Miniature stimulator for chronic animals.

A small lightweight pulse train generator is described. Train frequency and duration and pulse frequency and duration are continuously variable over a range that is suitable for many types of nerve stimulation experiments. Complete electrical specifications and schematics are shown. Also presented are the changes in contraction time of the cat hind leg muscles after 6-week chronic stimulation of the sciatic nerve. The stimulator, with batteries which are sufficient for more than six weeks operation, is small enough to be mounted on cats.