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Sun F, Liu W, Li X, Wang X, Ou Y, Li X, Shi M. Median nerve electrical stimulation improves traumatic brain injury by reducing TACR1 to inhibit nuclear factor-κB and CCL7 activation in microglia. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:889-902. [PMID: 38098319 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The existing report elucidates that median nerve electrical stimulation (MNS) plays a role in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Herein, we explored the mechanism of MNS in TBI. A TBI-induced coma model (skull was hit by a cylindrical impact hammer) was established in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Microglia were isolated from newborn Sprague-Dawley rats and was injured by lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 ng/mL). Consciousness was assessed by sensory and motor functions. Brain tissue morphology was detected using hematoxylin-eosin staining assay. Ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1, NeuN and tachykinin receptor 1 (TACR1) level were detected by immunohistochemical assay. Levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors were measured by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of TACR1, C-C motif chemokine 7 (CCL7), phosphorylation (p)-P65 and P65 were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. M1 markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase and CD86) and M2 markers (arginase-1 (Arg1) and chitinase 3-like 3 (YM1)) of microglia as well as the transfection efficiency of short hairpin TACR1 (shTACR1) were assessed by qRT-PCR. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assay were used to detect microglia morphology and neuron apoptosis. MNS reduced neuron injury and microglia activation in the TBI-induced rat coma model. MNS reversed the effects of TBI on levels of inflammation-related factors, M1/M2 microglia markers, TACR1, p-P65/P65 and CCL7 in rats. shTACR1 reversed the effects of LPS on inflammation-related factors, M1/M2 microglia markers, microglia activation, neuron apoptosis, p-P65/P65 value and CCL7 level. Our results revealed that MNS improved TBI by reducing TACR1 to inhibit nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and CCL7 activation in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Sun
- Cardiopulmonary Intensive Care Rehabilitation Department, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Wenbing Liu
- Cardiopulmonary Intensive Care Rehabilitation Department, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Cardiopulmonary Intensive Care Rehabilitation Department, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Cardiopulmonary Intensive Care Rehabilitation Department, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yali Ou
- Cardiopulmonary Intensive Care Rehabilitation Department, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Cardiopulmonary Intensive Care Rehabilitation Department, Zhejiang Rehabilitation Medical Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Min Shi
- Neurology Department, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
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Deng T, Ding R, Wang Y, Chen Y, Sun H, Zheng M. Mapping knowledge of the stem cell in traumatic brain injury: a bibliometric and visualized analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1301277. [PMID: 38523616 PMCID: PMC10957745 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1301277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain function injury caused by external mechanical injury. Primary and secondary injuries cause neurological deficits that mature brain tissue cannot repair itself. Stem cells can self-renewal and differentiate, the research of stem cells in the pathogenesis and treatment of TBI has made significant progress in recent years. However, numerous articles must be summarized to analyze hot spots and predict trends. This study aims to provide a panorama of knowledge and research hotspots through bibliometrics. Method We searched in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database to identify articles pertaining to TBI and stem cells published between 2000 and 2022. Visualization knowledge maps, including co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analysis were generated by VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix." Results We retrieved a total of 459 articles from 45 countries. The United States and China contributed the majority of publications. The number of publications related to TBI and stem cells is increasing yearly. Tianjin Medical University was the most prolific institution, and Professor Charles S. Cox, Jr. from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston was the most influential author. The Journal of Neurotrauma has published the most research articles on TBI and stem cells. Based on the burst references, "immunomodulation," "TBI," and "cellular therapy" have been regarded as research hotspots in the field. The keywords co-occurrence analysis revealed that "exosomes," "neuroinflammation," and "microglia" were essential research directions in the future. Conclusion Research on TBI and stem cells has shown a rapid growth trend in recent years. Existing studies mainly focus on the activation mechanism of endogenous neural stem cells and how to make exogenous stem cell therapy more effective. The combination with bioengineering technology is the trend in this field. Topics related to exosomes and immune regulation may be the future focus of TBI and stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingzhen Deng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruiwen Ding
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yatao Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yueyang Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Sun
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Institute of Neurotrauma Repair, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Maohua Zheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Li J, Wu C, Zeng M, Zhang Y, Wei D, Sun J, Fan H. Functional material-mediated wireless physical stimulation for neuro-modulation and regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:9056-9083. [PMID: 37649427 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01354e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injuries and neurological diseases remain intractable clinical challenges. Despite the advantages of stem cell therapy in treating neurological disorders, uncontrollable cell fates and loss of cell function in vivo are still challenging. Recently, increasing attention has been given to the roles of external physical signals, such as electricity and ultrasound, in regulating stem cell fate as well as activating or inhibiting neuronal activity, which provides new insights for the treatment of neurological disorders. However, direct physical stimulations in vivo are short in accuracy and safety. Functional materials that can absorb energy from a specific physical field exerted in a wireless way and then release another localized physical signal hold great advantages in mediating noninvasive or minimally invasive accurate indirect physical stimulations to promote the therapeutic effect on neurological disorders. In this review, the mechanism by which various physical signals regulate stem cell fate and neuronal activity is summarized. Based on these concepts, the approaches of using functional materials to mediate indirect wireless physical stimulation for neuro-modulation and regeneration are systematically reviewed. We expect that this review will contribute to developing wireless platforms for neural stimulation as an assistance for the treatment of neurological diseases and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Chengheng Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingze Zeng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yusheng Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Dan Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jing Sun
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hongsong Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
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Wang Z, Chen G. Immune regulation in neurovascular units after traumatic brain injury. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 179:106060. [PMID: 36871640 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Survivors may experience movement disorders, memory loss, and cognitive deficits. However, there is a lack of understanding of the pathophysiology of TBI-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The immune regulation process of TBI involves changes in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) immunity, and intracranial blood vessels are essential communication centers. The neurovascular unit (NVU) is responsible for coupling blood flow with brain activity, and comprises endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocyte end-feet, and vast regulatory nerve terminals. A stable NVU is the basis for normal brain function. The concept of the NVU emphasizes that cell-cell interactions between different types of cells are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis. Previous studies have explored the effects of immune system changes after TBI. The NVU can help us further understand the immune regulation process. Herein, we enumerate the paradoxes of primary immune activation and chronic immunosuppression. We describe the changes in immune cells, cytokines/chemokines, and neuroinflammation after TBI. The post-immunomodulatory changes in NVU components are discussed, and research exploring immune changes in the NVU pattern is also described. Finally, we summarize immune regulation therapies and drugs after TBI. Therapies and drugs that focus on immune regulation have shown great potential for neuroprotection. These findings will help us further understand the pathological processes after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215006, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215006, China; Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215006, China.
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Jia J. Exploration on neurobiological mechanisms of the central–peripheral–central closed-loop rehabilitation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:982881. [PMID: 36119128 PMCID: PMC9479450 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.982881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central and peripheral interventions for brain injury rehabilitation have been widely employed. However, as patients’ requirements and expectations for stroke rehabilitation have gradually increased, the limitations of simple central intervention or peripheral intervention in the rehabilitation application of stroke patients’ function have gradually emerged. Studies have suggested that central intervention promotes the activation of functional brain regions and improves neural plasticity, whereas peripheral intervention enhances the positive feedback and input of sensory and motor control modes to the central nervous system, thereby promoting the remodeling of brain function. Based on the model of a central–peripheral–central (CPC) closed loop, the integration of center and peripheral interventions was effectively completed to form “closed-loop” information feedback, which could be applied to specific brain areas or function-related brain regions of patients. Notably, the closed loop can also be extended to central and peripheral immune systems as well as central and peripheral organs such as the brain–gut axis and lung–brain axis. In this review article, the model of CPC closed-loop rehabilitation and the potential neuroimmunological mechanisms of a closed-loop approach will be discussed. Further, we highlight critical questions about the neuroimmunological aspects of the closed-loop technique that merit future research attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Regional Medical Center, Fujian, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Jia,
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6
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Wang LC, Wei WY, Ho PC. Short-Term Cortical Electrical Stimulation during the Acute Stage of Traumatic Brain Injury Improves Functional Recovery. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081965. [PMID: 36009512 PMCID: PMC9405844 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional restoration is an important issue in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Various electrical stimulation devices and protocols have been applied in preclinical studies and have shown therapeutic potential for brain trauma. Short-term invasive cortical electrical stimulation during the acute stage of TBI might be a feasible adjuvant therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe brain injury receiving neurosurgical treatment in the intensive care unit. However, the therapeutic effects of short-term multisession cortical electrical stimulation for brain trauma are not clear. This study explored the therapeutic effects of acute-stage short-term cortical electrical stimulation on TBI. We conducted seven sessions of one-hour cortical electrical stimulation from day 0 to day 6 in rats after brain trauma by controlled cortical impact and then evaluated the functional outcome and histopathological changes. Our data showed that short-term cortical electrical stimulation improved motor coordination, short-term memory, and learning ability and attenuated neurological severity after brain trauma. Lesion volume, apoptosis, and gliosis after brain trauma were reduced, and trauma-induced neurogenesis in the hippocampus for the innate neural reparative response was increased. Our study demonstrated that short-term cortical electrical stimulation applied in the acute stage of traumatic brain injury is a potential adjuvant therapy to improve the recovery of neurological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Chao Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-2353535 (ext. 5284)
| | - Wei-Yen Wei
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chuan Ho
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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O’Hara-Wright M, Mobini S, Gonzalez-Cordero A. Bioelectric Potential in Next-Generation Organoids: Electrical Stimulation to Enhance 3D Structures of the Central Nervous System. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:901652. [PMID: 35656553 PMCID: PMC9152151 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.901652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid models of the central nervous system represent one of the most exciting areas in in vitro tissue engineering. Classically, organoids of the brain, retina and spinal cord have been generated via recapitulation of in vivo developmental cues, including biochemical and biomechanical. However, a lesser studied cue, bioelectricity, has been shown to regulate central nervous system development and function. In particular, electrical stimulation of neural cells has generated some important phenotypes relating to development and differentiation. Emerging techniques in bioengineering and biomaterials utilise electrical stimulation using conductive polymers. However, state-of-the-art pluripotent stem cell technology has not yet merged with this exciting area of bioelectricity. Here, we discuss recent findings in the field of bioelectricity relating to the central nervous system, possible mechanisms, and how electrical stimulation may be utilised as a novel technique to engineer “next-generation” organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle O’Hara-Wright
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Sahba Mobini
- Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, IMN-CNM, CSIC (CEI UAM + CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anai Gonzalez-Cordero
- Stem Cell Medicine Group, Children’s Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anai Gonzalez-Cordero,
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8
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Regulating Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Activation to Promote Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050846. [PMID: 35269466 PMCID: PMC8909806 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions of individuals worldwide. Currently, there is no cure, and treatment options to promote neural recovery are limited. An innovative approach to improve outcomes following SCI involves the recruitment of endogenous populations of neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs can be isolated from the neuroaxis of the central nervous system (CNS), with brain and spinal cord populations sharing common characteristics (as well as regionally distinct phenotypes). Within the spinal cord, a number of NSC sub-populations have been identified which display unique protein expression profiles and proliferation kinetics. Collectively, the potential for NSCs to impact regenerative medicine strategies hinges on their cardinal properties, including self-renewal and multipotency (the ability to generate de novo neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes). Accordingly, endogenous NSCs could be harnessed to replace lost cells and promote structural repair following SCI. While studies exploring the efficacy of this approach continue to suggest its potential, many questions remain including those related to heterogeneity within the NSC pool, the interaction of NSCs with their environment, and the identification of factors that can enhance their response. We discuss the current state of knowledge regarding populations of endogenous spinal cord NSCs, their niche, and the factors that regulate their behavior. In an attempt to move towards the goal of enhancing neural repair, we highlight approaches that promote NSC activation following injury including the modulation of the microenvironment and parenchymal cells, pharmaceuticals, and applied electrical stimulation.
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Zheng XS, Tan C, Castagnola E, Cui XT. Electrode Materials for Chronic Electrical Microstimulation. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100119. [PMID: 34029008 PMCID: PMC8257249 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Electrical microstimulation has enabled partial restoration of vision, hearing, movement, somatosensation, as well as improving organ functions by electrically modulating neural activities. However, chronic microstimulation is faced with numerous challenges. The implantation of an electrode array into the neural tissue triggers an inflammatory response, which can be exacerbated by the delivery of electrical currents. Meanwhile, prolonged stimulation may lead to electrode material degradation., which can be accelerated by the hostile inflammatory environment. Both material degradation and adverse tissue reactions can compromise stimulation performance over time. For stable chronic electrical stimulation, an ideal microelectrode must present 1) high charge injection limit, to efficiently deliver charge without exceeding safety limits for both tissue and electrodes, 2) small size, to gain high spatial selectivity, 3) excellent biocompatibility that ensures tissue health immediately next to the device, and 4) stable in vivo electrochemical properties over the application period. In this review, the challenges in chronic microstimulation are described in detail. To aid material scientists interested in neural stimulation research, the in vitro and in vivo testing methods are introduced for assessing stimulation functionality and longevity and a detailed overview of recent advances in electrode material research and device fabrication for improving chronic microstimulation performance is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sally Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Chao Tan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Elisa Castagnola
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Xinyan Tracy Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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Park E, Lyon JG, Alvarado-Velez M, Betancur MI, Mokarram N, Shin JH, Bellamkonda RV. Enriching neural stem cell and anti-inflammatory glial phenotypes with electrical stimulation after traumatic brain injury in male rats. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1864-1884. [PMID: 33772860 PMCID: PMC8360147 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) by an external physical impact results in compromised brain function via undesired neuronal death. Following the injury, resident and peripheral immune cells, astrocytes, and neural stem cells (NSCs) cooperatively contribute to the recovery of the neuronal function after TBI. However, excessive pro‐inflammatory responses of immune cells, and the disappearance of endogenous NSCs at the injury site during the acute phase of TBI, can exacerbate TBI progression leading to incomplete healing. Therefore, positive outcomes may depend on early interventions to control the injury‐associated cellular milieu in the early phase of injury. Here, we explore electrical stimulation (ES) of the injury site in a rodent model (male Sprague–Dawley rats) to investigate its overall effect on the constituent brain cell phenotype and composition during the acute phase of TBI. Our data showed that a brief ES for 1 hr on day 2 of TBI promoted anti‐inflammatory phenotypes of microglia as assessed by CD206 expression and increased the population of NSCs and Nestin+ astrocytes at 7 days post‐TBI. Also, ES effectively increased the number of viable neurons when compared to the unstimulated control group. Given the salience of microglia and neural stem cells for healing after TBI, our results strongly support the potential benefit of the therapeutic use of ES during the acute phase of TBI to regulate neuroinflammation and to enhance neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunyoung Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Johnathan G Lyon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Melissa Alvarado-Velez
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martha I Betancur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nassir Mokarram
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer H Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ravi V Bellamkonda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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