Oscillating field stimulation promotes recovery after spinal cord injury in rats: Assessment using behavioral, electrophysiological and histological evaluations

Objectives: We explored whether oscillating field stimulation (OFS) could efficiently promote motor function recovery in rat model of spinal cord injury. Methods: SD rats with spinal cord injury induced by Allen method was divided into two groups, experimental group rats received active stimulator units and control group rats received sham (inoperative) stimulator units. The electric field intensity was 600μV/mm, and the polarity alternated every 15 min. Results: The results showed that the experimental group rats had significantly better locomotor function recovery (inclined-plane testing and modified Tarlov motor grading scale) 5 weeks after the injury (P<;0.05). OFS treatment significantly decreased motor evoked potential (MEP) latency differences and amplitude differences 4 w and 8 w post injury (P<;0.05, P<;0.01). Furthermore, the number of axons was quantified by immunofluorescence staining of nerve fiber (NF), increased axon numbers were observed at 4 w and 8 w in experimental group (P<;0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest OFS can promote motor function recovery in SCI rats, and this effect may be related to the improving axon regeneration in spinal cord.