The effect of transcranial electrical stimulation of brain endorphinergic mechanisms on the blood β-endorphin level in experimental ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury

Objective.  The study objective was to evaluate the effect of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES therapy) of the brain endorphinergic mechanisms on opioidergic systems in experimental ischemic stroke in rats and in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and methods . The plasma β-endorphin level was studied in rats with experimental ischemic stroke and in TBI patients in association with TES therapy and without it on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Results.  The plasma β-endorphin level consistently decreased in groups without TES therapy compared to the control through days 1 to 14. The use of TES therapy, starting the first day of experimental ischemic stroke in rats, promoted consistent growth and stabilization of the β-endorphin concentration at a level higher than the control one during the entire observation period through days 1 to 14. The β-endorphin level in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury remained consistently decreased in association with standard therapy during the entire observation period through days 1 to 14. When applying TES therapy, the β-endorphin concentration was 1.39 times higher compared to that in a group of patients receiving standard treatment only. Discussion . Further research of the TES therapy effect on the course and outcome of ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury is required. There is a potential opportunity to include TES therapy in the standards of care for patients in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and for TBI patients.