Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation Directly Influences the Cortical Excitability of the Motor Cortex in Parkinsonian Mice

Abstract Background Low‐intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation is a new noninvasive brain modulation method with high spatial resolution and high penetration depth. However, until now, it was unclear whether transcranial ultrasound stimulation has a significant effect on PD. Objectives In order to evaluate the effect of transcranial ultrasound stimulation on PD. Methods We used transcranial ultrasound stimulation to modulate parkinsonian‐related activity in mice administered MPTP and recorded local field potentials in the motor cortex before and after ultrasound stimulation. We analyzed neuronal oscillatory activity known to be relevant to the pathophysiology of PD. Results After ultrasound stimulation, mean power intensity in the beta band (13–30 Hz) significantly decreased, and the phase‐amplitude coupling strength between the beta and high gamma (55–100 Hz) bands and between the beta and ripple (100–200 Hz) bands also became significantly weaker. Conclusions This study demonstrates that ultrasonic neuromodulation can significantly decrease parkinsonian‐related activity in mice administered MPTP. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society