Electrical Stimulation of Embryonic Neurons for 1 Hour Improves Axon Regeneration and the Number of Reinnervated Muscles that Function

J Neuropathol Exp Neurol, 2013 · DOI: 10.1097/NEN.0b013e318299d376 · Published: July 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether brief electrical stimulation of embryonic neurons can improve muscle reinnervation after nerve injury. Embryonic neurons were transplanted into damaged nerves and then stimulated with electricity for a short period. The results showed that electrical stimulation, especially at a low frequency for one hour, improved axon growth and muscle function.

Study Duration

10 Weeks

Participants

Adult Fischer rats and embryonic day 14-15 embryos from pregnant rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Brief electrical stimulation at 1 Hz for 1 hour significantly increased the number of myelinated axons.
2
One hour of electrical stimulation enhanced functional muscle reinnervation compared to shorter stimulation times or no stimulation.
3
Cell transplantation resulted in muscle reinnervation, which reduced muscle atrophy, but electrical stimulation did not further reduce atrophy.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine if brief electrical stimulation of transplanted embryonic ventral spinal cord cells could improve motoneuron survival, axon regeneration, muscle reinnervation, and function. Results indicated that stimulating the transplants at a low frequency (1 Hz) for 1 hour increased the number of myelinated axons after 10 weeks. The duration of stimulation also mattered, as a one-hour stimulation led to a higher percentage of functionally reinnervated muscles.

Practical Implications

Improved Axon Regeneration

Brief electrical stimulation, particularly at low frequencies, can enhance axon regeneration following nerve injury.

Enhanced Muscle Function

One-hour stimulation protocols can lead to better functional muscle reinnervation, potentially improving limb movement.

Potential for FES

Reinnervation of muscles opens opportunities for functional electrical stimulation (FES) to restore limb movements.

Study Limitations

1
Motoneuron survival was not significantly increased by brief electrical stimulation in this specific experimental setup.
2
Brief electrical stimulation did not further reduce muscle atrophy beyond what was achieved through cell transplantation alone.
3
The study was conducted on rats, and results may not directly translate to human subjects.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury