Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Thalamic Visual Pathway in a Large Animal Model

Autor: Ryan T. Ash, Gary H. Glover, Morteza Mohammadjavadi, Kim Butts Pauly, Jan Kubanek, Yamil Saenz, Gerald R. Popelka, Anthony M. Norcia, Pooja Gaur
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.21.461109
Popis: BackgroundNeuromodulation of deep brain structures via transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a promising, but still elusive approach to non-invasive treatment of brain disorders.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether MR-guided TUS of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) can modulate visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and cortical brain oscillations in a large animal model.MethodsThe lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) on one side was identified with T2-weighted MRI in sheep (all male, n=9). MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI) was used to confirm a tight sonication focus. Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals were recorded, and the visual evoked potential (VEP) peak-to-peak amplitude (N70 and P100) was calculated for each trial. Time-frequency spectral analysis was performed to elucidate the effect of TUS on cortical brain dynamics.ResultsThe VEP peak-to-peak amplitude was reversibly suppressed relative to baseline during TUS. Dynamic spectral analysis demonstrated a change in cortical oscillations when TUS is paired with visual sensory input, but not when TUS is applied by itself.ConclusionTUS non-invasively delivered to LGN can neuromodulate visual activity and oscillatory dynamics in large mammalian brains.
Databáze: OpenAIRE