Mapping of the Spinal Sensorimotor Network by Transvertebral and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation

• DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.555593
• Publication Date: 2020-10-14T06:57:00Z
• Authors: Polina Shkorbatova; Vsevolod Lyakhove...; Natalia Pavlova; Alexander Popov; Elena Bazhenova; Daria Kalinina; Oleg Gorskii; Pavel Musienko
• Keywords: Lumbosacral joint; Hindlimb; Neuromodulation; Vastus medialis

Transcutaneous stimulation is a neuromodulation method that efficiently used for recovery after spinal cord injury and other disorders are accompanied by motor sensory deficits. Multiple aspects of transcutaneous optimization still require testing in animal experiments including the use pharmacological agents, lesions, cell recording etc. This need initially motivated us to develop new approach transvertebral (SCS) test its feasibility acute chronic on rats. The aim current work was study selectivity muscle activation over lower thoracic lumbosacral when stimulating electrode located intravertebrally compare effectiveness clinically stimulation. In decerebrated rats, electromyographic activity recorded muscles back (m.longissimus dorsi), tail (m. abductor caudae dorsalis) hindlimb (mm. iliacus, adductor magnus, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, soleus flexor hallucis longus) during SCS with an placed alternately one spinous processes VT12–VS1 vertebrae. recruitment curves components оf evoked potentials (separated from each means double-pulse stimulation) were plotted muscle; their slopes characterised activation.The electrophysiological mapping demonstrated has specific effects rostrocaudally distributed sensorimotor network cord, mainly roots carry pathways. These compared same animals performed stimulation, similar distribution underlying neuroanatomical mechanisms found. rats validated proposed further studies.