Dataset Information

A graphical user interface to assess the neuroinflammatory response to intracortical microelectrodes.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Brain-implanted devices, including intracortical microelectrodes, are used in neuroscience applications ranging from research to rehabilitation and beyond. Significant efforts are focused on developing new device designs and insertion strategies that mitigate initial trauma and subsequent neuroinflammation that occurs as a result of implantation. A frequently published metric is the neuroinflammatory response quantified as a function of distance from the interface edge, using fluorescent immunohistochemical markers. NEW METHOD:Here, we sought to develop a graphical user interface software in Matlab to provide an objective, repeatable, and easy-to-use method for analyzing fluorescence immunohistochemistry images of neuroinflammation. The user interface allows for efficient batch-processing and review of images, and incorporates zoom and contrast features to improve the accuracy of identifying the 'region of interest' (ROI). RESULTS:The software was validated against previously published results and demonstrated equivalent scientific conclusions. Furthermore, a comparison between novice and expert users demonstrated consistency across levels of training and a rapid learning-curve. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S):Existing methods published in the intracortical microelectrode literature include a wide variety of procedures within ImageJ and Matlab. However, specific procedural details are often lacking. CONCLUSIONS:The distribution of the methodology may promote efficiency and reproducibility across the field seeking to characterize the tissue response to implanted neural interfaces. It may also serve as a template for researchers seeking to perform other types of histological quantification as a function of distance from an ROI.

SUBMITTER: Lindner SC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6914213 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A graphical user interface to assess the neuroinflammatory response to intracortical microelectrodes.

Lindner Sydney C SC Yu Marina M Capadona Jeffrey R JR Shoffstall Andrew J AJ

Journal of neuroscience methods 20190118

<h4>Background</h4>Brain-implanted devices, including intracortical microelectrodes, are used in neuroscience applications ranging from research to rehabilitation and beyond. Significant efforts are focused on developing new device designs and insertion strategies that mitigate initial trauma and subsequent neuroinflammation that occurs as a result of implantation. A frequently published metric is the neuroinflammatory response quantified as a function of distance from the interface edge, using ...[more]

PMID: 30664915

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Project description:Intracortical microelectrodes record neuronal activity of individual neurons within the brain, which can be used to bridge communication between the biological system and computer hardware for both research and rehabilitation purposes. However, long-term consistent neural recordings are difficult to achieve, in large part due to the neuroinflammatory tissue response to the microelectrodes. Prior studies have identified many factors that may contribute to the neuroinflammatory response to intracortical microelectrodes. Unfortunately, each proposed mechanism for the prolonged neuroinflammatory response has been investigated independently, while it is clear that mechanisms can overlap and be difficult to isolate. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the dual targeting of the innate immune response by inhibiting innate immunity pathways associated with cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), and the mechanical mismatch could improve the neuroinflammatory response to intracortical microelectrodes. A thiol-ene probe that softens on contact with the physiological environment was used to reduce mechanical mismatch. The thiol-ene probe was both softer and larger in size than the uncoated silicon control probe. Cd14-/- mice were used to completely inhibit contribution of CD14 to the neuroinflammatory response. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, dual targeting worsened the neuroinflammatory response to intracortical probes. Therefore, probe material and CD14 deficiency were independently assessed for their effect on inflammation and neuronal density by implanting each microelectrode type in both wild-type control and Cd14-/- mice. Histology results show that 2 weeks after implantation, targeting CD14 results in higher neuronal density and decreased glial scar around the probe, whereas the thiol-ene probe results in more microglia/macrophage activation and greater blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption around the probe. Chronic histology demonstrate no differences in the inflammatory response at 16 weeks. Over acute time points, results also suggest immunomodulatory approaches such as targeting CD14 can be utilized to decrease inflammation to intracortical microelectrodes. The results obtained in the current study highlight the importance of not only probe material, but probe size, in regard to neuroinflammation.

Dataset Information

A graphical user interface to assess the neuroinflammatory response to intracortical microelectrodes.

Publications

A graphical user interface to assess the neuroinflammatory response to intracortical microelectrodes.

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