Electric Currents in Damaged Spinal Cords
Author Information
Author(s): Zuberi Mahvash, Liu-Snyder Peishan, ul Haque Aeraj, Porterfield David M, Borgens Richard B
Primary Institution: Purdue University
Hypothesis
What role do large bioelectric currents play in secondary injury processes in damaged mammalian spinal cords?
Conclusion
The large bioelectric current, particularly the calcium component, significantly contributes to secondary injury processes in damaged spinal cords.
Supporting Evidence
- The bioelectric current entering the spinal cord declines rapidly after injury.
- Calcium influx is significantly correlated with cell damage post-injury.
- Ventral injury currents were found to be significantly higher than dorsal injury currents.
Takeaway
When a spinal cord gets hurt, it creates a big electric current that can cause more damage, especially because of calcium entering the cells.
Methodology
Non-invasive measurements of electric currents were taken using vibrating electrodes on guinea pig spinal cords after injury.
Limitations
The study was limited to guinea pig spinal cords, which may not fully represent human spinal cord injury responses.
Participant Demographics
Adult guinea pigs weighing 350-500 grams were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p=0.004
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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