I am using a biphasic electrical stimulation on neural networks to attempt to induce electrical kindling for epilepsy on neural networks. In addition, I will be attempting to modulate said networks to attenuate seizure-like events also using electrical stimulation (neuromodulation).
Should the pulse itself be negative (cathodic) followed by positive (anodic) phase? Why is this the case from an electrophysiological point of view? Does it better induce depolarizations? If so, how and why?
Hi Joshua Nicholls
A negative pulse is more efficient to activate neurons than a positive pulse or a biphasic pulse in the situation of extracellular stimulation. So to induce epilepsy, a sequence of negative pulses should be ideal.
However, a continuous stimulation of a sequence of monophasic pulses could risk tissue damages caused by irreversible chemical reactions (generation of toxic products), whereas biphasic pulses could not (net-current is balanced). The reverse electric field generated by the subsequent positive phase of a biphasic pulse may prevent an accumulation of cation/anion ions thereby preventing irreversible chemical reactions in the brain tissue around the electrode contacts.
All things considered, I believe, the most damage-free and effective way for your experiments is to use biphasic electrical stimulation beginning with a negative pulse and then followed by a positive.
Hope this helps
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