Characterisation of dynamics associated with skeletal muscle contraction initiated by Acetylcholine injection Ghabiba Modak.

• Main Author: Modak, Ghabiba
• Other Authors: Kellaway, Laurie A
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Biomedical Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11994

Includes abstract. === Includes bibliographical references. === Lower motor neuron damage often results in flaccid paralysis in which the affected muscles are unable to be stimulated artificially via the supplying nerve. Such damage is common in patients who suffer from spinal cord injury and Multiple Sclerosis. Current practice for artificial recovery of muscle function involves stimulating the muscles directly by means of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), which requires 100-1000 times more current than that required for nerve stimulation, thus presenting the risk of pain receptor activation. A potential alternative exists in chemical stimulation by means of administration of the neurotransmitter, Acetylcholine (ACh). This study investigates the potential of this possibility by examining the response of two muscle types to extracellular administration of ACh.