Spinal neuromodulation using ultra low frequency waveform inhibits sensory signaling to the thalamus and preferentially reduces aberrant firing of thalamic neurons in a model of neuropathic pain

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2025 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1512950 · Published: January 17, 2025

Simple Explanation

This study explores the effects of a novel neuromodulation technique, using ultra-low frequency (ULF) current, on thalamic neuron activity in rats. The researchers found that ULF current can inhibit the activation of thalamic neurons that receive sensory input from the spinal cord. Specifically, ULF current preferentially reduces abnormal thalamic activity associated with neuropathic pain, suggesting a potential mechanism for pain relief.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

131 thalamic neurons in 33 rats

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
ULF current can acutely and reversibly interrupt signaling between sensory afferent fibers and relay neurons of the thalamus.
2
Ongoing activity of thalamic neurons increases dramatically in the early stages following neuropathic injury.
3
ULF current preferentially attenuates pathological thalamic activity in this neuropathic model compared to normal activity in naïve and sham-operated animals.

Research Summary

The study investigates the impact of epidural ULF neuromodulation on thalamic neuron responses to peripheral sensory stimulation and pathological thalamic activity in a neuropathic pain model. Results showed that ULF current reduces evoked responses of thalamic neurons to stimulation in normal conditions and preferentially reduces aberrant firing in the pathological state. Epidural ULF application in a pathological pain model demonstrated a normalizing effect on thalamic activity to resemble more closely the latent activity pattern of the thalamus.

Practical Implications

Pain Management

ULF neuromodulation shows promise as a novel approach for managing chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, by targeting and reducing abnormal thalamic activity.

Therapeutic Target

The thalamus can be considered as a key therapeutic target for neuromodulation techniques aimed at alleviating chronic pain conditions.

Specificity

ULF neuromodulation has a preferential effect on pathological activity, suggesting it may be able to reduce pain without disrupting normal sensory function.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on anesthetized rats, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to humans.
2
The sample size for certain comparisons, particularly for HT cells, was small, mandating caution in the interpretation of those results.
3
The exact mechanisms by which ULF current exerts its effects on spinal neural elements remain uncertain.

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