Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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This study characterizes and validates a recently developed dedicated circular rat coil for small animal repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). ⋯ The coil is suitable for rTMS in rats and achieves unprecedented high E-fields at high stimulation frequencies and long durations with however a rather unfocal rat brain stimulation. Reproducible MEPs as well as alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism following rTMS were demonstrated.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used for a variety of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease. There are several theories regarding the biology and mechanisms of action of DBS. Previously, we observed an up-regulation of neural progenitor cell proliferation in post-mortem tissue suggesting that DBS can influence cellular plasticity in regions beyond the site of stimulation. We wanted to support these observations and investigate the relationship if any, between DBS, neural progenitor cells, and microglia. ⋯ We conclude that in this animal model, acute DBS results in modest local progenitor cell proliferation and influenced the total number of activated microglia. This could be of clinical significance in patients with PD, as it is thought to progress via neuroinflammatory processes involving microglia, cytokines, and the complement system. Further studies are required to comprehend the behavior of microglia in different activation states and their ability to regulate adult neurogenesis under physiologic and pathologic conditions.
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Traditional tonic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been approved by FDA for chronic pain of intractable back and limb pain. However, it induces paresthesia and relieves pain poorly to some extent. Recently, burst SCS has been developed for pain reduction without the mandatory paresthesia. ⋯ Burst SCS is a new approach that possibly causes more pain reduction for short-term duration than tonic SCS without eliciting paresthesia. The evidence based on this systematic review for burst SCS in treating chronic intractable pain is considered fair and limited. This is an AAN recommendation level U. Further research is needed with a larger sample size and a standardized study design.