# Infrared Neuromodulation Reveals a New Understanding of Ganglion Organization

> **NIH NIH OT2** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $123,744

## Abstract

In recent years, it has been become clear that modulating the peripheral nervous system has great potential for
treating diseases. To realize this potential, a new neuromodulation modality is needed that is safe, highly specific,
and rapidly reversible. We have recently shown that infrared neuromodulation (IRN) when applied to peripheral
structures such as the nodose ganglion induces unique patterns of physiological responses that cannot be
elicited by electrical current or drugs. The nodose ganglion plays an important role in regulating many critical
autonomic functions, and IRN application has unmasked a functional organization for different sub-regions of
the ganglion that has not been previously described. These results suggest that IRN has enormous potential for
mapping the topology of functional responses in ganglia, decoding ganglionic circuitry, and as a clinical
neuroceutical device. IRN stimulates neural activity by inducing a brief spatiotemporal temperature gradient or
inhibits activity by increasing the baseline temperature. We propose to advance IRN and imaging technology in
the following ways. First, we will to create new devices to efficiently and precisely deliver IR light to nerves and
ganglia in animals. New devices include flexible polymer waveguides that can deliver light to multiple locations
while conforming and moving freely with the target tissue, a ganglia tracking system that can identify the
orientation of the nodose ganglion and precisely control IR illumination patterns on the ganglia for mapping
function, and advanced calcium imaging systems that can do volumetric imaging of ganglionic activity and
imaging in living animals. Second, we will assess the safety, selectivity, and repeatability of IRN. Third, we will
develop a deep understanding of how IRN works by conducting mechanistic studies that include creating
sophisticated models of IRN’s effect on electrophysiology and experiments to test our hypotheses. Fourth,
because IRN has unmasked a spatial organization to ganglionic function, we will be able to map this organization
in detail and provide an unprecedented understanding of ganglionic function. The tools and knowledge gained
in this grant will not only help determine the potential of IRN, but be beneficial to a host of future neuromodulation
and other applications.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10234252
- **Project number:** 3OT2OD025307-01S4
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MICHAEL W. JENKINS
- **Activity code:** OT2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $123,744
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2017-09-06 → 2021-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10234252

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10234252, Infrared Neuromodulation Reveals a New Understanding of Ganglion Organization (3OT2OD025307-01S4). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10234252. Licensed CC0.

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