Prefrontal Ultrasound Stimulation Prevents Schizophrenia-Like Symptoms in Rats

Author : Feng Yi Yang, Wei-Shen Su

Abstract :Schizophrenia continues to present significant therapeutic challenges, with growing interest in the role of glutamatergic dysfunction, particularly involving NMDA receptor hypofunction. This study assessed the potential of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) as a non-invasive intervention for schizophrenia-like symptoms induced by dizocilpine (MK-801), an NMDA receptor antagonist. Male rats were divided into four groups and pretreated with or without LIPUS targeting the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for five consecutive days. Following MK-801 (0.3 mg/kg) or saline administration, behavioral assessments—including open field and prepulse inhibition tests— were conducted. Subsequent analysis of brain tissues involved western blotting and immunohistochemistry to evaluate molecular changes. LIPUS pretreatment attenuated MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion, sensorimotor gating deficits, and anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, LIPUS preserved the expression of the NMDA receptor subunit NR1 in the medial PFC, which was otherwise downregulated by MK-801. It also reduced the MK-801-induced increase in c-Fos expression in the medial PFC and ventral tegmental area. These f indings suggest that LIPUS modulates NMDA receptor function and neural activation patterns, offering promising neuromodulatory effects that could inform future non-pharmacological strategies for schizophrenia treatment

Keywords :LIPUS, schizophrenia, positive symptom, NMDA receptor, MK-801.

Conference Name :International Conference on Behavioral, Cognitive and Psychological Sciences (ICBCPS-25)

Conference Place Osaka, Japan

Conference Date 22nd Aug 2025