The effects of direct-current field stim ulation on spinal cord motor neuron apo ptosis after sciatic nerve transection I n rats / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effects of direct-current field stimulation on spinal cord motor neurons apoptosis after sciatic nerves transection. Methods In experimental group direct-current stimula tors were put into the relevant spinal cord segments and electric stimulation were given instantly after sciatic nervet ransection.In control group, the same st I mulator were put inside without courrent output.The spinal cord specimens were taken 1，4，7，14，28 days after operation. The morphology of the spinal cord motor neurons was observed with the methods of HE staining and light microscope.The spinal cord motor neurons were counted and analyzed with three-dimensional quantit ative method.The TUNEL staining of the specimens was performed simultaneously and the positive-stain spinal cord motor ne u rons were counted. Results 4，7，1 4 and 28 days af ter operation, the number of spinal cord motor neurons and the size of the neurons increased obviously with compare to the control group.The TUNEL staining positive spinalcord motor neurons decreased sign I ficantly according to the control group. Conclusion Direct-current stimu lation may have intervention effects on spinal cord neuron apoptosis after sciatic nerve transection.