MICROSTIMULATION OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINAL CORD- MAPPING

本研究的目的是探讨其安全性和安全性。 脊髓微刺激的有效性。如果成功， 这种技术可能是修复生殖器的假体的一部分- 脊髓损伤患者的排尿、肠道和其他运动功能 受伤。来自脊髓微刺激研究的信息是 截瘫神经假体设计者尤其需要 脊椎以上脊髓损伤的个人 腰骶区。特别是，来自当前研究的证据 表明有可能选择性地兴奋支配 同时刺激中间神经元的膀胱逼尿肌 它们与神经细胞有抑制性突触联系 外道括约肌。同样，对阴茎的离散控制 勃起、射精、排便和躯体的控制 通过选择性脊髓，四肢的肌肉组织可能成为可能 脊髓损伤水平以下的微刺激。 目前的合同研究已经提供了有关地点的信息 传入和传出神经元以及控制神经元间的 正常和脊髓切除对猫脊髓排尿功能的影响 动物。在神经元上也进行了有限的映射 控制雄猫的勃起。目前的合同研究也是 研究通过脊髓控制的可能性 微刺激，瘫痪的个体的躯体肌肉系统 脊髓损伤的结果。作为初步的可行性研究， 控制屈肌和伸肌的神经元的位置 正在对膝盖进行映射。对这些标测区域的微刺激 显示出膝关节屈肌和伸肌的激活。现在 研究将提供更详细的地图，并将确定 从数量上讲，瘫痪肌肉的运动控制程度 可通过微刺激腰骶脊髓产生。

The objective of this research is to explore the safety and effectiveness of microstimulation of the spinal cord. If successful, such a technique could be part of a prosthesis to restore genito- urinary, bowel, and other motor functions to victims of spinal cord injury. Information from spinal cord microstimulation studies is especially needed by designers of neural prostheses for paraplegic individuals who have sustained injuries to their spinal cords above the lumbosacral region. In particular, evidence from current studies indicate that is possible to selectively excite neurons innervating the bladder detrusor muscle while simultaneously stimulating interneurons which have inhibitory synaptic connections with neurons innervating the external urethral sphincter. Likewise, discrete control of penile erection, ejaculation, bowel evacuation, and control of the somatic musculature of the limbs may be possible by selective spinal cord microstimulation below the level of spinal cord injury. Current contract research has provided information about the locations of afferent and efferent neurons as well as interneurons controlling urinary function in the cat spinal cord using both normal and spinalized animals. Limited mapping has also been performed on the neurons that control erection in the male cat. The current contract research is also studying the possibility of controlling, by spinal cord microstimulation, the somatic musculature of individuals paralyzed as the result of spinal cord injuries. As an initial feasibility study, the locations of the neurons controlling the flexors and extensors of the knee are being mapped. Microstimulation of these mapped areas has demonstrated activation of both knee flexors and extensors. The present research will provide more detailed maps, and will determine quantitatively, the degree of motor control of paralyzed muscles that can be produced by microstimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord.