Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising treatment for tinnitus, although outcomes are highly variable. We previously described a multilocus sequential rTMS treatment protocol for tinnitus involving stimulation of both prefrontal and auditory targets. In this study, we report results using this approach in an open-label treatment study of tinnitus with and without comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). ⋯ Patients showed significant improvement in tinnitus from multilocus sequential rTMS treatment, and those with tinnitus alone improved more quickly. Those with depression who continued rTMS through a full 30-session course further improved, indicating that tinnitus with comorbid MDD may respond with extended treatment.
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Low-intensity, focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging noninvasive neuromodulation approach, with improved spatial and temporal resolution and penetration depth compared to other noninvasive electrical stimulation strategies. FUS has been used to modulate circuits in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, however, its potential to modulate spinal circuits is unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of trans-spinal FUS (tsFUS) on spinal reflexes in healthy rats. ⋯ Our study provides evidence that tsFUS reversibly suppresses spinal reflexes and suggests that tsFUS could be a safe and effective strategy for spinal cord neuromodulation in disorders associated with hyperreflexia, including spasticity after spinal cord injury and painful syndromes.
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γ-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic dysfunction in excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) imbalance drives the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibitory interneurons play an important role in the regulation of E/I balance, synaptic transmission, and network oscillation through manipulation of GABAergic functions, showing positive outcomes in AD animal models. Mice expressing 5 familial AD mutation (5xFAD) exhibited a series of AD-like pathology and learning and memory deficits with age. Because electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been used for a complementary alternative medicine therapy in patients with AD, we aimed to examine any usefulness of EA therapy in GABA interneuron function and its associated synaptic proteins, to determine whether EA could effectively improve inhibitory transmission and network oscillation and eventually alleviate cognitive impairments in 5xFAD mice, and to further elucidate the GABAergic system function underlying the antidementia response of EA. ⋯ EA stimulation at DU20 and DU14 acupoints may be a potential alternative therapy to ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD through the regulation of the function of the GABAergic interneuron.