Chinese study suggests role for ultrasound in brain-based treatments
- Researchers say their findings could have applications for the treatment of chronic pain and other disorders
- The study in mice successfully targeted the brain’s cerebellar cortex which plays a vital role in controlling movement, they say
Previous studies have confirmed the feasibility of ultrasonic neuromodulation – a therapy based on stimulating targeted nerves in the body – for parts of the cerebrum, but the technique’s function on the cerebellum has remained unclear.
While the much larger cerebrum sends signals to the muscles, their movements are precisely controlled by the cerebellum, which is made up of three distinct layers. The middle layer of Purkinje cells – named after their discoverer – are crucial in cerebellar function.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Stimulation, found ultrasonic stimulus passed through the cerebellar cortex’s outer layer and induced neural responses in the Purkinje cells and innermost granular layer.
The cerebellar granular cells receive and send sensory and motor signals that are integrated by the Purkinje cells and used to coordinate movements, according to the researchers.
