Research reportTemporal patterns of deep brain stimulation generated with a true random number generator and the logistic equation: Effects on CNS arousal in mice

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promise in the treatment of many neurological and psychiatric disorders as well as a disorder of consciousness, the minimally conscious state (MCS). In the clinic, DBS is always monotonic standard pulses; however, we have hypothesized that temporally patterned pulses might be more efficient in achieving desired behavioral responses. Here we present two experiments on DBS of the central thalamus to increase arousal, as measured by motor activity, and to affect the electroencephalogram (EEG). In the first, we optimized amplitude and frequency in standard stimulation of the central thalamus in intact mice. In the second, the optimized fixed frequency was compared to two alternative temporal patterns, chaotic and random, which were physically identical to each other and fixed frequency in all ways except temporal pattern. In both experiments and with all types of stimulation, DBS of the central thalamus increased arousal as measured by motor activity. These data also revealed that temporal patterning of pulses can modulate response to stimulation. That temporal patterns in DBS of the central thalamus were found to alter motor activity response implies possible usefulness of temporal patterns in DBS of other contexts. More investigation into exactly how temporally patterned stimulation may affect neuronal circuit dynamics is necessary.

► We optimized amplitude and frequency of DBS of the central thalamus for increasing arousal. ► We chose 100 μA and 125 Hz for rest of our experiments. ► Temporal pattern of DBS modulates increases in motor activity seen with stimulation. ► Random temporal pattern did better than chaotic temporal pattern, against our expectations. ► Future: learn how temporal pattern of DBS can modulate/disrupt brain region or circuit of interest.