Abstract：
Neuromodulation is a powerful tool for fundamental studies in neuroscience and potential treatments of neurological disorders. Both photoacoustic (PA) and photothermal (PT) effects are harnessed for non-genetic high-precision neural stimulation. Using a fiber-based device excitable by a nanosecond pulsed laser and a continuous wave laser for PA and PT stimulation, respectively, PA and PT neuromodulation is systematically investigated at the single neuron level. These results show that to achieve the same level of neuron activation recorded by Ca2+ imaging, the laser energy needed for PA stimulation is 1/40 of that needed for PT stimulation. The threshold energy for PA stimulation is found to be further reduced in neurons overexpressing mechano-sensitive channels, indicating direct involvement of mechano-sensitive channels in PA stimulation. Electrophysiology study of single neurons upon PA and PT stimulation is performed by patch clamp recordings. Electrophysiological features induced by PA are distinct from those by PT, confirming that PA and PT stimulation operate through different mechanisms. These insights offer a foundation for the rational design of more efficient and safer non-genetic neural modulation approaches.
摘要：
神经调节是神经科学基础研究和神经系统疾病潜在治疗的强大工具。光声（PA）和光热（PT）效应均可用于非遗传高精度神经刺激。使用可由纳秒脉冲激光和连续波激光激发的基于纤维的装置进行PA和PT刺激，分别,在单个神经元水平上系统地研究PA和PT神经调节。这些结果表明，为了达到同样水平的神经元激活，通过Ca2+成像记录，PA刺激所需的激光能量是PT刺激所需的1/40。发现在过表达机械敏感通道的神经元中，PA刺激的阈值能量进一步降低，表明机械敏感通道直接参与PA刺激。通过膜片钳记录进行PA和PT刺激时单个神经元的电生理学研究。PA诱导的电生理特征与PT不同，确认PA和PT刺激通过不同的机制起作用。这些见解为合理设计更有效，更安全的非遗传神经调制方法提供了基础。
