DESIGN OF A “HELMET” FOR RAT’S BRAIN PHOTOBIOMODULATION (TPBM) AND ITS EVALUATION IN A MEMORY TASK

Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) has shown to play a potential role as an additional technology to treat some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, TBI and stroke, the mechanisms by which the tPBM operates appear to be related to a photoabsorption effect. In this study, a “helmet” design for rat’s brain photobiomodulation is presented; the device uses commercial LED diodes as a source of stimulation that emits radiation in a wavelength of 810 nm (Near-infrared spectrum). The device was designed to be portable, low-cost, painless, flexible enough to be used with both females and males of several ages, and adaptable for different stimulation protocols; i.e., the animal may be being stimulated while exploring in a behavioral test. The tPBM device was carefully designed to meet several electrical and optical requirements to deliver an adequate amount of radiation to overcome the different layers before reaching the cortex. The tPBM device was electrically and optically characterized, the results provided evidence in support of the hypothesis that the tPBM emitted by the device reaches inner brain structures and safely stimulates cortical areas. A total of 5 animals were used in the helmet design, and 10 animals for testing the device in a real behavioral-cognitive test to evaluate its effect in episodic memory task. The design and technical details of the device are available; this device is presented as inspiration for other researchers interested in experimentally exploring this type of brain stimulation.


Figure: A rat wearing the helmet of tPBM while exploring.