Transcranial-Direct-Current-Stimulation Accelerates Motor Recovery After Cortical Infarction in Mice: The Interplay...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Neuromodulation

Background:

• Stroke recovery mechanisms are not fully understood.
• Animal models suggest tDCS influences neuroinflammation, stem cell proliferation, neurogenesis, and neural plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the relationship between functional recovery and cellular processes after experimental stroke in mice using tDCS.
• Explore the therapeutic time window for tDCS intervention.

Main Methods:

• Mice with photothrombotic stroke received daily tDCS (anodal or cathodal) or sham stimulation during subacute (days 5-9) or chronic (days 12-16) phases.
• Functional recovery was assessed using a composite neuroscore.
• Neurogenesis, microglial activation, and M1-phenotype markers were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and PET imaging.

Main Results:

• Cathodal tDCS between days 5-9 significantly accelerated functional recovery, increased neurogenesis, and decreased microglial activation.
• Anodal tDCS showed similar effects on neurogenesis and microglial polarization but not functional recovery.
• tDCS applied later (days 12-16) did not yield further benefits, suggesting a closed therapeutic window.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive neuromodulation with tDCS impacts critical cellular processes like neurogenesis and microglial activation.
• These cellular changes are crucial for functional recovery during the early regenerative phase following focal cerebral ischemia.