Abstract
BackgroundImplantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes is a landmark therapy for movement disorders and some mental conditions. Compared to conventional platinum–iridium (Pt–Ir) electrodes, carbon nanotube yarns (CNTY) electrodes have improved stability and interface characteristics with less distortion during high field strength MRI. Sprague–Dawley rat models were used to examine thein vivo histological and imaging properties of biocompatible CNTY throughout the subacute period.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats received CNTY (n = 16) or Pt–Ir control (n = 16) electrodes. Behavioral markers, body weight, and survival were recorded. Comparative histology (HE, NeuN, CD68, and GFAP) was performed at 1, 6, and 12 weeks post-implantation; 3.0T MRI was performed at 1 and 12 weeks.ResultsOf 32 rats, 30 (15 per group) survived implantation without reduced activity, paralysis, or incapacity to feed. Following implantation, progressive decreases in macrophage activation and neuron-depleted margins surrounding electrodes were observed in both groups. Inflammatory marker expression (CD68) was significantly lower in rats with implanted CNTY electrodes compared to controls at all time points. CNTY electrodes also caused less inflammation and shallower depths of macrophage penetration and neural disruption relative to the interface. Artifacts and distortion were observed on MRI of Pt–Ir but not CNTY electrodes.ConclusionsCNTY electrodes exhibited reduced inflammatory margins compared to Pt–Ir electrodes throughout the subacute period, indicating reduced initial trauma, better overall biocompatibility, and reduced fibrous tissue formation. Coupled with less MRI distortion, CNTY electrodes may be useful alternatives when there is a need to monitor electrode placement by MRI.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12938-015-0113-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes is a landmark therapy for movement disorders and some mental conditions
Coupled with good biocompatibility [14], these results suggest that carbon nanotube yarns (CNTYs) may be a promising solution to overcome the limitations of conventional electrodes for DBS
No significant differences were observed between the CNTY and control rats forage (4.3 ± 0.36 vs. 4.4 ± 0.41 months), body weight (242 ± 22 vs. 245 ± 25 g), and survival rate (93.8 %)
Summary
Implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes is a landmark therapy for movement disorders and some mental conditions. Compared to conventional platinum–iridium (Pt–Ir) electrodes, carbon nanotube yarns (CNTY) electrodes have improved stability and interface characteristics with less distortion during high field strength MRI. Platinum–iridium (Pt–Ir) alloy, gold, and stainless steel electrodes are the most commonly used implantable neural electrode for deep brain stimulation (DBS), a landmark therapeutic approach for neuromodulation of diverse movement disorders and mental. The material selection of electrodes is critical to the electrochemical properties of the interface between neural tissues and implanted electrodes. While conventional Pt–Ir alloys exhibit good biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion, use of platinum reduces current, and iridium oxide electrodes may disintegrate or shed during long-term implantation [4]. Some metals may have toxic tissue effects [6]
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