Manipulation of neuronal plasticity with strong magnetic fields and nano-technology

Brain damages destroy neuronal network and impair motor and cognitive functions. However, it is difficult to reconstruct neuronal circuits damaged by brain diseases. Neuronal cell transplantation into damaged brain regions had been believed to be promising, grafted neurons can extend their neuronal processes less than 500 micron and few functioning connections between grafted neurons and host neurons could be achieved by using the current neuronal cell grafting techniques. To enhance innervation of grafted neurons in damaged brains, we use very strong magnetic field and nanowires-coated with neuronal cell adhesion molecules. Nanowires injected in the rat brain were observed not only at the site of injection but also near the site of the magnet. Interestingly, nanowires lined up from the injected site towards the magnet. The present study showed that strong magnet on the brain surface could move nanowires in the rat brain