Summary
In 54 cats electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal grey matter was performed by electrodes which were placed in distinct regions of the aqueduct. The influence on pain was studied by the formalin test. Motor behaviour was observed. The results show an obvious inhibition of pain reactions, which was most effective in the upper of the aqueduct. The motor functions were disturbed only in some cats with lesions of the cerebellar vermis. The advantage of this method is that it is not necessary to place the stimulating electrode into the midbrain tissue. This procedure might be appropriate for patients with severe chronic pain in face and body, in whom other surgical methods have failed.
Zusammenfassung
Bei 54 Katzen wurden Reizungen des zentralen Höhlengraus über Elektroden vorgenommen, die in verschiedenen Regionen des Aquädukts lagen. Es wurde der Einfluß der Stimulation auf Schmerzreaktionen untersucht, die durch den Formalintest ausgelöst wurden. Außerdem wurde das motorische Verhalten beobachtet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine deutliche Hemmung der Schmerzreaktionen, vor allem bei Reizungen im oberen Aquädukt. Motorische Störungen fanden sich lediglich bei einigen Katzen, bei denen es zu einer Schädigung des Kleinhirnwurms gekommen war. Der Vorteil der Methode ist, daß die Elektrode ohne Läsion von Gewebe des Mittelhirns in den Bereich des zentralen Höhlengraus plaziert werden kann. Eine Anwendung dieser Methode ergibt sich bei Patienten, die unter chronischen, schweren Schmerzzuständen des Gesichtes oder des übrigen Körpers klagen und bei denen andere operative Eingriffe versagt haben.
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Spring, A. Der Einfluß des zentralen Höhlengraus der Katze auf Schmerz bei Elektrostimulation im Aquädukt. Res. Exp. Med. 184, 17–28 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01852218
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01852218