Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation modulates cortical neurovascular coupling in an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rat model

Abstract Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is accompanied by changes in cranial nerve function and cerebral blood flow (CBF). Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation can modulate brain neural activity in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, to date, the modulatory effects of low-intensity ultrasound stimulation on CBF and neurovascular coupling in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have not been reported. To address this question, Sprague-Dawley, Wistar-Kyoto, and spontaneously hypertensive (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rat model) rats were divided into the control and low-intensity ultrasound stimulation (LIUS) groups. Cortical electrical stimulation was used to induce cortical excitability in different types of rats, and a penetrable laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system and electrodes were used to evaluate the electrical stimulation-induced CBF, cortical excitability, and neurovascular coupling in free-moving rats. The CBF, cortical excitability, and neurovascular coupling (NVC) under cortical electrical stimulation in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rats were significantly different from those in the Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto rats. We also found that low-intensity ultrasound stimulation significantly interfered with the cortical excitability and neurovascular coupling induced by cortical electrical stimulation in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Our findings suggest that neurovascular coupling is a potential biomarker for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, low-intensity ultrasound stimulation can improve abnormal brain function in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lay a research foundation for its application in the clinical treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.