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

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOptical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXI
EditorsBennett L. Ibey, Norbert Linz
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510632394
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020
EventOptical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXI 2020 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Feb 1 2020Feb 2 2020

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume11238
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceOptical Interactions with Tissue and Cells XXXI 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period2/1/202/2/20

Keywords

  • Action Potentials
  • Bioeffects
  • Fast Thermal Gradient
  • Infrared
  • MEPSC
  • MIPSC
  • Neurons

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Biomaterials
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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