Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (45): 8411-8415.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.45.013

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Effect of short-term low-frequency electrical stimulation on myelin formation of Schwann cells in vitro

Wan Li-dan1, Ding Wen-long2, Li Feng2, Xia Rong2, Zhu Hao2, Liu De-ming1, Lin Xue-qun1   

  1. 1 Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang  330006, Jiangxi Province, China; 2 Department of Anatomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine Shanghai  200025, China
  • Online:2010-11-05 Published:2010-11-05
  • About author:Wan Li-dan☆, Doctor, Lecturer, Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China wanld1980@gmail.com
  • Supported by:

     the Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project, No. S30201*; the Doctoral Scientific Research Foundation of Nanchang University*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Short-time low-frequency electrical stimulation has the potential to promote axonal regeneration and target selection after peripheral nerve injury. However, studies concerning the effect of electrical stimulation on myelination are still elusive, and the possible target cell (neuron or Schwann cells) on which electrical stimulation impacts remains unknown.
OBJECTIVE: To establish the co-culture model of dorsal root ganglion neurons and Schwann cells, and investigate the short-time low-frequency electrical stimulation effect on Schwann cell myelination in vitro.
METHODS: Purified dorsal root ganglion neurons were subjected to continuous electrical stimulation (20 Hz, 100 μs, 3 V) for one hour. 24 hours later, the purified Schwann cells suspension was added into pre-stimulated neurons/Schwann cell cultures. At 7 and 14 days after L-ascorbic acid induction, myelin formation was observed and determined.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Electrical stimulation enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion from purified dorsal root neurons (P < 0.05). Dorsal root neurons treated with electrical stimulation cocultured with Schwann cells, which presented increased myelination and upregulated myelin protein expression (P < 0.05). These results have indicated that short-term low-frequency electrical stimulation promoted Schwann cell myelination in vitro, and the effect was at least initially mediated via the enhancement of neuronal brain-derived neurotrophic factor signals.

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