memory processes. Using patterned LILFUS, researchers were able to activate and deactivate specific brain regions in a mouse model, according to the study. Intermittent theta burst ultrasound stimulation, which consisted of 2 seconds of stimulation followed by 8 seconds of rest, induced bidirectional long-term potentiation. Continuous theta burst ultrasound stimulation, which involved 40 seconds of uninterrupted stimulation, resulted in long-term depression-like plasticity. 

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“These effects depended on molecular pathways associated with long-term plasticity, including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B activation, as well as de novo protein synthesis,” wrote corresponding author Joo Min Park, PhD, of the Center for Cognition and Sociality at the Institute for Basic Science in Daejeon, South Korea, and study coauthors. “Notably, bestrophin-1 and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 play important roles in these enduring effects.”

When the researchers delivered ultrasound stimulation to the cerebral motor cortex, the mice showed significant gains in motor skill learning and ability to retrieve food. Researchers were even able to change the forelimb preference of the animals.

Investigators believe LILFUS has potential applications in rehabilitation therapies for stroke and other motor impairments, as well as for depression and conditions involving altered brain excitability and plasticity.

“We plan to continue follow-up studies to apply this technology for the treatment of brain disorders related to abnormal brain excitation and inhibition and for the enhancement of cognitive functions,” Dr Park said.

References

Kim HJ, Phan TT, Lee K, et al. Long-lasting forms of plasticity through patterned ultrasound-induced brainwave entrainment. Sci Adv. 2024;10(8):eadk3198. doi:10.1126/sciadv.adk3198

Revolutionary brain stimulation technique shows promise for treating brain disorders. News release. Institute for Basic Science; February 23, 2024. Accessed March 22, 2024.