In this study, we explored the feasibility of using functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging to visualize cerebral activation associated with thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS), in rodents. The ventrolateral (VL) thalamus was stimulated using electrical pulses of low and high frequencies of 10 and 100 Hz, respectively, and multiple voltages (1–7 V) and pulse widths (50–1500 μs). The fUS imaging demonstrated DBS-evoked activation of cerebral cortex based on changes of cerebral blood volume, specifically at the primary motor cortex (PMC). Low frequency stimulation (LFS) demonstrated significantly higher PMC activation compared to higher frequency stimulation (HFS), at intensities (5–7 V). Whereas, at lower intensities (1–3 V), only HFS demonstrated visible PMC activation. Further, LFS-evoked cerebral activation was was primarily located at the PMC. Our data presents the functionality and feasibility of fUS imaging as an investigational tool to identify brain areas associated with DBS. This preliminary study is an important stepping stone towards conducting real-time functional ultrasound imaging of DBS in awake and behaving animal models, which is of significant interest to the community for studying motor-related disorders.

在这项研究中，我们探讨了使用功能超声（fUS）成像来可视化啮齿类动物与丘脑深部脑刺激（DBS）相关的大脑激活的可行性。使用分别为 10 Hz 和 100 Hz 的低频和高频电脉冲以及多个电压（1-7 V）和脉冲宽度（50-1500 μ s）刺激腹外侧（VL）丘脑。fUS 成像证明 DBS 诱发的大脑皮层激活是基于脑血容量的变化，特别是初级运动皮层 (PMC)。与高频刺激 (HFS) 相比，低频刺激 (LFS) 在强度 (5–7 V) 下表现出明显更高的 PMC 激活。然而，在较低强度（1-3 V）下，只有 HFS 表现出可见的 PMC 激活。此外，LFS 诱发的大脑激活主要位于 PMC。我们的数据展示了 fUS 成像作为一种研究工具来识别与 DBS 相关的大脑区域的功能和可行性。这项初步研究是在清醒和行为动物模型中进行 DBS 实时功能超声成像的重要垫脚石，这对于研究运动相关疾病的社区具有重要意义。