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In Vivo Intracellular Recording of Type-Identified Rat Spinal Motoneurons During Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation
Published on: May 11, 2020
Delayed application of direct current electric fields in experimental spinal cord injuries
1The Center for Paralysis Research, Department of Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (USA).
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience
|May 10, 2011
Summary
Applying weak electric fields after spinal cord injury did not restore the cutaneus trunci muscle (CTM) reflex in guinea pigs, even when treatment was delayed by three months. This suggests timing is critical for electrical stimulation to be effective in spinal cord repair.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The cutaneus trunci muscle (CTM) reflex in guinea pigs relies on an ascending pathway in the thoracic spinal cord's ventrolateral funiculus.
- This reflex, a phasic contraction of back skin to tactile stimuli, is abolished by transection of this pathway.
- Previous studies indicated that immediate application of a polarized DC electric field post-hemisection can lead to partial reflex recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if delayed application of weak DC electric fields can promote recovery of the CTM reflex after spinal cord hemisection.
- To determine the efficacy of electrical stimulation when initiated three months post-injury.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs underwent thoracic spinal cord lateral hemisection.
- Three months post-injury, animals received either a rostrally negative or caudally negative DC electric field applied across the lesion site.
- The CTM reflex was assessed to evaluate functional recovery.
Main Results:
- No recovery of the CTM reflex was observed in any animals treated with either rostrally negative or caudally negative electric fields.
- Animals were monitored for up to 9 months post-treatment, with no signs of reflex restoration.
Conclusions:
- Delayed application of weak polarized DC electric fields, three months after spinal cord hemisection, does not restore the CTM reflex in guinea pigs.
- These findings suggest that the timing of electrical stimulation is a critical factor for potential therapeutic effects in spinal cord injury recovery.
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