Effects of biphasic and monophasic electrical stimulation on mitochondrial dynamics, cell apoptosis, and cell proliferation.

Currently, electrical stimulation (ES) is used to induce changes in various tissues and cellular processes, but its effects on mitochondrial dynamics and mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of monophasic and biphasic, anodal, and cathodal ES on apoptosis, proliferation, and mitochondrial dynamics in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Cells were cultured and treated with ES.

Effects of electrical stimulation on cell proliferation and apoptosis.

The application of exogenous electrical stimulation (ES) to cells in order to manipulate cell apoptosis and proliferation has been widely investigated as a possible method of treatment in a number of diseases. Alteration of the transmembrane potential of cells via ES can affect various intracellular signaling pathways which are involved in the regulation of cellular function. Controversially, several types of ES have proved to be effective in both inhibiting or inducing apoptosis, as well as increasing proliferation.