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Direct effects of transcranial electric stimulation on brain circuits in rats and humans

Author

Listed:
  • Mihály Vöröslakos

    (University of Szeged
    New York University)

  • Yuichi Takeuchi

    (University of Szeged)

  • Kitti Brinyiczki

    (University of Szeged)

  • Tamás Zombori

    (University of Szeged)

  • Azahara Oliva

    (University of Szeged
    New York University)

  • Antonio Fernández-Ruiz

    (University of Szeged
    New York University)

  • Gábor Kozák

    (University of Szeged)

  • Zsigmond Tamás Kincses

    (University of Szeged)

  • Béla Iványi

    (University of Szeged)

  • György Buzsáki

    (New York University
    New York University
    New York University)

  • Antal Berényi

    (University of Szeged
    New York University)

Abstract

Transcranial electric stimulation is a non-invasive tool that can influence brain activity; however, the parameters necessary to affect local circuits in vivo remain to be explored. Here, we report that in rodents and human cadaver brains, ~75% of scalp-applied currents are attenuated by soft tissue and skull. Using intracellular and extracellular recordings in rats, we find that at least 1 mV/mm voltage gradient is necessary to affect neuronal spiking and subthreshold currents. We designed an ‘intersectional short pulse’ stimulation method to inject sufficiently high current intensities into the brain, while keeping the charge density and sensation on the scalp surface relatively low. We verify the regional specificity of this novel method in rodents; in humans, we demonstrate how it affects the amplitude of simultaneously recorded EEG alpha waves. Our combined results establish that neuronal circuits are instantaneously affected by intensity currents that are higher than those used in conventional protocols.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihály Vöröslakos & Yuichi Takeuchi & Kitti Brinyiczki & Tamás Zombori & Azahara Oliva & Antonio Fernández-Ruiz & Gábor Kozák & Zsigmond Tamás Kincses & Béla Iványi & György Buzsáki & Antal Berényi, 2018. "Direct effects of transcranial electric stimulation on brain circuits in rats and humans," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-02928-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02928-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Qiaoqin Xiao & Zhenyu Zhong & Xiaozheng Lai & Huabiao Qin, 2019. "A multiple modulation synthesis method with high spatial resolution for noninvasive neurostimulation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(6), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Djeundam, S.R. Dtchetgnia & Filatrella, G. & Yamapi, R., 2018. "Desynchronization effects of a current-driven noisy Hindmarsh–Rose neural network," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 204-211.

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