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

Abstract

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.