Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2025, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (12): 2544-2552.doi: 10.12307/2025.379

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Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on potassium channels in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease mice

Qian Lei1, 2, 3, Yu Hongli1, 2, 3, Zhao Xiuzhi1, 2, 3, Zhu Yucan1, 2, 3   

  1. 1College of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, 2Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Technology and Intelligent Health, 3State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
  • Received:2024-04-08 Accepted:2024-05-29 Online:2025-04-28 Published:2024-09-10
  • Contact: Yu Hongli, PhD, Professor, Doctoral supervisor, College of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Technology and Intelligent Health, State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
  • About author:Qian Lei, Master, College of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetic Technology and Intelligent Health, State Key Laboratory of Reliability and Intelligence of Electrical Equipment, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 51877068 (to YHL)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, but its mechanism has not been fully clarified.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to increase neural excitability in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
METHODS: Sixteen C57BL/6 mice were randomized into control group (n=8) and control+magnetic stimulation group (n=8). Another 16 APP/PS1 mice were randomized into dementia group (n=8) and dementia+magnetic stimulation group (n=8). Mice in the two magnetic stimulation groups were given repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, 2 hours daily, for 14 continuous days. The water maze was then used to detect the cognitive function of mice. Whole-cell membrane-clamp technique was used to collect action potentials and analyze the effect of Alzheimer’s disease on action potentials; and the potassium channel currents were collected and analyzed for the role of their kinetic properties on neural excitability.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of Morris water maze showed that normal mice could find and determine the original platform more accurately after receiving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, while Alzheimer’s disease led to a decrease in the learning and memory ability of mice, a decrease in the number of times they found the platform, and a degeneration of neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could improve the learning and memory ability of mice with Alzheimer’s disease. Whole-cell membrane clamp technique assay showed that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could trigger neuronal depolarization and enhance neuronal excitability in Alzheimer’s disease mice. Analysis of potassium channel currents showed that Alzheimer’s disease caused an increase in the transient outward potassium channel half-activation voltage. The inactivation curve was shifted in the direction of depolarization and the resuscitation time constant was prolonged, causing the delayed rectifier potassium channel activation curve to be shifted in the direction of depolarization. Whereas repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation delayed the opening and closing of the potassium channel and inhibit the efflux of intracellular potassium ions, which resulted in the retention of a higher intracellular potassium concentration and increased neuronal excitability. To conclude, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may alleviate cognitive decline by increasing neuronal excitability in the hippocampal dentate gyrus.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点:组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程

Key words:  repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, whole-cell membrane clamp, K+ channels, water maze, neuronal excitability, learning memory, action potential

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