Jarmo Ruohonen1, Jari Karhu. 1. Nexstim Ltd., Elimaenkatu 9B, 00510 Helsinki, Finland. j.o.ruohonen@gmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Explore the possibility that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the brain affects glial cells. METHODS: Cable theory is used to estimate roughly transmembrane potential in neurons and glial cells. tDCS is additionally compared to neuronal stimulation techniques for which the mechanisms are well known. RESULTS: Theoretical calculations indicated that tDCS can affect the glial transmembrane potential. The change is similar to what is physiologically observed in astrocytes during neuronal activation. In neurons, transmembrane potential changes are much weaker than the threshold for eliciting action potentials. CONCLUSIONS: Based on simplified cable theory, tDCS may affect glial cells' transmembrane potential and thereby the balance of neurotransmitters. No physiological evidence or proof is available, however. SIGNIFICANCE: It is an exciting possibility that tDCS could manipulate glial cells because they are active participants in brain function, and have multiple essential roles in the human brain. This approach may change greatly the therapeutic potential of tDCS, and also affects the safety considerations.
OBJECTIVE: Explore the possibility that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the brain affects glial cells. METHODS: Cable theory is used to estimate roughly transmembrane potential in neurons and glial cells. tDCS is additionally compared to neuronal stimulation techniques for which the mechanisms are well known. RESULTS: Theoretical calculations indicated that tDCS can affect the glial transmembrane potential. The change is similar to what is physiologically observed in astrocytes during neuronal activation. In neurons, transmembrane potential changes are much weaker than the threshold for eliciting action potentials. CONCLUSIONS: Based on simplified cable theory, tDCS may affect glial cells' transmembrane potential and thereby the balance of neurotransmitters. No physiological evidence or proof is available, however. SIGNIFICANCE: It is an exciting possibility that tDCS could manipulate glial cells because they are active participants in brain function, and have multiple essential roles in the human brain. This approach may change greatly the therapeutic potential of tDCS, and also affects the safety considerations.
Authors: A Antal; I Alekseichuk; M Bikson; J Brockmöller; A R Brunoni; R Chen; L G Cohen; G Dowthwaite; J Ellrich; A Flöel; F Fregni; M S George; R Hamilton; J Haueisen; C S Herrmann; F C Hummel; J P Lefaucheur; D Liebetanz; C K Loo; C D McCaig; C Miniussi; P C Miranda; V Moliadze; M A Nitsche; R Nowak; F Padberg; A Pascual-Leone; W Poppendieck; A Priori; S Rossi; P M Rossini; J Rothwell; M A Rueger; G Ruffini; K Schellhorn; H R Siebner; Y Ugawa; A Wexler; U Ziemann; M Hallett; W Paulus Journal: Clin Neurophysiol Date: 2017-06-19 Impact factor: 3.708
Authors: Maria Adele Rueger; Meike Hedwig Keuters; Maureen Walberer; Ramona Braun; Rebecca Klein; Roland Sparing; Gereon Rudolf Fink; Rudolf Graf; Michael Schroeter Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-08-22 Impact factor: 3.240