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New publication from Marco Capogna in The Neuroscientist

"Non-invasive stimulation of the human brain: Activation of multiple cortical circuits"

Schematic view of non-invasive brain stimulation using TES or TMS. Recording electrodes from the high cervical cord at epidural level and from hand muscles are also schematically illustrated.

Non-invasive brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial electric stimulation (TES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are widely used tools for both basic research and clinical applications. However, the cortical circuits underlying their effects are poorly defined. Here we review the current knowledge based on data mostly coming from experiments performed on human subjects, and also to a lesser extent on rodent or primate models. The data suggest that multiple mechanisms are likely to be involved, such as the direct activation of layer V pyramidal neurones, but also of different types of GABAergic interneurones. In this respect, we propose a key role for a specific type of interneurone known as neurogliaform cell.  

Link to publication