As one of the most classic supportive cells, Schwann cells (SCs) have been considered as potential candidates
for nerve regeneration. However, SCs cultured in vitro are found with attenuated biological activities, which
limits their application. Pulsed magnetic field (PMF) has been demonstrated to be safe and efficient to regulate
several cells activities. However, it is still unclear the effect of PMF on proliferation and expression of neurotrophic
factors in SCs. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine such possible effects. The tolerance of SCs
to PMF was examined by flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The proliferation of cells was
detected by an EdU labeling assay and a Prestoblue assay. The expression and secretion of neurotrophic factors in
SCs was assayed by RT-PCR and ELISA. We found that 2.0 mT was the optimal intensity that caused relatively little
apoptosis with profound proliferation in SCs. The gene expression and protein level of brain-derived neurotrophic
factor (BDNF), glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were upregulated
following PMF stimulation, additionally, the gene expression and protein level of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) was
not enhanced by PMF. Our results suggested that PMF could improve SC proliferation and biological function, which
might shed a light on the potential utilization of PMF in nerve regeneration via SC activation.