Electromagnetic field and TGF-β enhance the compensatory plasticity after sensory nerve injury in cockroach Periplaneta americana

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 22;11(1):6582. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85341-z.

Abstract

Recovery of function after sensory nerves injury involves compensatory plasticity, which can be observed in invertebrates. The aim of the study was the evaluation of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach (Periplaneta americana) nervous system after the sensory nerve injury and assessment of the effect of electromagnetic field exposure (EMF, 50 Hz, 7 mT) and TGF-β on this process. The bioelectrical activities of nerves (pre-and post-synaptic parts of the sensory path) were recorded under wind stimulation of the cerci before and after right cercus ablation and in insects exposed to EMF and treated with TGF-β. Ablation of the right cercus caused an increase of activity of the left presynaptic part of the sensory path. Exposure to EMF and TGF-β induced an increase of activity in both parts of the sensory path. This suggests strengthening effects of EMF and TGF-β on the insect ability to recognize stimuli after one cercus ablation. Data from locomotor tests proved electrophysiological results. The takeover of the function of one cercus by the second one proves the existence of compensatory plasticity in the cockroach escape system, which makes it a good model for studying compensatory plasticity. We recommend further research on EMF as a useful factor in neurorehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / drug effects
  • Afferent Pathways / radiation effects
  • Animals
  • Cell Plasticity / drug effects
  • Cell Plasticity / radiation effects*
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena / drug effects
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena / radiation effects
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / etiology
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / drug effects*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / radiation effects*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta