Ultrashort pulsed electric fields induce action potentials in neurons when applied at axon bundles

There is a constant and growing demand for new methods to treat drug-resistant neurological disease. Ultrashort pulsed electric fields are a new tool that has shown some promise for electrically stimulating neurons and other excitable cells. Thus far, most studies have focused on the application of these short-lived pulsed electric fields to neuronal soma, whereas axonal bundles and/or white matter has received less attention. The present work demonstrates the potential and reliability of ultrashort pulsed electric field for neurostimulation when they are applied to axon bundles. Application of a single 10-ns pulse was sufficient to initiate action potentials with a threshold of 27.8 kV/cm. The observed effect was repeatable and stable. The results highlight the potential use of ultrashort pulsed electric field for stimulation of subcortical structures and suggest they may have promise as a wireless alternative to the deep brain stimulation.