DC Electric Fields Induce Perpendicular Alignment and Enhanced Migration in Schwann Cell Cultures

Schwann cells (SCs) are PNS glia that play numerous support functions including myelination of axons. After PNS injury, SCs facilitate regeneration by phagocytosing cellular debris and providing physical and biochemical cues to guide axon growth. This reparative phenotype suggests SCs could be critical cellular targets for enhancing nerve regeneration. One method for altering cell morphology and motility is the application of direct current (DC) electric fields (EFs). Endogenous EFs have physiologic relevance during embryogenesis and serve as guidance and polarization cues. While much literature exists on EFs and CNS and PNS neurons, the effects of EFs on SCs have not been extensively studied. In this work, cell alignment, migration, and morphology of rat SCs were measured in response to several EF stimulation regimes including constant DC, 50% duty cycle DC and oscillating DC. SCs were found to re-orient perpendicular to field lines and respond to DC EFs as low as 75 mV/mm. EF exposure promoted directed migration, with travel towards the cathode at a mean rate of 7.5 µm/h. The data highlight the utility of EFs in modulating SC morphology, alignment and migration. Results may have implications for using EFs to attract and realign SCs at the site of PNS trauma.