Transcranial Unifocal Stimulation in Rabbit: Subcutaneous and Meningeal Changes

Abstract

The possible acute morphological changes induced by electrical transcranial unifocal stimulation (eTCS) in the rabbit extracerebral tissues were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. In order to do this, a wide range of electric stimuli with respect to those employed in the clinical practice were utilized. Either surface electrodes were attached to the scalp, or needle electrodes were infixed in the subcutaneous tissue. Beneath the cathode a blood extravasation was constantly observed in the subcutaneous tissue of the scalp; the different electrode arrays produced either a large hemorrhagic lesion or a few petechiae. Beneath the anode, the damage was limited to the scalp, or reached the meninges when stimuli longer than 0.2 ms were used. Irrespective of the electrode arrays, the scalp and the dura mater displayed hemorrhagic petechiae over a limited area about 2–3 mm in extent. Moreover, the leptomeningeal membrane was microscopically disrupted over an area less than 1 mm large; therein the squamous, overlapping cells were transformed into fusiform or macrophage-like cells. Unduly intense eTCS produces evident hemorrhagic lesions in the scalp and in the dura mater, whereas it induces microscopic, reactive changes in the leptomeninx.

Electrical Injuries in Animals

“…69 Spinal cord injury after electrocution has also been described in a dog. 72 Animal models show that electrocution leads to pyramidal cell loss, 52 reduction in Purkinje fibers, 37 leptomeningeal hemorrhages and disruptions, 73 and hemorrhages, disruptions, cavities, and neuronal loss in the spinal cord. 76 Myocardial necrosis and infarction are rare in human victims of electrocution 69 but have been reported in cattle.…”