IS 35. Multimodal approaches: Structural/molecular/genetics synaptic and molecular mechanisms of direct current stimulation-implications for motor learning and neurorehabilitation

• Published in: Clinical neurophysiology Vol. 124; no. 10; p. e50
• Main Author: Reis, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-10-2013
• Subjects: Neurology
• ISSN: 1388-2457; 1872-8952
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2013.04.054

This talk will focus on the synaptic and molecular mechanisms underlying direct current stimulation (DCS) and its impact on neuroplastic processes in humans, e.g. motor learning. We use a multimodal approach-in vitro slice recordings in regular mouse strains and transgenic mice, molecular biological analysis, immunohistochemistry and behavioral assessment-to tackle the mechanisms and consequences of DCS induced long-lasting synaptic potentiation (DCS-LTP), which is polarity specific, NMDA receptor dependent, and requires coupling of DCS with low-frequency synaptic activation. Similar neuroplastic effects are observable during motor learning. I will demonstrate how genetic factors across species (rodent and human) affect neuroplastic processes in general and motor learning in particular. Since DCS-LTP and learning-induced LTP may share common mechanisms, it is of great relevance to understand their interaction. This will allow a better determination of efficacy of DCS to augment motor learning and potentially neurorehabilitative processes in the future.