Differential activation of nerve fibers with magnetic stimulation in humans.

BMC Neurosci

Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Published: July 2006

Background: Earlier observations in our lab had indicated that large, time-varying magnetic fields could elicit action potentials that travel in only one direction in at least some of the myelinated axons in peripheral nerves. The objective of this study was to collect quantitative evidence for magnetically induced unidirectional action potentials in peripheral nerves of human subjects. A magnetic coil was maneuvered to a location on the upper arm where physical effects consistent with the creation of unidirectional action potentials were observed. Electromyographic (EMG) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) recordings were then made from a total of 20 subjects during stimulation with the magnetic coil.

Results: The relative amplitudes of the EMG and SEP signals changed oppositely when the current direction in the magnetic coil was reversed. This effect was consistent with current direction in the coil relative to the arm for all subjects.

Conclusion: A differential evocation of motor and sensory fibers was demonstrated and indicates that it may be possible to induce unidirectional action potentials in myelinated peripheral nerve fibers with magnetic stimulation.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1550723PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2202-7-58DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

action potentials
16
unidirectional action
12
nerve fibers
8
fibers magnetic
8
magnetic stimulation
8
peripheral nerves
8
magnetic coil
8
current direction
8
magnetic
6
differential activation
4

Similar Publications

Bioaugmented design and functional evaluation of low damage implantable array electrodes.

Bioact Mater

May 2025

State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.

Implantable neural electrodes are key components of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), but the mismatch in mechanical and biological properties between electrode materials and brain tissue can lead to foreign body reactions and glial scarring, and subsequently compromise the long-term stability of electrical signal transmission. In this study, we proposed a new concept for the design and bioaugmentation of implantable electrodes (bio-array electrodes) featuring a heterogeneous gradient structure. Different composite polyaniline-gelatin-alginate based conductive hydrogel formulations were developed for electrode surface coating.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is pivotal in treating chronic intractable pain. To elucidate the mechanism of action among conventional and current novel types of SCSs, a stable and reliable electrophysiology model in the consensus animals to mimic human SCS treatment is essential. We have recently developed a new in vivo implantable pulsed-ultrahigh-frequency (pUHF) SCS platform for conducting behavioral and electrophysiological studies in rats.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Activation of the brain-penetrant beta3-adrenergic receptor (Adrb3) is implicated in the treatment of depressive disorders. Enhancing GABAergic inputs from interneurons onto pyramidal cells of prefrontal cortex (PFC) represents a strategy for antidepressant therapies. Here, we probed the effects of the activation of Adrb3 on GABAergic transmission onto pyramidal neurons in the PFC using in vitro electrophysiology.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study combines experimental techniques and mathematical modeling to investigate the dynamics of C. elegans body-wall muscle cells. Specifically, by conducting voltage clamp and mutant experiments, we identify key ion channels, particularly the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (EGL-19) and potassium channels (SHK-1, SLO-2), which are crucial for generating action potentials.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Unlabelled: Electric fields used in clinical trials with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are small, with magnitudes that have yet to demonstrate measurable effects in preclinical animal models. We hypothesized that weak stimulation will nevertheless produce sizable effects, provided that it is applied concurrently with behavioral training, and repeated over multiple sessions. We tested this here in a rodent model of dexterous motor-skill learning.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!