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Daily electric field treatment improves functional outcomes after thoracic contusion spinal cord injury in rats

Author

Listed:
  • Bruce Harland

    (University of Auckland)

  • Lukas Matter

    (Chalmers University of Technology)

  • Salvador Lopez

    (University of Auckland)

  • Barbara Fackelmeier

    (University of Auckland)

  • Brittany Hazelgrove

    (University of Auckland)

  • Svenja Meissner

    (University of Auckland)

  • Simon O’Carroll

    (University of Auckland)

  • Brad Raos

    (University of Auckland)

  • Maria Asplund

    (Chalmers University of Technology)

  • Darren Svirskis

    (University of Auckland)

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause permanent loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, with limited therapeutic options available. Low-frequency electric fields with changing polarity have shown promise in promoting axon regeneration and improving outcomes. However, the metal electrodes used previously were prone to corrosion, and their epidural placement limited the penetration of the electric field into the spinal cord. Here, we demonstrate that a thin-film implant with supercapacitive electrodes placed under the dura mater can safely and effectively deliver electric field treatment in rats with thoracic SCI. Subdural stimulation enhanced hind limb function and touch sensitivity compared to controls, without inducing a neuroinflammatory response in the spinal cord. While axon density around the lesion site remained unchanged after 12 weeks, in vivo monitoring and electrochemical testing of electrodes indicated that treatment was administered throughout the study. These results highlight the promise of electric field treatment as a viable therapeutic strategy for achieving long-term functional recovery in SCI.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce Harland & Lukas Matter & Salvador Lopez & Barbara Fackelmeier & Brittany Hazelgrove & Svenja Meissner & Simon O’Carroll & Brad Raos & Maria Asplund & Darren Svirskis, 2025. "Daily electric field treatment improves functional outcomes after thoracic contusion spinal cord injury in rats," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60332-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60332-0
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