Direct current stimulation increases blood flow and permeability of cortical microvasculature in vivo.

Our findings demonstrate that DCS affected only vessels with spontaneous vasomotion. This rapid vascular response may occur as an adaptation of regional blood supply to neuronal excitability altered by DCS or as a direct effect on the vessel wall. In contrast to these immediate effects during stimulation, increases in cortical vessel permeability and perivascular microglia motility appeared after the stimulation had ended.