Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protects mice against 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson’s disease symptoms by regulating brain amyloid β1–42 level

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a technique protecting neurons against diverse neurodegenerative disorders by delivering magnetic stimuli into the brain through the intact scalp. In the current study, the protection effect of rTMS on Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the associated mechanism driving the treatment were explored. The PD symptoms were induced using 6-OHDA in mice, and the effect of rTMS of two frequencies (1 Hz and 10 Hz) on the cognitive behaviors and neuron viability was detected. Afterwards, the level of Aβ 1–42 and activity of MKK7-ERK-Fos-APP axis under the administration of rTMS were recorded as well. The intracranial injection of 6-OHDA impaired the cognitive behaviors of the mice in the test of Morris water maze as well as reducing the viability and number of neurons in PD mice. After the treatment of rTMS of both frequencies, the cognitive function of mice was improved and the neuron viability and number were restored in mice brain tissues. The administration of rTMS also increased the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level of Aβ 1–42 in PD mice, which was accompanied by the suppressed levels of p-MKK7, p-ERK1/2, p–c-Fos, and APP. Moreover, the effect of rTMS on mice nerve system was all exerted in a frequency-dependent manner. In conclusion, the findings outlined in the current study affirmed the protection effect of rTMS against PD. The anti-PD function of rTMS was associated with the suppression of MKK7-ERK-Fos-APP axis, which subsequently resulted in the increased CSF Aβ 1–42 level and decreased brain Aβ 1–42 level.