Evaluation of optimal electrode configurations for epidural spinal cord stimulation in cervical spinal cord injured rats

J Neurosci Methods, 2015 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.03.012 · Published: May 30, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study explores how epidural spinal cord stimulation (eEmc) can help reactivate dormant spinal neuronal circuits after a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The researchers aimed to identify the best electrode placement and stimulation settings to improve forelimb motor function. EMG electrodes were implanted in the forelimb muscles and epidural stimulation electrodes were placed at C6 and C8 in adult rats. After inducing a dorsal funiculi crush (C4), the rats were tested with different stimulation configurations and current intensities to evoke spinal motor evoked potentials (sMEPs) and determine forelimb grip strength. The results indicated that sMEPs could be used as a biomarker for identifying the optimal parameters for eEmc of the cervical spinal cord after SCI. The optimal stimulation parameters not only produced robust sMEPs but also improved the grip strength of the SCI rats.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Five healthy female Long-Evan rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
sMEPs were evoked in all muscles tested, and their characteristics depended on electrode configurations and current intensities.
2
C6(−) stimulation elicited more robust sMEPs than stimulation at C8(−).
3
Stimulating C6 and C8 simultaneously produced better muscle recruitment and higher grip strengths than stimulation at one site.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the effects of different epidural stimulation electrode configurations on forelimb motor function in rats with cervical spinal cord injury. The researchers examined the ability of chronically implanted electrodes at C6 and C8 to elicit spinal motor evoked potentials (sMEPs) and improve grip strength. The results showed that sMEPs were dependent on electrode configuration and current intensity, with C6 stimulation eliciting more robust responses than C8. Simultaneous stimulation at C6 and C8 resulted in better muscle recruitment and higher grip strengths. The study concluded that sMEPs can serve as useful biomarkers for identifying optimal parameters for epidural stimulation of the cervical spinal cord after SCI, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic strategies.

Practical Implications

Optimized Spinal Cord Stimulation

Identifying optimal electrode configurations can improve the effectiveness of epidural stimulation therapy for cervical spinal cord injury.

Biomarker Development

Using sMEPs as biomarkers can help personalize stimulation parameters, maximizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects.

Improved Motor Function

Targeted stimulation strategies can enhance muscle recruitment and grip strength in individuals with cervical SCI.

Evaluation of optimal electrode configurations for epidural spinal cord stimulation in cervical spinal cord injured rats

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Optimized Spinal Cord Stimulation

Biomarker Development

Improved Motor Function

Study Limitations

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Evaluation of optimal electrode configurations for epidural spinal cord stimulation in cervical spinal cord injured rats

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Optimized Spinal Cord Stimulation

Biomarker Development

Improved Motor Function

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?