Work

Investigate the neuroprotective effects of electrical stimulation following acute ischemic stroke in non-human primates

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Brain stimulation has emerged as a novel therapy for ischemic stroke, a major cause of brain injury that often results in lifelong disability. Although previous in vitro and rodent studies have demonstrated neuroprotection using electrical or sensory stimulation acutely after stroke, few of these results have been replicated in humans due to significant scale and anatomical differences, in addition to a limited understanding of stimulation-induced network changes. Therefore, we combined electrophysiology and histology to study the effects of electrical stimulation following cortical ischemic stroke in non-human primates (NHPs). To produce controlled focal lesions, we used the photothrombotic method to induce targeted vasculature damage in the sensorimotor cortices of two macaques while collecting electrocorticography (ECoG) signals bilaterally. In another two macaques, we followed the same lesioning procedures and applied repeated electrical stimulation via an ECoG electrode medial to the lesion. We investigated the protective effects of stimulation on neural dynamics using electrophysiological markers such as ECoG signal power. In addition, we performed histological analysis including Nissl and immunohistochemistry staining to evaluate the differences in lesion volume, neuronal death, and neuroinflammatory response of microglia. In comparison to controls, the ECoG signals showed decreased gamma power across the sensorimotor cortex in stimulated animals. Meanwhile, histology revealed smaller lesion volumes and reduced microglial response for the stimulated group, suggesting that electrical stimulation may exert neuroprotection by suppressing post-ischemic neural activity and reducing excitotoxicity. With the similarity between NHP and human brains, this study paves the path for developing effective stimulation-based therapy for acute stroke in clinical studies. Research Category and Technology and Methods Translational Research: 13. Other Brain Stimulation Technology Keywords: Ischemic stroke, Lesioning, Electrical stimulation, Electrocorticography

Source: Brain stimulation

DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.01.776

Authors: Jasmine Zhou, Karam Khateeb, Aryaman Gala, Mona Rahimi, Azadeh Yazdan-Shahmorad

Institution: University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,830