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.