Early-phase neuroplasticity induced by offline transcranial ultrasound stimulation in primates

Abstract

The use of ‘offline’ transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) protocols is of particular interest in the rapidly growing field of low-intensity TUS. Offline TUS can modulate neural activity up to several hours after stimulation, suggesting the induction of early-phase neuroplasticity. Studies in both humans and nonhuman primates have shown spatially specific changes in both the neuromodulation target and in a distributed network of regions associated with it. These changes suggest that excitatory or inhibitory effects are a result of a complex interaction between the protocol used and the underlying brain region and state. Understanding how early-phase neuroplasticity is induced by offline TUS could open avenues for influencing late-phase neuroplasticity and therapeutic applications in a wide range of brain disorders.