Calcium imaging reveals glial involvement in transcranial direct current stimulation-induced plasticity in mouse brain

Hiromu Monai, Masamichi Ohkura, Mika Tanaka, Yuki Oe, Ayumu Konno, Hirokazu Hirai, Katsuhiko Mikoshiba, Shigeyoshi Itohara, Junichi Nakai, Youichi Iwai and Hajime Hirase ()
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Hiromu Monai: RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Masamichi Ohkura: Brain Science Institute, Saitama University
Mika Tanaka: RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Yuki Oe: RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Ayumu Konno: Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
Hirokazu Hirai: Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
Katsuhiko Mikoshiba: RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Shigeyoshi Itohara: RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Junichi Nakai: Brain Science Institute, Saitama University
Youichi Iwai: RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Hajime Hirase: RIKEN Brain Science Institute

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Transcranical direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a treatment known to ameliorate various neurological conditions and enhance memory and cognition in humans. tDCS has gained traction for its potential therapeutic value; however, little is known about its mechanism of action. Using a transgenic mouse expressing G-CaMP7 in astrocytes and a subpopulation of excitatory neurons, we find that tDCS induces large-amplitude astrocytic Ca2+ surges across the entire cortex with no obvious changes in the local field potential. Moreover, sensory evoked cortical responses are enhanced after tDCS. These enhancements are dependent on the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor and are not observed in IP3R2 (inositol trisphosphate receptor type 2) knockout mice, in which astrocytic Ca2+ surges are absent. Together, we propose that tDCS changes the metaplasticity of the cortex through astrocytic Ca2+/IP3 signalling.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11100

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