Mid-Infrared Photons Alleviate Tinnitus by Activating the KCNQ2 Channel in the Auditory Cortex

[Nick47]

We observed an important enhancement in neuronal excitability in the auditory cortex using patch-clamp recordings, which correlated with KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channel dysfunction. After irradiation with infrared photons, excitatory neuron firing was inhibited owing to increased KCNQ2 current resulting from structural alterations in the filter region. Meanwhile, deficits of the acoustic startle response in tinnitus animals were alleviated by infrared photons. Furthermore, infrared photons reversed the abnormal hyperexcitability of excitatory neurons in the tinnitus group. This study provided a novel method for modulating neuron excitability in the auditory cortex using KCNQ2 channels through a nonthermal effect. Infrared photons effectively mitigated tinnitus-related behaviors by suppressing abnormal neural excitability, potentially laying the groundwork for innovative therapeutic approaches for tinnitus treatment.

→ Mid-Infrared Photons Alleviate Tinnitus by Activating the KCNQ2 Channel in the Auditory Cortex

 

[ccm302]

→ Mid-Infrared Photons Alleviate Tinnitus by Activating the KCNQ2 Channel in the Auditory Cortex

I know this is only for mouse healthcare, but where can I get one? Haha. This is extremely interesting.

 

[HighleyTall]

Nice find, @Nick47. Once again, it's about KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channel dysfunction. It seems like they are getting closer to a breakthrough, which gives me hope.

 

[Isabella 123]

Any new developments on this? What kind of device is available to deliver these infrared photons? Is that just another term for low-level laser therapy?

 

[Ozhe]

Any new developments on this? What kind of device is available to deliver these infrared photons? Is that just another term for low-level laser therapy?

Yes, Infrared Photon Therapy, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation, is a treatment approach that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular function and promote healing.

 

[Isabella 123]

What device is used for this? I was given a red light infrared wand that a friend used to help with pain. Is this the same thing?

 

[Joeseph Stope]

Yes, Infrared Photon Therapy, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or Photobiomodulation, is a treatment approach that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular function and promote healing.

Back in the 1990s, when I was younger and had more energy, I tried this therapy myself: a low-level laser directed at my inner ear from behind. It was combined with an injection of Ginkgo biloba (I hope I am spelling that correctly), and I had to breathe in pure or nearly pure oxygen through a tube.

Unfortunately, it did not seem to work—or at least I do not think it did. However, the very next therapy I tried, which was Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), brought a lot of relief. Could it have been a delayed reaction from the laser and Ginkgo therapy? I have no idea and no way of knowing.

Still, I am glad to hear that these "outlier" therapies are now being evaluated through conventional scientific testing. Based on the link, it seems there may be some real merit to this one.

Mid-Infrared Photons Alleviate Tinnitus by Activating the KCNQ2 Channel in the Auditory Cortex

 

[kingsfan]

What device is used for this? I was given a red light infrared wand that a friend used to help with pain. Is this the same thing?

In this study, infrared light was used on the auditory cortex, which is located in the temporal lobe. The paper mentions the use of patch-clamp testing. I'm not a scientist, but I believe this procedure requires a craniotomy.