Long-lasting restoration of memory function and hippocampal synaptic plasticity by focused ultrasound in Alzheimer's disease

Background: Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a medical technology that non-invasively stimulates the brain and has been applied in thermal ablation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening, and neuromodulation. In recent years, numerous experiences and indications for the use of FUS in clinical and preclinical studies have rapidly expanded. Focused ultrasound-mediated BBB opening induces cognitive enhancement and neurogenesis; how-ever, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated.Methods: Here, we investigate the effects of FUS-mediated BBB opening on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and cognitive function in a 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We applied FUS with microbubble to the hippocampus and LTP was measured 6 weeks after BBB opening using FUS. Field recordings were made with a concentric bipolar electrode positioned in the CA1 region using an extracellular glass pipette filled with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Morris water maze and Y-maze was performed to test cognitive function.Results: Our results demonstrated that FUS-mediated BBB opening has a significant impact on increasing LTP at Schaffer collateral -CA1 synapses and rescues cognitive dysfunction and working memory. These effects per-sisted for up to 7 weeks post-treatment. Also, FUS-mediated BBB opening in the hippocampus increased PKA phosphorylation.Conclusion: Therefore, it could be a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases as it remarkably in-creases LTP, thereby improving working memory.

Automated summary

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a promising non-invasive medical technology that stimulates the brain. This study investigated the effects of FUS-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that FUS-mediated BBB opening increased LTP and improved cognitive function.