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Related Experiment Videos

Do direct current electric fields enhance micturition in the spinal cat?

J M Kerns1, T T Truong, J S Walter

  • 1Department of Anatomy, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|October 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Electrical stimulation improved bladder function and withdrawal reflexes in spinal cats. This treatment partially reduced urethral resistance, suggesting inhibition of the urethral sphincter and potential neural plasticity.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Urology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to severe micturition dysfunction and motor deficits.
  • Current treatments for SCI-induced bladder dysfunction have limited efficacy.
  • Understanding the mechanisms underlying functional recovery after SCI is crucial for developing new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of direct current (DC) electric field treatment on micturition behavior and motoneuron ultrastructure in a spinal cat model.
  • To assess the impact of electrical stimulation on bladder emptying, withdrawal reflexes, and urethral sphincter activity.
  • To explore the underlying neural mechanisms, including synaptic input and potential plasticity, following DC treatment.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Adult cats received a complete T8 spinal cord transection.
  • A treatment group received an implanted 15 microA DC source with electrodes near the lesion site.
  • Control groups included operated and unoperated cats.
  • Micturition behavior, withdrawal reflexes, and urodynamic parameters were assessed.
  • Ultrastructural analysis of Onuf's nucleus was performed.

    • Main Results:

    • The DC treatment group showed significant improvements in bladder emptying (using Crede maneuver) and withdrawal reflexes compared to control groups.
    • Urodynamic studies revealed partial reduction in urethral resistance and pelvic floor activity in the stimulated group, indicating sphincter inhibition.
    • Ultrastructural examination of Onuf's nucleus did not reveal significant differences in synaptic input across groups.

    Conclusions:

    • Direct current (DC) electric field stimulation can promote early functional recovery of bladder function after spinal cord injury in cats.
    • The observed improvements may be attributed to the activation of inhibitory processes or neural plasticity.
    • Electrical stimulation shows potential as a therapeutic strategy for managing SCI-induced micturition dysfunction.