Repetitive magnetic stimulation affects the microenvironment of nerve regeneration and evoked potentials after spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.182710 · Published: May 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of repetitive magnetic stimulation on spinal cord injury in rats. The researchers used a rat model of acute spinal cord injury and applied repetitive magnetic stimulation after 4 hours of injury. The repetitive magnetic stimulation protocol involved a specific intensity, frequency, and duration repeated over two weeks. The study then assessed various indicators of nerve regeneration and motor function recovery. The results showed that repetitive magnetic stimulation improved the microenvironment of neural regeneration, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and induced neuroprotective and repair effects on the injured spinal cord.

Study Duration

2 weeks

Participants

67 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level 3; Animal study

Key Findings

1
Repetitive magnetic stimulation reduced the number of apoptotic cells in the injured spinal cord.
2
Repetitive magnetic stimulation decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9/2 (MMP9/2) genes and proteins.
3
Repetitive magnetic stimulation improved motor function recovery and somatosensory and motor-evoked potentials in the injured spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effects of repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) on nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The study found that rMS improved the microenvironment of neural regeneration, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and induced neuroprotective and repair effects on the injured spinal cord. The researchers observed decreased apoptotic cells, reduced expression of MMP9/2 genes and proteins, increased nestin expression, and recovery of somatosensory and motor-evoked potentials after rMS. Motor function was also improved in the injured spinal cord after repetitive magnetic stimulation. This study provides a new theoretical basis for repetitive magnetic stimulation in SCI repair.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Repetitive magnetic stimulation could be a potential therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Microenvironment Improvement

The study highlights the importance of improving the regenerative microenvironment in the injured spinal cord for promoting nerve repair.

Neuroprotection

Repetitive magnetic stimulation shows neuroprotective effects by reducing neuronal apoptosis and modulating the expression of MMPs.

Study Limitations

1
Animal model limitations in directly translating to human outcomes
2
Further investigation is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action of repetitive magnetic stimulation
3
Long-term effects of repetitive magnetic stimulation were not assessed

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