A STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON NEURONAL STRUCTURE AND ACTIVITY

Chapter 1: Background: The search for effective electric stimulation protocols for peripheral nerve regeneration, specifically in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), is an ongoing area of interest. Multiple stimulation parameters using direct current, alternating current and pulsed magnetic electric fields have proven to increase neurite regeneration. In the past, there has been limited exploration of the impact of action potential-like electrical stimulation on DRG regeneration. New method: A novel action potential-like electrical stimuli output from a custom-built action potential generator board was used to assess multiple stimulation parameters on DRG regeneration. Finite-element modeling was used to determine electrolyte potential across a non-uniform electric field to test the effects of electric field strength from action potential-like stimuli on DRG regeneration. Total neurite length and neurite branching per DRG were examined for each applied field strength and frequency to determine the effects of action potential-like stimulation on DRG structural regeneration. Results: Action potential-like stimulation showed inhomogeneous distribution of neurite regeneration and branching with higher regeneration and branching seen in areas away from the electrodes compared to the nearly homogenous distribution seen from the controls. Whole well analysis showed significant increases in total neurite regeneration and branching across all stimulation conditions with electric field strength, particularly 40 V/m, having the strongest effect on DRG structural regeneration. Comparison with existing methods: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the hypothesis that action potential-like electric fields can improve DRG regeneration. Conclusions: This system and method may have applications for clinical interventions aimed at rehabilitating damaged peripheral nerve pathways.