Repetitive magnetic stimulation prevents dorsal root ganglion neuron death and enhances nerve regeneration in a sciatic nerve injury rat model

Scientific Reports, 2024 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69251-4 · Published: August 2, 2024

Simple Explanation

Peripheral nerve injury can lead to nerve cell death and hinder regeneration. This study investigates whether repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) can prevent this neuronal death and promote nerve regeneration. The study found that rMS can prevent the death of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and enhance nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury in rats. These findings suggest rMS could be a promising non-invasive treatment to improve nerve regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injuries.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

72 rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
rMS prevents the decrease in DRG neurons post-injury, showing significantly higher DRG neuron counts at 1- and 4-weeks post-injury compared to the control group.
2
rMS modulates the mRNA expression of neuroregeneration-, inflammation-, and apoptosis-related genes post-injury in the DRG.
3
rMS promotes electrophysiological improvements at 8-weeks post-injury, with a significantly improved CMAP latency.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) on neuronal death and nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury (PNI) in rats. The results indicated that rMS can prevent DRG neuron death, enhance nerve regeneration, and improve motor function recovery after PNI. The study suggests that rMS may be a promising non-invasive method for treating PNI and promoting nerve regeneration.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

rMS could be developed as a non-invasive therapeutic approach for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery in patients with peripheral nerve injuries.

Underlying Mechanisms

Further research should explore the molecular pathways involved in rMS-induced neuroprotection and nerve regeneration to optimize treatment protocols.

Clinical Translation

Future studies are needed to translate these findings into clinical applications, including determining optimal stimulation parameters and assessing long-term benefits in human subjects.

Study Limitations

1
The study observed no protective effect of rMS on spinal cord anterior horn motor neurons.
2
The underlying mechanisms of rMS-induced neuroprotection and nerve regeneration, particularly at the molecular level, remain unclear.
3
Sensory functions were not assessed in this study, leaving unclear whether the observed improvement in motor function is attributable to the recovery of sensory input.

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