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Long-term implantation of deep brain stimulation electrodes in the pontine micturition centre of the Göttingen minipig

  • Experimental Research
  • Published:
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Abstract

Aim

To implant deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in the porcine pontine micturition centre (PMC) in order to establish a large animal model of PMC-DBS.

Method

Brainstems from four Göttingen minipigs were sectioned coronally into 40-μm-thick histological sections and stained with Nissl, autometallographic myelin stain, tyrosin hydroxylase and corticotrophin-releasing factor immunohistochemistry in order to identify the porcine PMC. DBS electrodes were then stereotaxically implanted on the right side into the PMC in four Göttingen minipigs, and the bladder response to electrical stimulation was evaluated by subsequent cystometry performed immediately after the operation and several weeks later.

Findings

A paired CRF-dense area homologous to the PMC in other species was encountered in the rostral pontine tegmentum medial to the locus coeruleus and ventral to the floor of the fourth ventricle. Electrical stimulation of the CRF-dense area resulted in an increased detrusor pressure followed by visible voiding in some instances. The pigs were allowed to survive between 14 and 55 days, and electrical stimulation resulting in an increased detrusor pressure was performed on more than one occasion without affecting consciousness or general thriving. None of the pigs developed postoperative infections or died prematurely.

Conclusions

DBS electrodes can be implanted for several weeks in the indentified CRF-dense area resulting in a useful large animal model for basic research on micturition and the future clinical use of this treatment modality in neurogenic suprapontine voiding disorders.

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Acknowledgements

This study was made financially possible thanks to the Danish Medical Research Council, the Karen Elise Jensen Foundation and the Aarhus University Research Foundation. We acknowledge with gratitude the technical assistance of Dorete Jensen, Lise Moberg Fitting, Albert Meier and the staff at Paaskehoejgaard.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Anatomy, University of Aarhus, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

    Kristian N. Jensen & Carsten R. Bjarkam

  2. Institute of Clinical Experimental Research, University of Aarhus, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark

    Dorthe Deding

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

    Kristian N. Jensen & Jens Christian Sørensen

Authors
  1. Kristian N. Jensen
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  2. Dorthe Deding
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  3. Jens Christian Sørensen
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  4. Carsten R. Bjarkam
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Correspondence to Carsten R. Bjarkam.

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Comment

This is a well-structured, interesting and well-written paper. It has a well-structured scientific design. Based on their previous published paper, the authors have proved that pontine micturation centre can be positively influenced by means of deep brain stimulation.

Since it is known that many neurological patients with neurodegenerative diseases suffer from urinary dysfunction and many attempts have been made with only partial success to influence those disorders, it is an important approach. It seems to be worthwhile to investigate this in the future in order to minimise the still-existing technical difficulties.

Jan Vesper

University of Dusseldorf, Germany

Grant sponsors: The Danish Medical Research Foundation, The Karen Elise Jensen Foundation, The Aarhus University Research Foundation.

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Jensen, K.N., Deding, D., Sørensen, J.C. et al. Long-term implantation of deep brain stimulation electrodes in the pontine micturition centre of the Göttingen minipig. Acta Neurochir 151, 785–794 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0334-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0334-1

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