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Hu R, Pan JK, Li JH, Zhang H, Li SR, Zhang Y. Effects of Acupotomy on Immobilization-Induced Gastrocnemius Contracture and Fibrosis in Rats via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:633-642. [PMID: 37434029 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether acupotomy ameliorates immobilization-induced muscle contracture and fibrosis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. METHODS Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6) by a random number table, including control, immobilization, passive stretching, acupotomy, and acupotomy 3 weeks (3-w) groups. The rat model of gastrocnemius contracture was established by immobilizing the right hind limb in plantar flexion for 4 weeks. Rats in the passive stretching group received passive stretching at gastrocnemius, a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Rats in the acupotomy and acupotomy 3-w groups received acupotomy once and combined with passive stretching at gastrocnemius a daily series of 10 repetitions for 30 s each at 30-s intervals for 10 consecutive days. Additionally, rats in the acupotomy 3-w group were allowed to walk freely for 3 weeks after 10-day therapy. After treatment, range of motion (ROM), gait analysis [i.e., paw area, stance/swing and maximum ratio of paw area to paw area duration (Max dA/dT)], gastrocnemius wet weight and the ratio of muscle wet weight to body weight (MWW/BW) were tested. Gastrocnemius morphometric and muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Fibrosis-related mRNA expressions (i.e., Wnt 1, β-catenin, axin-2, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and types I and III collagen) were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Wnt 1, β-catenin and fibronectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Types I and III collagen in the perimysium and endomysium were analyzed using immunofluorescence. RESULTS Compared with the control group, ROM, gait function, muscle weight, MWW/BW and CSA were significantly decreased in the immobilization group (all P<0.01), while protein levels of types I and III collagen, Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were obviously increased (all P<0.01). Treatment with passive stretching or acupotomy restored ROM and gait function and increased muscle wet weight, MWW/BW and CSA (all P<0.05), while protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes were remarkably declined compared with the immobilization group (all P<0.05). Compared with passive stretching group, ROM, gait function, MWW was remarkably restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes as well as protein expression levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy group were obviously decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with the acupotomy group, ROM, paw area, Max dA/dT, and MWW were restored (all P<0.05), and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related genes along with protein levels of Wnt 1, β-catenin, fibronectin, types I and III collagen in the acupotomy 3-w group were decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Improvements in motor function, muscle contractures, and muscle fibrosis induced by acupotomy correlates with the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jun-Kang Pan
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jia-Hui Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Han Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shao-Rong Li
- Acupuncture Department, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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2
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Piotrowski D, Clemensson EKH, Nguyen HP, Mark MD. Phenotypic analysis of ataxia in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 mice using DeepLabCut. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8571. [PMID: 38609436 PMCID: PMC11014858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study emphasizes the benefits of open-source software such as DeepLabCut (DLC) and R to automate, customize and enhance data analysis of motor behavior. We recorded 2 different spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 mouse models while performing the classic beamwalk test, tracked multiple body parts using the markerless pose-estimation software DLC and analyzed the tracked data using self-written scripts in the programming language R. The beamwalk analysis script (BAS) counts and classifies minor and major hindpaw slips with an 83% accuracy compared to manual scoring. Nose, belly and tail positions relative to the beam, as well as the angle at the tail base relative to the nose and tail tip were determined to characterize motor deficits in greater detail. Our results found distinct ataxic abnormalities such as an increase in major left hindpaw slips and a lower belly and tail position in both SCA6 ataxic mouse models compared to control mice at 18 months of age. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis of various body parts relative to the beam revealed an overall lower body position in the SCA684Q compared to the CT-longQ27PC mouse line at 18 months of age, indicating a more severe ataxic deficit in the SCA684Q group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Piotrowski
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty for Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND7/32, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Erik K H Clemensson
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Melanie D Mark
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty for Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, ND7/32, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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3
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von der Ahe C, Marahrens H, Schwarze M, Angrisani N, Reifenrath J. Pressure sensing mat as an objective and sensitive tool for the evaluation of lameness in rabbits. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286918. [PMID: 37418422 PMCID: PMC10328299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In orthopaedic research, the analysis of the gait pattern is an often-used evaluation method. It allows an assessment of changes in motion sequence and pain level during postoperative follow up periods. Visual assessments are highly subjective and dependent on the circumstances. Particular challenge in rabbits is their hopping gait pattern. The aim of the present study was to establish a more objective and sensitive lameness evaluation using a pressure sensing mat. Twelve NZW rabbits were implemented in the study. They got an artificial anterior cruciate ligament transection of the right knee in connection with an experimental study, which investigated PTOA treatment. Rabbits were examined by a visual lameness score. Additionally, load of the hindlimbs was measured by the use of a pressure sensing mat and a video was recorded. Peak pressure and time force integral, defined as cumulated integral of all sensors associated to a hind paw, were evaluated. Preoperative data were collected on three independent days. As postoperative measurement time points, week 1 and week 12 after surgery were chosen. The subjective visual scoring was compared to the objective data of the pressure sensing mat. Following the visual score, lameness in week one was mild to moderate. In week twelve, rabbits were evaluated as lame free bar one. Contrary, following the values of the sensor mat, lameness in week one appeared to be more pronounced and almost all rabbits still showed low-grade lameness in week twelve. Consequently, the pressure sensing mat is more sensitive than the visual score and captures the grade of lameness much more accurately. For specific orthopaedic issues, where subtle differences in lameness are important to detect, the used system is a good supplementary evaluation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin von der Ahe
- Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development (NIFE), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Hannah Marahrens
- Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Clinic for Small Cloven-hoofed Animals and Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Michael Schwarze
- Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Nina Angrisani
- Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development (NIFE), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Janin Reifenrath
- Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development (NIFE), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Fiore NT, Yin Z, Guneykaya D, Gauthier CD, Hayes J, D’hary A, Butovsky O, Moalem-Taylor G. Sex-specific transcriptome of spinal microglia in neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury. Glia 2022; 70:675-696. [PMID: 35050555 PMCID: PMC8852349 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a prevalent and debilitating chronic disease that is characterized by activation in glial cells in various pain-related regions within the central nervous system. Recent studies have suggested a sexually dimorphic role of microglia in the maintenance of neuropathic pain in rodents. Here, we utilized RNA sequencing analysis and in vitro primary cultures of microglia to identify whether there is a common neuropathic microglial signature and characterize the sex differences in microglia in pain-related regions in nerve injury and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy mouse models. While mechanical allodynia and behavioral changes were observed in all models, transcriptomic analysis of microglia revealed no common transcriptional changes in spinal and supraspinal regions and in the different neuropathic models. However, there was a substantial change in microglial gene expression within the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord 7 days after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Both sexes upregulated genes associated with inflammation, phagosome, and lysosome activation, though males revealed a prominent global transcriptional shift not observed in female mice. Transcriptomic comparison between male spinal microglia after CCI and data from other nerve injury models and neurodegenerative microglia demonstrated a unique CCI-induced signature reflecting acute activation of microglia. Further, in vitro studies revealed that only male microglia from nerve-injured mice developed a reactive phenotype with increased phagocytotic activity. This study demonstrates a lack of a common neuropathic microglial signature and indicates distinct sex differences in spinal microglia, suggesting they contribute to the sex-specific pain processing following nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan T Fiore
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhuoran Yin
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dilansu Guneykaya
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian D Gauthier
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Hayes
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aaron D’hary
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Oleg Butovsky
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gila Moalem-Taylor
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Correspondence: A/Prof. Gila Moalem-Taylor, Neuropathic Pain Research Group, Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, Wallace Wurth Building, Level 3, room 355B, The University of New South Wales, UNSW Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia, +61-2-90658014,
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Yang L, Lei JF, Ouyang JY, Li MZ, Zhan Y, Feng XF, Lu Y, Li MC, Wang L, Zou HY, Zhao H. Effect of Neurorepair for Motor Functional Recovery Enhanced by Total Saponins From Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. Treatment in a Rat Model of Focal Ischemia. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:763181. [PMID: 34955834 PMCID: PMC8703076 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.763181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. (TTM), is a perennial herb from Liliaceae, that has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine treating cephalgia and traumatic hemorrhage. The present work was designed to investigate whether the total saponins from Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. (TSTT) would promote brain remodeling and improve gait impairment in the chronic phase of ischemic stroke. A focal ischemic model of male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was established by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Six hours later, rats were intragastrically treated with TSTT (120, 60, and 30 mg/kg) and once daily up to day 30. The gait changes were assessed by the CatWalk-automated gait analysis system. The brain tissues injuries, cerebral perfusion and changes of axonal microstructures were detected by multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by histological examinations. The axonal regeneration related signaling pathways including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3)/collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2) were measured by western blotting. TSTT treatment significantly improved gait impairment of rats. MRI analysis revealed that TSTT alleviated tissues injuries, significantly improved cerebral blood flow (CBF), enhanced microstructural integrity of axon and myelin sheath in the ipsilesional sensorimotor cortex and internal capsule. In parallel to MRI findings, TSTT preserved myelinated axons and promoted oligodendrogenesis. Specifically, TSTT interventions markedly up-regulated expression of phosphorylated GSK-3, accompanied by increased expression of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, but reduced phosphorylated CRMP-2 expression. Taken together, our results suggested that TSTT facilitated brain remodeling. This correlated with improving CBF, encouraging reorganization of axonal microstructure, promoting oligodendrogenesis and activating PI3K/AKT/GSK-3/CRMP-2 signaling, thereby improving poststroke gait impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Feng Lei
- Medical Imaging Laboratory of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Yao Ouyang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Man-Zhong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Feng Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Cong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Beijing, China
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6
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Any behavioral change may have physiological significance: Benign neglect in tier I neurotoxicity testing. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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7
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Gait analysis in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113210. [PMID: 33639268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Gait disruptions following traumatic brain injury (TBI) are noted in the clinical population. To date, thorough analysis of gait changes in animal models of TBI to allow for correlation of pathological alterations and utilization of this as a therapeutic outcome have been limited. We therefore assessed gait using the DigiGait analysis system as well as overall locomotion using the Beam Walk test in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats following a commonly used model of TBI, parietal lobe controlled cortical impact (CCI). Rats underwent DigiGait baseline analysis 24 h prior to injury, followed by a moderate CCI in the left parietal lobe. Performance on the DigiGait was then assessed at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days post-injury, followed by histological analysis of brain tissue. Beam walk analysis showed a transient but significant impairment acutely after injury. Despite observance of gait disturbance in the clinical population, TBI in the parietal lobe of rats resulted in limited alterations in hind or forelimb function. General hindlimb locomotion showed significant but transient impairment. Significant changes in gait were observed to last through the sub-acute period, including right hindpaw angle of rotation and left forelimb and right hindlimb swing phase duration. Slight changes that did not reach statistical significant but may reflect subtle impacts of TBI on gait were reflected in several other measures, such as stride duration, stance duration and stance width. These results demonstrate that moderate-severe injury to the parietal cortex and underlying structures including corpus callosum, hippocampus, thalamus and basal ganglia result in slight changes to gait that can be detected using the Digigait analysis system.
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Chan AK, Ballatori A, Nyayapati P, Mummaneni NV, Coughlin D, Liebenberg E, Külling FA, Zhang N, Waldorff EI, Ryaby JT, Lotz JC. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Accelerate Sensorimotor Recovery Following Experimental Disc Herniation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2021; 46:E222-E233. [PMID: 33475275 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An experimental animal study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on recovery of sensorimotor function in a rodent model of disc herniation (DH). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Radiculopathy associated with DH is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. Although we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of PEMF on various tissues, we have not investigated the potential therapeutic effect of PEMF on radiculopathy resulting from DH. METHODS Nineteen rats were divided into three groups: positive control (PC; left L4 nerve ligation) (n = 6), DH alone (DH; exposure of left L4 dorsal root ganglion [DRG] to harvested nucleus pulposus and DRG displacement) (n = 6), and DH + PEMF (n = 7). Rodents from the DH + PEMF group were exposed to PEMF immediately postoperatively and for 3 hours/day until the end of the study. Sensory function was assessed via paw withdrawal thresholds to non-noxious stimuli preoperatively and 1 and 3 days postoperatively, and every 7 days thereafter until 7 weeks after surgery. Motor function was assessed via DigiGait treadmill analysis preoperatively and weekly starting 7 days following surgery until 7 weeks following surgery. RESULTS All groups demonstrated marked increases in the left hindlimb response threshold postoperatively. However, 1 week following surgery, there was a significant effect of condition on left hindlimb withdrawal thresholds (one-way analysis of variance: F = 3.82, df = 2, P = 0.044) where a more rapid recovery to baseline threshold was evident for DH + PEMF compared to PC and DH alone. All groups demonstrated gait disturbance postoperatively. However, DH + PEMF rodents were able to regain baseline gait speeds before DH and PC rodents. When comparing gait parameters, DH + PEMF showed consistently less impairment postoperatively suggesting that PEMF treatment was associated with less severe gait disturbance. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that PEMF accelerates sensorimotor recovery in a rodent model of DH, suggesting that PEMF may be reasonable to evaluate for the clinical management of patients with herniation-associated radiculopathy.Level of Evidence: N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K Chan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Alexander Ballatori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Priya Nyayapati
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Nikhil V Mummaneni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Dezba Coughlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Ellen Liebenberg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Fabrice A Külling
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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9
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Steiner R, Dhar M, Stephenson SM, Newby S, Bow A, Pedersen A, Anderson DE. Biometric Data Comparison Between Lewis and Sprague Dawley Rats. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:469. [PMID: 31921924 PMCID: PMC6932974 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pressure mapping systems are often used for indirect assessment of kinematic gait parameter differences after repair of critical peripheral nerve defects in small animal models. However, there does not appear to be any literature that studies the differences in normal gait pattern of Sprague Dawley rats compared to Lewis rats using a Tekscan VH4 pressure mat system. The purpose of this study is to assess the gait profile of Lewis and Sprague Dawley rats generated by Tekscan's VH4 system to detect similarities and/or differences in gait parameters involving both force and temporal variables. Materials and Methods: The gait profile of 14 Lewis and 14 Sprague Dawley rats was recorded using a Tekscan VH4 pressure map system with two successful walks per animal and gait parameter data was normalized for mean variance between the two rodent strains. Results: The results showed that temporal and normalized force parameters were not significantly different between the two types of rats. Maximum force, contact area, stride length, and adjusted pressure variables were significantly different between the two strains, likely attributed to the body size and weight differential between the strains. Variation in some of these parameters were considered due to differences in overall body size between the two strains, variations in gait kinematics between individual rodent subjects, and the limitations of the current experimental design. Conclusion: For future in vivo models, either Sprague Dawley or Lewis rat strains would be acceptable animal models when comparing base-line gait profiles using the Tekscan VH4 pressure map system when assessing critical defect repairs of peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Steiner
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Madhu Dhar
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Stacy M Stephenson
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Steven Newby
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Austin Bow
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Alisha Pedersen
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - David E Anderson
- Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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Abbas W, Masip Rodo D. Computer Methods for Automatic Locomotion and Gesture Tracking in Mice and Small Animals for Neuroscience Applications: A Survey. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 19:E3274. [PMID: 31349617 PMCID: PMC6696321 DOI: 10.3390/s19153274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroscience has traditionally relied on manually observing laboratory animals in controlled environments. Researchers usually record animals behaving freely or in a restrained manner and then annotate the data manually. The manual annotation is not desirable for three reasons; (i) it is time-consuming, (ii) it is prone to human errors, and (iii) no two human annotators will 100% agree on annotation, therefore, it is not reproducible. Consequently, automated annotation for such data has gained traction because it is efficient and replicable. Usually, the automatic annotation of neuroscience data relies on computer vision and machine learning techniques. In this article, we have covered most of the approaches taken by researchers for locomotion and gesture tracking of specific laboratory animals, i.e. rodents. We have divided these papers into categories based upon the hardware they use and the software approach they take. We have also summarized their strengths and weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Abbas
- Multimedia and Telecommunications Department, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Masip Rodo
- Multimedia and Telecommunications Department, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Wecker L, Marrero-Rosado B, Engberg ME, Johns BE, Philpot RM. 3-Acetylpyridine neurotoxicity in mice. Neurotoxicology 2016; 58:143-152. [PMID: 27986589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
3-acetylpyridine (3-AP) is a metabolic antagonist used in research to decrease levels of nicotinamide (niacinamide) in laboratory animals. The administration of 3-AP followed by nicotinamide to rats leads to the selective destruction of neurons in the medial inferior olive, resulting in a loss of climbing fibers innervating cerebellar Purkinje cells and a consequent ataxia manifest by alterations in both balance and gait. Although 3-AP has also been administered to mice to destroy neurons in the inferior olive, there are limited studies quantifying the consequent effects on balance, and no studies on gait. Further, the relationship between 3-AP-induced lesions of the inferior olive and behavior has not been elucidated. Because 3-AP continues to be used for experiments involving mice, this study characterized the effects of this toxin on both balance and gait, and on the neuronal integrity of several brain regions involved in motor coordination. Results indicate that C57BL/6 mice are less sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of 3-AP than rats, and a dose more than 6.5 times that used for rats produces deficits in both balance and gait comparable to those in rats. This dose led to a significant (p<0.05) loss of NeuN(+) neurons in several subregions of the inferior olive including the rostral medial nucleus, dorsomedial cell column, ventrolateral protrusion, and cap of Kooy. Further, the number of NeuN(+) neurons in these subregions, with the exception of the dorsomedial cell column, was significantly (p<0.05) related to rotorod performance, implicating their involvement in this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wecker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States.
| | - B Marrero-Rosado
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - M E Engberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - B E Johns
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - R M Philpot
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
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Lambert CS, Philpot RM, Engberg ME, Johns BE, Wecker L. Analysis of gait in rats with olivocerebellar lesions and ability of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist varenicline to attenuate impairments. Behav Brain Res 2015; 291:342-350. [PMID: 26049061 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that administration of the neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist varenicline to rats with olivocerebellar lesions attenuates balance deficits on a rotorod and balance beam, but the effects of this drug on gait deficits have not been investigated. To accomplish this, male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to walk on a motorized treadmill at 25 and 35 cm/s and baseline performance determined; both temporal and spatial gait parameters were analyzed. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the key components of gait, and the cumulative gait index (CGI) was calculated, representing deviations from prototypical gait patterns. Subsequently, animals either remained as non-lesioned controls or received injections of 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP)/nicotinamide to destroy the climbing fibers innervating Purkinje cells. The gait of the non-lesioned group was assessed weekly to monitor changes in the normal population, while the gait of the lesioned group was assessed 1 week following 3-AP administration, and weekly following the daily administration of saline or varenicline (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0mg free base/kg) for 2 weeks. Non-lesioned animals exhibited a 60-70% increased CGI over time due to increases in temporal gait measures, whereas lesioned animals exhibited a nearly 3-fold increased CGI as a consequence of increases in spatial measures. Following 2 weeks of treatment with the highest dose of varenicline (3.0mg free base/kg), the swing duration of lesioned animals normalized, and stride duration, stride length and step angle in this population did not differ from the non-lesioned population. Thus, varenicline enabled animals to compensate for their impairments and rectify the timing of the gait cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Lambert
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA; Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - R M Philpot
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - M E Engberg
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - B E Johns
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - L Wecker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA; Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA; Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA; School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA.
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