Effect of electrical current on temperature and pH in cerebellum and spinal cord
Swiontek, T.; Maiman, D.; Sances, A.; Myklebust, J.; Larson, S.; Hemmy, D.
Surgical Neurology 14(5): 365-369
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-3019 PMID: 7444745 Document Number: 155067
Electrical currents similar to those used for relief of pain and spasticity in humans were applied to the spinal cord and cerebellum of monkeys [Macaca arctoides] and cats. Direct coupled monopolar pulses increased pH at the tissue surface near a negative electrode and correspondingly decreased the pH near a positive electrode. CSF circulation around the electrodes neutralized these changes. Capacitively coupled currents up to a 10 mA peak and 2.5 .mu.c per peak failed to change tissure pH measurably. Current levels with power densities of 100 mW/cm2 did not cause any change in tissue temperature.