Infrared laser-induced fast thermal gradient affects the excitability of primary hippocampal neurons

Gleb P. Tolstykh; Bennett L. Ibey; Anna V. Sedelnikova; Christopher M. Valdez; Jody C. Cantu; Ibtissam Echchgadda

doi:10.1117/12.2546667

20 February 2020 Infrared laser-induced fast thermal gradient affects the excitability of primary hippocampal neurons

Gleb P. Tolstykh, Bennett L. Ibey, Anna V. Sedelnikova, Christopher M. Valdez, Jody C. Cantu, Ibtissam Echchgadda

Proceedings Volume 11238, Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXI; 112380Z (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2546667
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2020, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Infrared laser (IRL) exposure can induce a rapid temperature change (fast thermal gradient or FTG) that is able to stimulate or inhibit neurons and, thereby, modify neurological functions. Despite extensive research into this effect, the fundamental mechanism(s) underlying how FTG causes neurological stimulation or inhibition remains unclear. While it is hypothesized that IRL-induced FTG acts directly on the neuronal plasma membrane (PM), it is uncertain if the neurological effects observed in previous studies are mostly derived from presynaptic effects (i.e., modifications in action potential (AP) firing) or also from postsynaptic effects (i.e., alteration of the synaptic responses of the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal receptors). In the present study, we present an analysis of FTG-mediated changes in neuronal PM, AP firing rate, and miniature postsynaptic excitatory and inhibitory currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs). Our results suggest FTG induces changes in both presynaptic and postsynaptic neurophysiological mechanisms. Specifically, we found that, after IRL pulse (IRLP)-induced FTG exposure, the amplitudes of APs are reduced, but the rate of APs are increased. In contrast, the quantities of both mEPSCs and mIPSCs are reduced, but the peak-to-peak frequency and peak amplitudes are increased. The results outlined in this study demonstrate the impact of FTG on neurons and neuronal network. This information is critical for understanding the complexity of the effects of FTG on neurological functions and for demonstrating how post-synaptic mechanisms might play a crucial role in neurological excitation or inhibition seen following IRL pulse exposure.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Gleb P. Tolstykh, Bennett L. Ibey, Anna V. Sedelnikova, Christopher M. Valdez, Jody C. Cantu, and Ibtissam Echchgadda "Infrared laser-induced fast thermal gradient affects the excitability of primary hippocampal neurons", Proc. SPIE 11238, Optical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXI, 112380Z (20 February 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2546667

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available