Effect of frequency-dependent central thalamic stimulation in unconscious and comatose rats

Motivation: Effective therapies and knowledge about the processes behind disorders of consciousness, such as coma, are insufficient. Goal(s): Explore the effects of frequency-dependent central thalamic (CThal) stimulation in cortical activation. Approach: Perform optogenetic stimulation of CThal at varying frequencies in rodents that are anesthetized and recovering from coma combining fMRI, fiber photometry and electrophysiology. Results: Cortical BOLD signal activation depends on the CThal stimulation frequency. After coma, the BOLD and electrophysiological response to the stimulation improves with recovery time and CThal stimulation is capable of significantly accelerating cortical reactivation. Some of the specific frequency-dependent CThal stimulation features reappear in the later stages of recovery. Impact: This study contributes to the understanding of how frequency-dependent central thalamus-stimulation can promote cortical reactivation and coma recovery.