Jones TA, Bury SD, Adkins-Muir DL, Luke LM, Allred RP, Sakata JT. Importance of behavioral manipulations and measures in rat models of brain damage and brain repair.
ILAR J 2003;
44:144-52. [PMID:
12652009 DOI:
10.1093/ilar.44.2.144]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevance of careful behavioral measures and manipulations in animal research on neural plasticity and brain damage has become increasingly clear. Recent research in adult rats indicates that an understanding of neural restructuring after brain damage requires an understanding of how it is influenced by postinjury behavioral experiences. Other research indicates that optimizing pharmacological and other treatments for brain damage may require their combination with rehabilitative training. Assessing the efficacy of a treatment approach in animal models requires the use of sensitive behavioral measures of functional outcome. In research on restorative plasticity after brain damage, procedures for handling and housing rats should promote the quality of behavioral measures and manipulations.
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