Ultrasound research with rats shows potential for depression therapy

[Photo by Sibya via Pixabay]

Ultrasound-based medical devices may have potential as noninvasive treatment for depression and other mental health issues, according to new research from Tokyo University of Science and Fujimic.

Knowing that whole-body exposure to high-frequency ultrasound increases human brain activity, they used rats — which enjoy high-frequency ultrasound vocalizations (USV) — to explore ultrasonic effects of the mechanisms underlying depression.

Researchers used rats, including some without olfactory lobes (organs that regulate neurotransmission), to study agitation and anxiety-like behavior. with and without exposure to USV for 24 hours. Olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rats were used because they experience changes in neurotransmitters, endocrine secretions and behavior similar to humans with depression.

“Since studies on ultrasound exposure have been primarily conducted on hu…

Read more
  • August 1, 2022
  • 0

Fluoride nanoparticles could hold promise in treating Alzheimer’s

Beta amyloid plaques. [Image courtesy of NIH]

An international team of researchers has identified a technique that uses fluoride nanoparticles to potentially eliminate protein deformations. The method, which also can promote positive structural changes, could lead to the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The scientists from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) in Japan and Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan published the research in ACS Applied Bio Materials.

Noting the amyloid fibrils formed with the self-assembly of denatured proteins are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers discovered that fluoride nanoparticles could alter the assembly and structure of the amyloid β protein.

Fluoride nanoparticles are used in in vivo imaging, including brain imaging applications.

In particular, the scientists reported the influence of fluoride nanoparticles and surrounding io…

Read more
  • July 14, 2022
  • 0