Using transcranial direct current stimulation to regenerate macroglia in stroke-induced mouse models

Stroke is a neurological condition resulting from blood vessel blockage in the brain, leading to neural tissue death. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are important cells involved in repairing neuronal injuries and maintaining myelin sheaths, respectively. Oxygen and nutrient deprivation during stroke cause the death of these cells. Previous studies have suggested that electrical stimulation of neurons can promote the generation of glial cells. However, limited research has been conducted on the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to promote glial cell generation in patients specifically with stroke. In this study, we aim to investigate the potential of tDCS as a future treatment for stroke. 100 female rats will undergo induced ischemic stroke at eight weeks of age. Stroke presence will be confirmed using the Garcia scale, which assesses sensory and motor ability in rats. The rats will then be randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group. Both groups will undergo Golgi impregnation to measure the initial prevalence of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The intervention group will receive consecutive tDCS sessions for five days, while the control group will not receive any intervention. At the end of the study, Golgi impregnation will be performed again to observe changes in macroglia levels, and the Garcia scale will be used to detect changes in mobility or sensation. We anticipate that tDCS treatment in stroke-induced rats will increase levels of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, leading to improved sensory and motor abilities. Understanding the effects of tDCS on macroglia in rats post-stroke could pave the way for developments aimed at enhancing long-term mobility and sensation in stroke patients.