P060 tACS in a rat model of focal demyelination

Abstract

Background Multifocal demyelinated lesions in the brain and spinal cord are typical for the disease multiple sclerosis (MS). During the disease course of the relapsing remitting form of MS, those demyelinated lesions can show spontaneous remyelination. Unfortunately, the innate remyelination ability is very limited and not able to counteract the demyelination completely. Objective In this regard, enhancing the endogenous repair processes could exert neuroprotective effects and reduce axonal loss. Recent preclinical studies using electrical stimulation in neuronal cell cultures as well as in rodent models of focally demyelinated peripheral nerves showed promising results. The evaluation of certain effects of electrical stimulation on remyelination, cell migration and differentiation in a focal rat model of cortical demyelination is of primary purpose. Methods Lewis rats were stereotactically injected with a myelin specific antibody in combination with mouse complement to induce focal demyelinated lesions in the M1 region of the rat cortex. Application of 100 mA transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in a 10 Hz fashion directly to the rat cranium could modulate the remyelination process by increasing the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and reduce axonal damage by enhanced clearance of ED-1 positive macrophages.