Electrically stimulated NGF secretion by astroglial cells

Mouse astrocytes were cultured on an optically transparent electrode (indium tin oxide/glass electrode) and subjected to an electrical sine wave of stimulation at 10 Hz for 1 h. The electrical stimulation of 0 to +0.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) peak to peak sine wave enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion by 6-fold. The mechanistic investigation indicate that the PKC dependent signaling pathway involved in astrocytes could be activated by the electrical stimulation.