rTMS Improves Cell Viability in Rats

A recent study performed by Post, Muller, Engelmann & Keck published in the European Journal of Neuroscience suggests a counter theory to the ideas suggested in class regarding the possible long-term dangers of rTMS. While there remains the possibility that using TMS on the wrong person may cause them to have a seizure, Post et al actually contend that long term rTMS may have positive benefits for the vitality of brain cells. To test this hypothesis, the researchers performed long-term rTMS on a group of rat subjects for about 11 weeks. After the treatment ended, the rats were tested for cognitive impairments or structural changes in the brain regions stimulated. No impairments or significant structural changes were found however. In fact, Post et al found that the long term viability of the cells was increased, especially in HT22 cells (a particularly type of hippocampal neuron that was one focus of the stimulation during the 11 weeks of testing). The increased viability was due to a neuroprotective effect against oxidation of the cells caused by the release of secreted amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) into the supernatant of the HT22 cells as well as the cerebrospinal fluid of rats. sAPP was found to protect cells against oxidative stressors such as amyloid beta and glutamate.

This is an interesting finding in that it suggests TMS may have some long term benefits for the health and overall survival rate for cells. It is important however not to discount the possibility of negative effects that TMS carries with it. This is only one positive benefit from a neurochemical perspective, so while it does suggest that there are benefits to using TMS, it does not discount the potential cons.