Transcranial ultrasound stimulation for sleep and memory modulation in freely-moving mice

Abstract

Targeted ultrasound stimulation as a therapeutic method for investigating and treating sleep-related disorders has been hindered by the lack of robust and chronic freely moving systems in preclinical studies. Here, we propose sleep and memory modulation in freely moving mice using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based ultrasound transducer and closed-loop system capable of real-time stimulation and simultaneous electrophysiological recording. By targeting the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice, we demonstrate an increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and neuroprotective effects to REM sleep deprivation (SD) in spatial working memory. The REM sleep duration remained elevated on the day after stimulation which indicates a chronic effect of ultrasound stimulation. Thus, this work demonstrates the potential of ultrasound-based acoustoceuticals as a therapeutic tool for delineating and treating sleep-related diseases.