Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a widely used modality for the treatment of chronic pain, is also known to have a significant vasodilator effect on peripheral vasculature. Interest in the vascular effects of SCS has resulted in its use to treat both peripheral limb ischemic and angina. Similar effects of SCS on cerebral blood flow have also been suggested. However, the significance, character and underlying mechanisms of the cerebrovascular effects of SCS remain unclear. The accompanying proposal will delineate the cerebrovascular effects of SCS in an animal model and examine the mechanism(s) that may be involved. We will also examine the feasibility of using SCS in the prevention of cerebral infarction. Specifically, we will test the following central hypotheses: I. SGS significantly enhances global cerebral blood flow (CBF) II. Cerebrovascular effects of SCS are related to changes in sympathetic tone III. Cerebrovascular effects Of SCS involve activation of brainstem/cerebellar vasomotor centers IV. Trigeminovascular innervation of cerebral vasculature mediates SCS effects on CBF V. SCS has a neuroprotective effect in the setting of focal cerebral ischemic We will utilize an in vivo model of SCS and CBF measurement in rats in order to obtain information about the magnitude, time course, and spatial characteristics of CBF changes induced by SCS. Using this model, we will also investigate the effects of SCS on stroke induced by focal cerebral ischemic. An understanding of the mechanisms involved in the cerebrovascular effects of SCS has direct ramifications in the treatment of conditions where cerebral blood flow is compromised, such as stroke, cerebral vasospasm and traumatic brain injury.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS041061-04
Application #
6692673
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BDCN-3 (01))
Program Officer
Kleitman, Naomi
Project Start
2001-01-25
Project End
2005-06-30
Budget Start
2004-01-01
Budget End
2005-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$188,515
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Department
Neurosurgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Country
United States
Zip Code
48109
Sagher, Oren; Huang, Dah-Luen (2006) Mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation in ischemia. Neurosurg Focus 21:E2
Patel, Sachin; Huang, Dah-Luen; Sagher, Oren (2004) Evidence for a central pathway in the cerebrovascular effects of spinal cord stimulation. Neurosurgery 55:201-6; discussion 206
Zhong, J; Huang, D-L; Sagher, O (2004) Parameters influencing augmentation of cerebral blood flow by cervical spinal cord stimulation. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 146:1227-34
Patel, Sachin; Huang, Dah-Luen; Sagher, Oren (2003) Sympathetic mechanisms in cerebral blood flow alterations induced by spinal cord stimulation. J Neurosurg 99:754-61
Sagher, Oren; Huang, Dah-Luen; Keep, Richard F (2003) Spinal cord stimulation reducing infarct volume in a model of focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Neurosurg 99:131-7