Mechanisms of spinal cord electrical stimulation action on autonomic functions

Abstract

The method of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord (ESSC) has recently begun to be actively used for both experimental studies of human motor functions and the rehabilitation of motor function in patients with spinal cord pathology. The spinal cord is the most important center of the regulation of vital functions, and ESSC affects as spinal locomotor networks as the visceral system too, which should be taken into account for the development of an improved method of rehabilitation and its use in experiments on healthy volunteers. We present a review of studies on the possible mechanisms of ESSC effects on the peripheral and cerebral circulation, cardiovascular, respiratory, excretory, and digestive systems of mammals.