Plasticity and Activation of Spared Intraspinal Respiratory Circuits Following Spinal Cord Injury
Abstract
The overall goal of this project is to determine whether electrical stimulation of the spinal cord can reduce respiratory dysfunctions occurring after mid-to-high cervical spinal cord injuries (cSCI). Our primary emphasis is on closed-loop, intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) of the phrenic circuit using physiologically-appropriate, endogenous respiratory signals to trigger activation of the phrenic motoneuron (PhMN) pool following either cSCIs above or at the level of the phrenic nucleus at spinal levels C3-C5/6 in adult rats. A major accomplishment of our studies thus far is demonstration of proof-of-concept for our closed-loop strategy before and after a spinal hemisection at C2 which results in immediate paralysis of the ipsilateral hemi-diaphragm. Our studies have established that ISMS at the level of the PhMN can effectively activate diaphragm motor units following high cSCI even beyond when stimulation ended. Per comments from our proposals initial review, we also began looking at the efficacy of high frequency (open-loop) spinal (epidural) stimulation. Our data indicate this approach is not effective at selectively activating inspiratory diaphragm (phrenic) motor units. These and other areas of progress lend considerable initial strength to the potential therapeutic value of closed-loop ISMS activation of respiratory circuits caudal to SCI.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1002594
Entities
People
- Chet T Moritz
- David D. Fuller
- Paul J. Reier
Organizations
- University of Florida