INVESTIGATING THE ACTION POTENTIAL PARAMETERS INDUCED BY A SIMULATED SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION USING A Lumbricus terrestris MODEL

Spinal cord compression is caused when a mass exerts pressure on the cord. The mass usually originates from a growing tumor or bone abnormality. Compression can build up anywhere along the spinal cord, from the neck to the lower spine. Spinal cord compression can also be caused by any condition that puts pressure on the spinal cord, such as if the vertebrae are physically damaged or pressed. Back pain persists anywhere down the leg for common symptoms. Other symptoms include numbness in the toes or fingers or over the buttocks, feeling uncomfortable on your feet or difficulty walking, passing very little urine or being unable to urinate, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Despite this seriousness, not many study models have been documented.

This study examined the change of action potential parameters such as latent period, peak point, wave width, and trough point to show any functional relationship according to the increased weight placed on Lumbricus terrestris’ body. The compression of Lumbricus terrestris’ spinal cord by weight standards simulated the growing cancers in the confined spinal space. It concluded that the latent period and trough point were positively correlated, while peak point and wave width were negatively correlated. And the trend of parameter changes seemed to be consistent. Moderate changes were shown for all the parameters concerning weight load on the spine. Further study might be warranted for detailed understanding the underlying mechanism of the parameter profiles.