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Transcranial focused ultrasound-mediated neurochemical and functional connectivity changes in deep cortical regions in humans

Author

Listed:
  • Siti N. Yaakub

    (University of Plymouth
    University of Plymouth)

  • Tristan A. White

    (University of Plymouth
    University of Plymouth)

  • Jamie Roberts

    (University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust)

  • Eleanor Martin

    (University College London
    University College London)

  • Lennart Verhagen

    (Radboud University Nijmegen)

  • Charlotte J. Stagg

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Stephen Hall

    (University of Plymouth
    University of Plymouth)

  • Elsa F. Fouragnan

    (University of Plymouth
    University of Plymouth)

Abstract

Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging non-invasive technique for focally modulating human brain function. The mechanisms and neurochemical substrates underlying TUS neuromodulation in humans and how these relate to excitation and inhibition are still poorly understood. In 24 healthy controls, we separately stimulated two deep cortical regions and investigated the effects of theta-burst TUS, a protocol shown to increase corticospinal excitability, on the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and functional connectivity. We show that theta-burst TUS in humans selectively reduces GABA levels in the posterior cingulate, but not the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. Functional connectivity increased following TUS in both regions. Our findings suggest that TUS changes overall excitability by reducing GABAergic inhibition and that changes in TUS-mediated neuroplasticity last at least 50 mins after stimulation. The difference in TUS effects on the posterior and anterior cingulate could suggest state- or location-dependency of the TUS effect—both mechanisms increasingly recognized to influence the brain’s response to neuromodulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Siti N. Yaakub & Tristan A. White & Jamie Roberts & Eleanor Martin & Lennart Verhagen & Charlotte J. Stagg & Stephen Hall & Elsa F. Fouragnan, 2023. "Transcranial focused ultrasound-mediated neurochemical and functional connectivity changes in deep cortical regions in humans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-40998-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40998-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sangjin Yoo & David R. Mittelstein & Robert C. Hurt & Jerome Lacroix & Mikhail G. Shapiro, 2022. "Focused ultrasound excites cortical neurons via mechanosensitive calcium accumulation and ion channel amplification," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, December.
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