Electrical Stimulation Able to Trigger Locomotor Spinal Circuits Also Induces Dorsal Horn Activity

Objectives Investigate whether electrical stimulation of the spinal cord adapted to trigger locomotor patterns additionally influences dorsal horn networks. Materials and Methods An in vitro model of isolated neonatal rat spinal cord was used to repetitively deliver electrical stimuli to lumbar dorsal roots and record from homolateral lumbar dorsal roots and ventral roots. Results Repetitive electrical lumbar dorsal root stimulation can affect both locomotor rhythms derived from ventral neuronal circuits and activity from dorsal neuronal circuits. Conclusion These data suggest that neuro-electrostimulation protocols can simultaneously activate functionally distinct spinal neuronal circuits.