High-frequency stimulation of the infralimbic cortex, following behavioral suppression of PTSD-like symptoms, prevents symptom relapse in mice

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Yassine Bentefour, Mohamed Bennis, René Garcia, Saadia Ba-M'hamed
BackgroundWe have previously demonstrated, in mice, that antidepressant treatment can prevent relapse of PTSD-like behaviors (avoidance, hyperarousal and anxiety) through increased activation in the infralimbic cortex (IL) of the medial prefrontal cortex.ObjectiveHere, we examined whether direct high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the IL, provoking its heightened activation (i.e., long-term potentiation, LTP), would also prevent the return of PTSD-like symptoms.MethodsA 1.5-mA foot-shock was used to generate PTSD-like symptoms in Swiss mice. In Experiment 1, local field potentials were recorded in the IL to test whether normal IL LTP can be induced after suppression of PTSD-like symptoms. In Experiment 2, IL HFS was applied after symptom suppression, but prior to provocation of relapse, to test HFS effect on symptom return.ResultsWe observed that PTSD-like state was associated with impairment in IL HFS-induced IL LTP. However, IL LTP induction was near normal when PTSD-like symptoms were suppressed. We then found that IL HFS, applied after symptom suppression, prevented symptom return.ConclusionsIncreased activation of the IL may be a key mechanism preventing PTSD relapse. Prefrontal cortex deep brain stimulation may therefore be relevant for preventing PTSD symptom return in remitted high-risk patients.



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