Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation of a Rat's Spinal Motoneuron
Transcript
Begin by placing a saline-soaked sponge on the thoracic-12 vertebra of a rat prepared for the procedure.
Position an electrode on it for trans-spinal direct current stimulation or tsDCS, which involves applying a direct current across the spinal cord.
To measure the intracellular recording of a target motoneuron during tsDCS, insert a microelectrode into the spinal cord at the location of its origin.
Assess the motoneuron's baseline membrane potential and the frequency of electrical impulses to ensure the microelectrode is securely placed for accurate measurements during tsDCS.
Apply anodal tsDCS, where positively charged ions enter the neuron as the current flows from the anode through the tissue to the cathode.
Apply cathodal tsDCS, where negatively charged ions enter the neuron as the current flows in the reverse direction.
Record the changes in the motoneuron's electrical properties during anodal and cathodal tsDCS.
