Cellular mechanisms underlying carry-over effects after magnetic stimulation.

Magnetic fields are widely used for neuromodulation in clinical settings. The intended effect of magnetic stimulation is that neural activity resumes its pre-stimulation state right after stimulation. Many theoretical and experimental works have focused on the cellular and molecular basis of the acute neural response to magnetic field.

Neuron matters: neuromodulation with electromagnetic stimulation must consider neurons as dynamic identities.

Neuromodulation with electromagnetic stimulation is widely used for the control of abnormal neural activity, and has been proven to be a valuable alternative to pharmacological tools for the treatment of many neurological diseases. Tremendous efforts have been focused on the design of the stimulation apparatus (i.e.

Finding the Location of Axonal Activation by a Miniature Magnetic Coil.

Magnetic stimulation for neural activation is widely used in clinical and lab research. In comparison to electric stimulation using an implanted electrode, stimulation with a large magnetic coil is associated with poor spatial specificity and incapability to stimulate deep brain structures. Recent developments in micromagnetic stimulation (μMS) technology mitigates some of these shortcomings.

Cellular mechanisms underlying state-dependent neural inhibition with magnetic stimulation.

Novel stimulation protocols for neuromodulation with magnetic fields are explored in clinical and laboratory settings. Recent evidence suggests that the activation state of the nervous system plays a significant role in the outcome of magnetic stimulation, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of state-dependency have not been completely investigated. We recently reported that high frequency magnetic stimulation could inhibit neural activity when the neuron was in a low active state.

Somatic inhibition by microscopic magnetic stimulation.

Electric currents can produce quick, reversible control of neural activity. Externally applied electric currents have been used in inhibiting certain ganglion cells in clinical practices. Via electromagnetic induction, a miniature-sized magnetic coil could provide focal stimulation to the ganglion neurons.

Axonal blockage with microscopic magnetic stimulation.

Numerous neurological dysfunctions are characterized by undesirable nerve activity. By providing reversible nerve blockage, electric stimulation with an implanted electrode holds promise in the treatment of these conditions. However, there are several limitations to its application, including poor bio-compatibility and decreased efficacy during chronic implantation.

Mechanic stress generated by a time-varying electromagnetic field on bone surface.

Bone cells sense mechanical load, which is essential for bone growth and remodeling. In a fracture, this mechanism is compromised. Electromagnetic stimulation has been widely used to assist in bone healing, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown.

Inhibitory or excitatory? Optogenetic interrogation of the functional roles of GABAergic interneurons in epileptogenesis.

Alteration in the excitatory/inhibitory neuronal balance is believed to be the underlying mechanism of epileptogenesis. Based on this theory, GABAergic interneurons are regarded as the primary inhibitory neurons, whose failure of action permits hyperactivity in the epileptic circuitry. As a consequence, optogenetic excitation of GABAergic interneurons is widely used for seizure suppression.

Biomechanics of cell membrane under low-frequency time-varying magnetic field: a shell model.

Cell membrane deforms in the electromagnetic field, suggesting an interesting control of cellular physiology by the field. Previous research has focused on the biomechanical analysis of membrane deformation under electric fields that are generated by electrodes. An alternative, noninvasive method to generate an electric field is the use of electromagnetic induction with a time-varying magnetic field, such as that used for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).