Memory and Cognition-Related Neuroplasticity Enhancement by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Rodents: A Systematic Review

Figure 3

Schematic illustration of molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on neuronal physiology. The neurostimulation in the target cortical area depolarizes neuronal membrane and glutamate released in presynaptic neuron and binds in NMDA and AMPA receptors (see book chapter Rozisky et al., 2015). Consequently, there is intracellular Ca²⁺ upregulation in the postsynaptic neuron, which can activate protein kinases that in turn modulate numerous neuronal signaling pathways (such as the mTOR pathway) leading to transcriptional changes. The tDCS also activates molecular cascades to promote BDNF production. As a long-term mechanism, gene transcription is modulated leading to the formation of new proteins that in turn lead to facilitation of LTP and improvement of cognition. Abbreviations: AMPA: α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid; BDNF: brain-derived neurotrophic factor; CBP: CREB-binding protein; CREB: cAMP response element binding protein; GSK3: glycogen synthase kinase 3; LTP: long-term potentiation; mTOR: mammalian target of rapamycin; NMDA: N-methyl-D-aspartate; TrkB: tropomyosin receptor kinase B.