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Respiratory resetting elicited by single pulse spinal stimulation
Michael D Sunshine1, Comron N Ganji2, David D Fuller3
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, United States; Center for Neurotechnology, an NSF ERC, United States; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, United States; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, United States; Rehabilitation Science PhD Program, University of Florida, United States; Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, United States.
Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) can alter breathing patterns. Dorsal ISMS may terminate inspiratory efforts, while ventral ISMS has no effect on respiratory rhythm, suggesting careful consideration in preclinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) activates spinal motor circuits.
- The effect of ISMS on endogenous respiratory patterns remains unevaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ISMS on respiratory activity in rats.
- To determine if ISMS can modulate the respiratory rhythm.
Main Methods:
- ISMS was applied to the cervical and thoracic spinal cord (C2-T1) in spontaneously breathing rats.
- Diaphragm and intercostal electromyography were recorded during ISMS delivery via dorsal or ventral tracts.
- Stimulation parameters included biphasic pulses (300 μs, 10-90 μA) at varying depths.
Main Results:
- Dorsal ISMS frequently caused fractionated inspiratory bursting or premature termination of inspiratory efforts.
- Ventral ISMS did not significantly alter respiratory resetting.
- Depth and location of stimulation influenced the observed respiratory effects.
Conclusions:
- ISMS targeting the ventral spinal cord is unlikely to directly impact respiratory rhythm.
- Dorsal ISMS may terminate inspiratory bursts by activating spinobulbar pathways.
- Respiratory pattern should be monitored in ISMS preclinical studies.
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