Neuromodulation of bladder activity by stimulation of feline pudendal nerve using a transdermal amplitude modulated signal (TAMS)

Abstract

Aim: To develop a non-invasive neuromodulation method to regulate bladder activity.

Methods: Neuromodulation of bladder activity was investigated in felines with an intact spinal cord under α-chloralose anesthesia using a transcutaneous stimulation method with surface electrodes attached to the skin area between the base of the tail and the sciatic notch.

Results: The bladder could be either inhibited or excited depending on stimulation frequency and bladder volume. With the bladder distended to induce large amplitude rhythmic isovolumetric bladder contractions, stimulation at a frequency between 5 and 7 Hz significantly suppressed the contractions. Stimulation applied during a cystometrogram (CMG) also increased bladder capacity by 44.3 ± 10.8%. At a frequency between 20 and 40 Hz the inhibitory effect on rhythmic bladder contractions was weak and did not increase bladder capacity during CMG. At low bladder volumes ranging between 60% and 100% of the bladder capacity 20 Hz stimulation-induced small amplitude (21.2 ± 14.6 cmH(2) O) bladder contractions. However, stimulation at 20 Hz induced large amplitude (111.7 ± 22.2 cmH(2) O) bladder contractions at a bladder volume about 100-110% of the bladder capacity after the rhythmic bladder contractions were completely inhibited by the inhibitory 5 Hz stimulation.

Conclusions: Both inhibitory and excitatory effects on bladder activity can be obtained in cats using the non-invasive neural stimulation approach. This pre-clinical study warrants a further clinical trial to investigate the possibility of using this non-invasive stimulation method to treat incontinence or urinary retention.