Intermittent theta-burst stimulation improves motor function by inhibiting neuronal pyroptosis and regulating microglial polarization via TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in cerebral ischemic mice

Abstract

Highlights rTMS significantly ameliorated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced locomotor deficits and neuronal damage in the early phase probably through the anti-inflammatory mechanism. The peak of pyroptosis was later than that of apoptosis during the early phase of stroke, and pyroptosis was mainly located and more severe in the peri-infarcted area compared with apoptosis. rTMS inhibited neuronal pyroptosis in the peri-infarcted area rather than at the border of infarcted core. rTMS modulated microglial polarization in the peri-infarcted area via inhibiting TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Depletion of microglia eliminated the motor functional improvements after rTMS treatment.

Keywords

• Ischemic stroke
• Magnetic stimulation
• Pyroptosis
• Microglia
• Neuroinflammation