Localized stimulation and recording in the spinal cord with microelectrode arrays

The use of microelectrodes for both recording and stimulation of cortical tissue is a well-established technique in neuroscience. We demonstrate that the use of existing microelectrode arrays and instrumentation can be extended to studying the spinal cord. We show that microelectrode arrays can be used to perform stimulation and recording in the corticospinal tract of an animal model commonly used in spinal cord injury (SCI) research. This technique could not only provide fundamental insights into the structure and function of the spinal cord, but also ultimately serve as the basis of a therapeutic treatment for severe spinal cord injuries.