The Dynamic Shift of Neuron Excitability Observed with Enveloped High Frequency Stimulation

Abstract: Neuronal excitability is known to be affected by transcranial electrical stimulation. However, due to the existence of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the cortex, the mechanism of neuronal excitability shift is still not clear. Here, we study electrical stimulation disturbance on neuronal excitability in the neuromuscular system on an acute rat model. We design a special stimulation waveform of enveloped high frequency stimulation (EHFS). With modeling and in vivo measurements, EHFS is confirmed to synchronize the neuronal recruitment at the positive and negative electrode. This unique synchronization property of EHFS amplifies the electrical stimulation disturbance on neuronal excitability, to enable the macroscopic observations of large increase and decrease of force output. By eliminating the complicated inhibitory interneuron effects in the cortex, our observations on the neuromuscular system supports the argument that electrical stimulation dynamically shifts neuronal excitability, by inducing depolarization during anodal stimulation and hyperpolarization during cathodal stimulation.