Open Access

Generation of locomotor‑like activity using monopolar intraspinal electrical microstimulation in rats

  • Authors:
    • Xiaoyan Shen
    • Tinghui Sun
    • Zhiling Li
    • Yan Wu
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: October 18, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.12259
  • Article Number: 560
  • Copyright: © Shen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Severe spinal cord injury (SCI) affects the ability of functional standing and walking. As the locomotor central pattern generator (CPG) in the lumbosacral spinal cord can generate a regulatory signal for movement, it is feasible to activate CPG neural network using intra‑spinal micro‑stimulation (ISMS) to induce alternating patterns. The present study identified two special sites with the ability to activate the CPG neural network that are symmetrical about the posterior median sulcus in the lumbosacral spinal cord by ISMS in adult rats. A reversal of flexion and extension can occur in an attempt to generate a stepping movement of the bilateral hindlimb by either reversing the pulse polarity of the stimulus or changing the special site. Therefore, locomotor‑like activity can be restored with monopolar intraspinal electrical stimulation on either special site. To verify the motor function regeneration of the paralyzed hindlimbs, a four‑week locomotor training with ISMS applied to the special site in the SCI + ISMS group (n=12) was performed. Evaluations of motor function recovery using behavior, kinematics and physiological analyses, were used to assess hindlimb function and the results showed the stimulation at one special site can promote significant functional recovery of the bilateral hindlimbs (P<0.05). The present study suggested that motor function of paralyzed bilateral hindlimbs can be restored with monopolar ISMS.
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December-2023
Volume 26 Issue 6

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Shen X, Sun T, Li Z and Wu Y: Generation of locomotor‑like activity using monopolar intraspinal electrical microstimulation in rats. Exp Ther Med 26: 560, 2023
APA
Shen, X., Sun, T., Li, Z., & Wu, Y. (2023). Generation of locomotor‑like activity using monopolar intraspinal electrical microstimulation in rats. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 26, 560. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.12259
MLA
Shen, X., Sun, T., Li, Z., Wu, Y."Generation of locomotor‑like activity using monopolar intraspinal electrical microstimulation in rats". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 26.6 (2023): 560.
Chicago
Shen, X., Sun, T., Li, Z., Wu, Y."Generation of locomotor‑like activity using monopolar intraspinal electrical microstimulation in rats". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 26, no. 6 (2023): 560. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.12259