Low-intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Stimulation (LIPUS) Modulates Microglial Activation Following Intracortical Microelectrode Implantation

Overview

Journal Nat Commun

Specialty Biology

Date 2024 Jul 1

PMID 38951525

Authors

Fan Li

Jazlyn Gallego

Natasha N Tirko

Jenna Greaser

Derek Bashe

Rudra Patel

Eric Shaker

Grace E Van Valkenburg

Alanoud S Alsubhi

Steven Wellman

Vanshika Singh

Camila Garcia Padilla

Kyle W Gheres

John I Broussard

Roger Bagwell

Maureen Mulvihill

Takashi D Y Kozai

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Microglia are important players in surveillance and repair of the brain. Implanting an electrode into the cortex activates microglia, produces an inflammatory cascade, triggers the foreign body response, and opens the blood-brain barrier. These changes can impede intracortical brain-computer interfaces performance. Using two-photon imaging of implanted microelectrodes, we test the hypothesis that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation can reduce microglia-mediated neuroinflammation following the implantation of microelectrodes. In the first week of treatment, we found that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation increased microglia migration speed by 128%, enhanced microglia expansion area by 109%, and a reduction in microglial activation by 17%, indicating improved tissue healing and surveillance. Microglial coverage of the microelectrode was reduced by 50% and astrocytic scarring by 36% resulting in an increase in recording performance at chronic time. The data indicate that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation helps reduce the foreign body response around chronic intracortical microelectrodes.

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