Mechanisms of Magnetic Stimulation of Central Nervous System Neurons

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002022
• Publication Date: 2011-03-24T20:54:05Z
• Authors: Tamar Pashut; Shuki Wolfus; Alex Friedman; Michal Lavidor; Izhar Bar-Gad; Yosef Yeshurun; Alon Korngreen
• Keywords: Central Nervous System; Neurons; QH301-705.5; Models, Neurological; Action Potentials; Brain; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Axons; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Electromagnetic Fields; 0302 clinical medicine; Biology (General); Research Article

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method in which coil generates field an area of interest the brain. This induces electric that modulates neuronal activity. The spatial distribution induced determined by geometry and location relative to Although TMS has been used for several decades, biophysical basis underlying neurons central nervous system (CNS) still unknown. To address this problem we developed numerical scheme enabling us combine realistic (MS) with compartmental modeling arbitrary morphology. each space was combined standard software calculate membrane current generated electromagnetic segment neuron. In agreement previous studies, simulations suggested peripheral axons were excited gradients field. both neurons, MS amplitude required action potential generation inversely proportional square diameter stimulated compartment. Due importance fiber's diameter, CNS depolarized soma followed initiation initial axon. Passive dendrites affect process primarily as sinks, not sources. predict low threshold are more susceptible stimulation. Moreover, they suggest does directly trigger dendritic regenerative mechanisms. These insights into mechanism may be relevant design multi-intensity protocols, facilitate construction stimulators, aid interpretation results CNS.