Mechanical stress on bones accelerates brain recovery after injury

Mechanical stress on the leg bones helped speed up brain recovery after injury and stroke. This was stated by scientists whose study was published in the journal Nature Neuroscience (NN).

The scientists rhythmically squeezed the tibia, simulating a mechanical load. After such stimulation, animals with traumatic brain injury and stroke had improved motor and cognitive functions, as well as increased survival.

In the animals' brains, neuronal death and chronic inflammation were reduced, while the recovery of nerve cells was enhanced. Researchers have found that the PIEZO1 protein in bone cells plays a key role in this process. When it was turned off, the positive effect of the load disappeared.

The mechanical effect caused the bone cells to release a number of substances into the blood. These included proteins involved in protecting nerve cells, and increased levels of BDNF and dopamine. Transfer of blood serum from animals receiving such a load also had a protective effect.

The authors believe that the results indicate the existence of a unique connection between the bones and the brain: mechanical stress on bone tissue can trigger processes that promote brain recovery.