Does Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy Influence Nerve Regeneration in the Median Nerve Model of the Rat?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pulsed magnetic field therapy on peripheral nerve regeneration after median nerve injury and primary coaptation in the rat. Both median nerves were surgically exposed and denervated in 24 female Wistar rats. A microsurgical coaptation was performed on the right side, whereas on the left side a spontaneous healing was prevented. The study group underwent a daily pulsed magnetic field therapy; the other group served as a control group. The grasping force was recorded 2 weeks after the surgical intervention for a period of 12 weeks. The right median nerve was excised and histologically examined. The histomorphometric data and the functional assessments were analyzed by t-test statistics and one-way ANOVA. One-way ANOVA indicated a statistically significant influence of group affiliation and grasping force (P = 0.0078). Grasping strength was higher on a significant level in the experimental group compared to the control group permanently from the 9th week to the end of the study. T-test statistics revealed a significantly higher weight of the flexor digitorum sublimis muscle (P = 0.0385) in the experimental group. The histological evaluation did not reveal any statistically significant differences concerning the histomorphometric parameters. Our results suggest that the pulsed magnetic field therapy has a positive influence on the functional aspects of neural regeneration. More studies are needed to precisely evaluate and optimize the intensity and duration of the application.

A morphological and biochemical evaluation of the effects of quercetin on experimental sciatic nerve damage in rats

“…Reperfusion may occur and the subsequent decrease in pressure on nerve tissue leads to the high-pressure redeposition of oxygen and nutrients and the increased formation of free radicals, which leads to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and tissue damage ( 3 ). The cumulative impact of ischemic and mechanical processes in this type of nerve damage may be more pronounced than their individual effects ( 3 , 6 , 7 ). Although peripheral nerves are capable of undergoing regeneration following injury, this process and the post-traumatic results are typically slow and weak.…”

“…Although peripheral nerves are capable of undergoing regeneration following injury, this process and the post-traumatic results are typically slow and weak. Peripheral nerve trauma is therefore a significant cause of morbidity ( 6 ). A large amount of research has been conducted aiming to reduce the effects of peripheral nerve damage; however, to the best of our knowledge, no effective therapeutic strategies have been identified ( 6 ).…”

In vivo repair of rat transected sciatic nerve by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and induced pluripotent stem cells-derived neural crest stem cells

“…Alternative approaches to repair injured peripheral nerve are thus required. Various forms of external physical stimulation (electric stimulation, laser stimulation, ultrasound, magnetic field, and so on) can enhance the functional recovery of injured peripheral nerve (Mendonça et al 2003;Shen et al 2013;Kim et al 2013;Beck-Broichsitter et al 2014). Mendonça et al (2003) found that low intensity, directly applied electric stimulation (1 lA) enhanced both morphologic and functional regeneration of rat crushed sciatic nerve.…”

“…Their results showed that low-level laser stimulation could improve motor function, enhance electrophysiological reaction, reduce muscle atrophy, and promote histomorphometric recovery. In addition, pulsed magnetic field therapy also has a positive influence on the functional regeneration of rat after a median nerve injury (Beck-Broichsitter et al 2014).…”

Injured Nerve Regeneration using Cell-Based Therapies: Current Challenges

“…Re-growth of peripheral nerve fibers could be induced using different approaches. Historically, enhanced nerve regeneration has been promoted by the administration of drugs [ 1 ], physical factors (magnetic field) [ 2 , 3 ], and electrical stimulation [ 4 - 6 ]. Nerve surgery [ 7 ] and the microsurgical suture technique [ 8 ] have witnessed impressive development in recent years.…”