Kim JH, Jeong M, Kim H, Kim JH, Ahn JW, Son B, Choi KH, Chung S, Yoon J. Focused magnetic stimulation for motor recovery after stroke.
Brain Stimul 2024:S1935-861X(24)00152-9. [PMID:
39214184 DOI:
10.1016/j.brs.2024.08.011]
[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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The effects of noninvasive focused magnetothermal brain stimulation using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) on post-stroke motor deficits and metabolic dormancy in subacute ischemic injury are not well-established. This study examined if magnetothermal brain stimulation using magnetic nanoparticles (Nano-MS) enhances motor recovery after stroke.
METHODS
We randomly distributed rats into Sham, Control, MNP injection only, and Nano-MS groups. We administered focused magnetic stimulation for 30 minutes daily following an MNP injection (15 mg/mL) into the targeted motor cortex via the carotid artery three weeks after the transient (90 minutes) middle cerebral artery occlusion. We assessed motor functionality via behavioral tests and conducted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to verify cerebral metabolic activity. We assessed neuronal excitability, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and neurogenesis four weeks post-stroke.
RESULTS
The Nano-MS group exhibited significantly improved motor deficits and cerebral metabolic activity compared to the Control and MNP groups (p < 0.05). Focused Nano-MS modulated neuronal excitability, evident by a depolarized action potential threshold for spike initiation and reduced firing frequency post-stroke. The Nano-MS group demonstrated markedly decreased inflammatory markers, such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and ICAM-1, compared to the Control and MNP groups. BBB integrity and immunofluorescence for neurogenesis markers were substantially improved in the Nano-MS group.
CONCLUSIONS
Focused Nano-MS facilitates the recovery of motor deficits and metabolic inactivity in the brain by effectively modulating excitability, reducing neuroinflammation, enhancing BBB stability, and promoting neurogenesis. Nano-MS is a potential novel, noninvasive therapy for stroke rehabilitation. Further investigation is warranted.
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