Abstract
We determined the influence of temperature on the minimal stimulation frequency required to block pudendal nerve conduction. The pudendal nerve block induced by high frequency, biphasic electrical current was investigated at different temperatures using cats under alpha-chloralose anesthesia. Urethral pressure was measured to indicate pudendal nerve activation or block. As stimulation frequency was increased above a frequency threshold, the urethral pressure response was decreased and the pudendal nerve was blocked. The minimal stimulation frequency required to block the pudendal nerve was decreased from 6 to 4 kHz as the temperature was decreased from 37C to 15C. At a 4 kHz frequency the maximal temperature below which the pudendal nerve could be blocked was 24.5C. To block pudendal nerve conduction at body temperature (37C) the stimulation frequency must be greater than 6 kHz. This study provides a practical guide for blocking the pudendal nerves to restore efficient voiding after spinal cord injury.
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