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Astroglial Alterations in the Hippocampus of Rats Submitted to a Single Trans-Cranial Direct Current Stimulation
Lisandra Eda Fusinato Zin1,2, Adriana Fernanda K Vizuete1, Etiane Micheli Meyer Callai3
1Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil.
Neurochemical Research
|July 18, 2023
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhances pain thresholds by altering hippocampal astrocytes. This neurostimulation impacts glial cells, offering therapeutic potential for nervous system disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows therapeutic promise for neurological conditions like pain and depression.
- The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tDCS efficacy are not fully understood.
- Astrocytes play a crucial role in neuroprotection and are implicated in tDCS effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short-term effects of tDCS on hippocampal astrocytes in rats.
- To evaluate specific cellular and functional markers of astroglial activity following tDCS.
- To explore the role of astrocytes in mediating the analgesic effects of tDCS.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to a single tDCS session.
- Evaluated pain thresholds using von Frey and hot plate tests.
- Assessed hippocampal astrocyte markers (GFAP, S100B), glutamate uptake, glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, and glutathione content.
- Analyzed S100B in cerebrospinal fluid.
Main Results:
- A single tDCS session significantly increased pain thresholds.
- tDCS induced neurochemical changes in hippocampal astrocytes, including altered S100B levels and increased GS activity.
- Functional changes in astrocytes, such as enhanced glutamate uptake, were observed.
- S100B alterations were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Conclusions:
- tDCS modulates hippocampal astrocyte function and neurochemistry, contributing to its analgesic effects.
- Astrocytes are key mediators of tDCS-induced neuroprotection and pain relief.
- These findings highlight astrocytes as potential therapeutic targets for tDCS in neurological disorders.
