RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Ultrasonic Neuromodulation Causes Widespread Cortical Activation via an Indirect Auditory Mechanism
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 234211
DO 10.1101/234211
A1 Tomokazu Sato
A1 Mikhail G. Shapiro
A1 Doris Y. Tsao
YR 2017
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/12/16/234211.abstract
AB Ultrasound has received widespread attention as an emerging technology for targeted, non-invasive neuromodulation based on its ability to evoke electrophysiological and motor responses in animals. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal pattern of ultrasound-induced brain activity that could drive these responses. Here, we address this question by combining focused ultrasound with wide-field optical imaging of calcium signals in transgenic mice. Surprisingly, we find cortical activity patterns consistent with indirect activation of auditory pathways rather than direct neuromodulation at the ultrasound focus. Ultrasound-induced activity is similar to that evoked by audible sound. Furthermore, both ultrasound and audible sound elicit motor responses consistent with a startle reflex, with both responses reduced by chemical deafening. These findings reveal an indirect auditory mechanism for ultrasound-induced cortical activity and movement requiring careful consideration in future development of ultrasonic neuromodulation as a tool in neuroscience research.