Effects of magnetic stimulation on astrocyte migration

Abstract

Objective To study the effect of the transcranial magnetic stimulation on the migration of phosphoprotein-enriched astrocytes-15kDa (PEA-15). Methods Third or fourth generation rat astrocytes cultured in vitro were divided into a control group, a transfected group, a magnetic stimulation group and a transfected + magnetic stimulation group. The control group was undergone transfect of negative siRNA. In transfected group and the transfected + magnetic stimulation group the liposome in the astrocyte was transfected instantly with chemically synthesized PEA-15 siRNA, so as to interfere with the expression of PEA-15 protein. Magnetic stimulation was applied to both tranfected and transfected + magnetic stimulation groups 24 h after plating of astrocytes at 1 Hz and 60% the maximal output of the stimulator. Cell scratch tests were used to assess the astrocytes′ migration, and Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of PEA-15 and protein phosphorylation. Results Compared with the control group, the expression of PEA-15 protein decreased significantly in the transfected groups. The cell migration in the transfected group, the magnetic stimulation group, and the transfected + magnetic stimulation group was significantly greater than in the control group. Compared with the control group, the phosphorylation of PEA-15 increased significantly in the magnetic stimulation group. Conclusion When PEA-15 expression is interfered with, the migration of astrocytes increases significantly. Magnetic stimulation may promote the migration of astrocytes by enhancing PEA-15 phosphorylation. Key words: Magnetic stimulation; Astrocytes; Phosphorylated protein; Cell transfection