Potentiation of cortico-spinal output via targeted electrical stimulation of the motor thalamus.

ABSTRACT: Cerebral white matter lesions prevent cortico-spinal descending inputs from effectively activating spinal motoneurons, leading to loss of motor control. However, in most cases, the damage to cortico-spinal axons is incomplete offering a potential target for therapies aimed at improving volitional muscle activation. Here we hypothesize that, by engaging direct excitatory connections to cortico-spinal motoneurons, stimulation of the motor thalamus could facilitate activation of surviving cortico-spinal fibers thereby immediately potentiating motor output. To test this hypothesis, we identify optimal thalamic targets and stimulation parameters that enhance upper-limb motor-evoked potentials and grip forces in anesthetized monkeys. This potentiation persists after white matter lesions. We repl

SUBMITTER: Ho JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11445460 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature