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Rodent Behavioral Testing to Assess Functional Deficits Caused by Microelectrode Implantation in the Rat Motor Cortex
Published on: August 18, 2018
The functional consequences of chronic, physiologically effective intracortical microstimulation
Rebecca A Parker1, Tyler S Davis, Paul A House
1Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Progress in Brain Research
|August 27, 2011
Summary
Chronic microstimulation using multielectrode arrays (MEAs) did not impair brain function over months. This suggests MEA-based microstimulation is safe for future human trials exploring sensory perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neural Engineering
Background:
- Multielectrode arrays (MEAs) are used for brain-computer interfaces.
- Intracortical microstimulation (ICM) can impart information but may cause damage.
- Chronic effects of ICM via MEAs on neural function are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional consequences of chronic microstimulation via implanted MEAs.
- To determine if microstimulation-induced damage impairs long-term MEA functionality.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of MEA-based microstimulation for future human trials.
Main Methods:
- Chronically implanted MEAs were used in nonhuman primates.
- Periodic microstimulation was delivered at physiologically relevant levels (evoking EMG activity).
- MEA functionality was assessed via impedance measurements, evoked EMG responses, and action potential recordings.
Main Results:
- Impedances and action potential recordings decreased over time, consistent with previous studies.
- The ability to evoke EMG responses and record action potentials was maintained throughout the study.
- No functional failure of the MEA or neural tissue was observed due to microstimulation.
Conclusions:
- Chronic intracortical microstimulation via MEAs did not lead to functional failure.
- MEA-based microstimulation shows promise for future subchronic human trials.
- Patterned microstimulation may be used to evoke complex sensory percepts in humans.
