Enhanced expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and phospholipase C-gamma1 in regenerating murine neuronal cells by pulsed electromagnetic field.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been shown to improve the rate of peripheral nerve regeneration. In the present study we investigated the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) in regenerating rat laryngeal nerves during the exposure to PEMF after surgical transection and reanastomosis. Axons were found to regenerate into the distal stump nearly twice faster in PEMF-exposed animals than in the control. Consistently, motor function was better recovered in PEMF-treated rats. The expression of nNOS and PLC-gamma1 was highly enhanced in the regenerated nerves.