Chronic pudendal neuromodulation using an implantable microstimulator improves voiding function in diabetic rats
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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Preparation of Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Electrodes for Chronic Implantation in Rats
Published on: July 14, 2020
Tsung-Hsun Hsieh1, Yin-Tsong Lin, Shih-Ching Chen
1Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine and Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Objective:
Few studies have investigated the feasibility of using chronic pudendal neuromodulation for improving voiding function in patients with diabetes who are also experiencing urinary retention. The present study investigated the effects of chronic electrical stimulation (ES) of the sensory branch of the pudendal nerve on voiding function in diabetic rats.
Approach:
A custom-made implantable microstimulation system was designed and manufactured for chronic implantation in normal control (NC) and diabetic rats. After three or six weeks of pudendal neuromodulation, the intravesical pressure, external urethral sphincter electromyograms (EUS-EMGs), and urine flow rate (UFR) of all rats were simultaneously recorded to assess the effects of chronic pudendal ES on voiding function. Morphological changes in pudendal axons were assessed through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
Significance:
This study demonstrated the feasibility of using chronic pudendal neuromodulation for improving voiding function in diabetic rats. These results may facilitate the development of an advanced neural prosthesis for restoring bladder function in clinical settings.
