Bladder and bowel responses to lumbosacral epidural stimulation in uninjured and transected anesthetized rats

Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 8;11(1):3268. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-81822-3.

Abstract

Spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) mapping at L5-S1 was performed to identify parameters for bladder and bowel inhibition and/or contraction. Using spinally intact and chronic transected rats of both sexes in acute urethane-anesthetized terminal preparations, scES was systematically applied using a modified Specify 5-6-5 (Medtronic) electrode during bladder filling/emptying cycles while recording bladder and colorectal pressures and external urethral and anal sphincter electromyography activity. The results indicate frequency-dependent effects on void volume, micturition, bowel peristalsis, and sphincter activity just above visualized movement threshold intensities that differed depending upon neurological intactness, with some sex-dependent differences. Thereafter, a custom-designed miniature 15-electrode array designed for greater selectivity was tested and exhibited the same frequency-dependent urinary effects over a much smaller surface area without any concurrent movements. Thus, select activation of autonomic nervous system circuitries with scES is a promising neuromodulation approach for expedient translation to individuals with SCI and potentially other neurologic disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Colon / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction*
  • Peristalsis*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation*
  • Urethra / physiopathology*
  • Urinary Bladder / physiopathology*