High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Blocking Nerve Action Potentials in a Diabetic Rat Model

Begin with an anesthetized diabetic rat with an exposed pain-transmitting sciatic nerve that contains pre-implanted stimulating electrodes. The sciatic nerve is connected to the gastrocnemius muscle, where the recording electrodes are positioned.

Lift the sciatic nerve and position the high-intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU fixator base beneath it.

Using a connector, secure the nerve in the fixator slot and attach the HIFU transducer over it.

Fill the fixator’s central well with a degassed coupling solution for ultrasound propagation.

Deliver an electrical stimulus through the stimulating electrodes to trigger nerve action potentials that are transmitted to the muscle.

Record this baseline muscle signal.

While continuing to record, direct the HIFU beam through the transducer to the nerve.

HIFU induces mechanical stress and increases temperature that transiently blocks action potential propagation to the muscle and lowers the signal.

This correlates with diminished pain perception, demonstrating HIFU's potential for diabetic neuropathic pain relief.

Five weeks after STZ injection, after anesthetizing the rats and performing a pinch of the plantar surface of the foot according to the text