Research progress on the antidepressant effect and molecular mechanism of transcranial ultrasound stimulation targeting neuroplasticity
QIAO Fuqiang
WANG Meng
YAN Bingzi
ZHOU Jie
Abstract：Depression,as a highly prevalent mental disorder,has underlying neurobiological mechanisms that remain largely elusive.A core pathological hallmark of this condition is impaired neural plasticity.Although traditional pharmacotherapies can indirectly promote synaptic remodeling via neurotransmitter modulation,their therapeutic efficacy is subject to notable limitations.In recent years,transcranial ultrasound stimulation(TUS),endowed with non-invasive intervention characteristics and exceptional spatial superior capability,has emerged as a promising novel technology in the field of neuromodulation.Existing studies have confirmed that TUS can significantly alleviate depressive symptoms by enhancing neural plasticity.However,the specific molecular pathways mediating its antidepressant effects await systematic elucidation.This article comprehensively review the research progress regarding the role of TUS in ameliorating depression-related neural plasticity,with a focus on summarizing the regulatory mechanisms of TUS on neural structural and functional plasticity.We also discuss neurotrophic factors(e.g.,brain-derived neurotrophic factor)and their associated signaling pathways,further outline the limitations of current research and propose prospects for future investigation directions.
Keywords：depressionneuroplasticitytranscranial ultrasound stimulationbrain-derived neurotrophic factor
Publication Date：2026-01-20
Online Publishing Date：2026-02-04(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 121-126 )