Iron oxide nanoparticles and magnetic field exposure promote functional recovery by attenuating free radical-induced damage in rats with spinal cord transection
Open Access
- 21 June 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in International Journal of Nanomedicine
- Vol. 8 (1), 2259-2272
- https://doi.org/10.2147/ijn.s44238
Abstract
Background: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can attenuate oxidative stress in a neutral pH environment in vitro. In combination with an external electromagnetic field, they can also facilitate axon regeneration. The present study demonstrates the in vivo potential of IONPs to recover functional deficits in rats with complete spinal cord injury. Methods: The spinal cord was completely transected at the T11 vertebra in male albino Wistar rats. Iron oxide nanoparticle solution (25 µg/mL) embedded in 3% agarose gel was implanted at the site of transection, which was subsequently exposed to an electromagnetic field (50 Hz, 17.96 µT for two hours daily for five weeks). Results: Locomotor and sensorimotor assessment as well as histological analysis demonstrated significant functional recovery and a reduction in lesion volume in rats with IONP implantation and exposure to an electromagnetic field. No collagenous scar was observed and IONPs were localized intracellularly in the immediate vicinity of the lesion. Further, in vitro experiments to explore the cytotoxic effects of IONPs showed no effect on cell survival. However, a significant decrease in H2O2-mediated oxidative stress was evident in the medium containing IONPs, indicating their free radical scavenging properties. Conclusion: These novel findings indicate a therapeutic role for IONPs in spinal cord injury and other neurodegenerative disorders mediated by reactive oxygen species.Keywords
This publication has 53 references indexed in Scilit:
- Surface Coatings Shape the Protein Corona of SPIONs with Relevance to Their Application in VivoLangmuir, 2012
- Exposure to Pulsed Magnetic Fields Enhances Motor Recovery in Cats After Spinal Cord InjurySpine, 2003
- Physical Size Does Not Determine the Unique Histopathological Response Seen in the Injured Mouse Spinal CordJournal of Neurotrauma, 2003
- Locomotor recovery in the chronic spinal rat: effects of long‐term treatment with a 5‐HT2 agonistEuropean Journal of Neuroscience, 2002
- Functional magnetic stimulation facilitates gastric emptyingArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2002
- REDUCTION OF BLADDER OUTLET RESISTANCE BY SELECTIVE STIMULATION OF THE VENTRAL SACRAL ROOT USING HIGH FREQUENCY BLOCKADE: A CHRONIC STUDY IN SPINAL CORD TRANSECTED DOGSJournal of Urology, 2001
- A rat model of postthoracotomy pain: behavioural and spinal cord NK-1 receptor assessmentCanadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie, 2001
- Functional magnetic stimulation of the colon in persons with spinal cord injuryArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2001
- The collagenous lesion scar--an obstacle for axonal regeneration in brain and spinal cord injury.2001
- Directed and enhanced neurite growth with pulsed magnetic field stimulation.2000