Abstract

Overview

Recent studies have suggested the therapeutic potential of pulsed electromagnetic field (EMF) for dementia. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood. This research aims to explore the impact of pulsed EMF on rats with Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced dementia.

Methods

• A total of forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, normal saline injection (sham group), STZ injection (STZ group), and STZ injection with pulsed EMF exposure (STZ + MF group).
• The Morris water maze was used to assess learning and memory abilities.
• Insulin growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) gene expressions were measured using quantitative PCR.

Findings

Key Results:

• Pulsed EMF exposure dramatically reduced the mean escape latency in STZ-induced dementia rats by 66%.
• Significant improvements in swimming distance and time to first platform crossing were observed in the STZ + MF group compared to the STZ group, with decreases of 55% and 41.6% respectively.
• Increased expression of the IGF-2 gene was significant in the STZ + MF group compared to the STZ group.

Conclusion

Pulsed EMF exposure enhances learning and memory capabilities in STZ-induced dementia rats. This improvement may involve IGF signal transduction pathways, hinting at the potential of pulsed EMF in alleviating cognitive impairments.