title: A liquid crystal polymer-based neuromodulation system: an application on animal model of neuropathic pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We developed a custom-made miniaturized neural stimulation system with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP)-based electrode array for animal experiments. In order to verify the feasibility of the system, motor cortex stimulation (MCS) was applied on the rat pain model induced by sciatic nerve injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  LCP is mechanically stable and chemically inert and has a much lower water absorption rate than other biocompatible polymers such as polyimide or parylene. In the present study, a film-type LCP substrate is used to microfabricate the cortical stimulation electrode array. A miniaturized electrical neuromodulation system is implemented using an application-specific integrated chip for generation of electrical stimulation current. In vivo experiment was performed using a rat neuropathic pain model induced by sciatic nerve injury. The electrodes were attached to the contralateral primary motor cortex, which processes the hind limb movement. Mechanical allodynia was measured before, during, and after electrical stimulation to determine the effects on pain threshold.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Electrical stimulation into the brain structure processing pain perception was effective in alleviating neuropathic pain. The pain threshold of the rats increased more than fivefold during the electrical stimulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We developed a miniaturized electrical stimulation system with a novel flexible LCP electrode array for MCS in rats. This system is expected to be used in studying various neurological diseases and examining in vivo brain function.
authors.forename: Kyou Sik
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Min
authors.forename: Choong Jae
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sang Beom
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Jun
authors.forename: Jinhyung
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sung Eun
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jaewoo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Jin Woo
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Sung June
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D008297:Male; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011108:Polymers / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011108:Polymers; C422409:liquid crystal polymer