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Kwaśniewska A, Miazga K, Majczyński H, Jordan LM, Zawadzka M, Sławińska U. Noradrenergic Components of Locomotor Recovery Induced by Intraspinal Grafting of the Embryonic Brainstem in Adult Paraplegic Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155520. [PMID: 32752261 PMCID: PMC7432907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraspinal grafting of serotonergic (5-HT) neurons was shown to restore plantar stepping in paraplegic rats. Here we asked whether neurons of other phenotypes contribute to the recovery. The experiments were performed on adult rats after spinal cord total transection. Grafts were injected into the sub-lesional spinal cord. Two months later, locomotor performance was tested with electromyographic recordings from hindlimb muscles. The role of noradrenergic (NA) innervation was investigated during locomotor performance of spinal grafted and non-grafted rats using intraperitoneal application of α2 adrenergic receptor agonist (clonidine) or antagonist (yohimbine). Morphological analysis of the host spinal cords demonstrated the presence of tyrosine hydroxylase positive (NA) neurons in addition to 5-HT neurons. 5-HT fibers innervated caudal spinal cord areas in the dorsal and ventral horns, central canal, and intermediolateral zone, while the NA fiber distribution was limited to the central canal and intermediolateral zone. 5-HT and NA neurons were surrounded by each other’s axons. Locomotor abilities of the spinal grafted rats, but not in control spinal rats, were facilitated by yohimbine and suppressed by clonidine. Thus, noradrenergic innervation, in addition to 5-HT innervation, plays a potent role in hindlimb movement enhanced by intraspinal grafting of brainstem embryonic tissue in paraplegic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kwaśniewska
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (K.M.); (H.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Krzysztof Miazga
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (K.M.); (H.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Henryk Majczyński
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (K.M.); (H.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Larry M. Jordan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
| | - Małgorzata Zawadzka
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (K.M.); (H.M.); (M.Z.)
| | - Urszula Sławińska
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.); (K.M.); (H.M.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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Majczyński H, Cabaj AM, Jordan LM, Sławińska U. Contribution of 5-HT 2 Receptors to the Control of the Spinal Locomotor System in Intact Rats. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:14. [PMID: 32425760 PMCID: PMC7212388 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Applying serotonergic (5-HT) agonists or grafting of fetal serotonergic cells into the spinal cord improves locomotion after spinal cord injury. Little is known about the role of 5-HT receptors in the control of voluntary locomotion, so we administered inverse agonists of 5-HT2 (Cyproheptadine; Cypr), 5-HT2A neutral antagonist (Volinanserin; Volin), 5-HT2C neutral antagonist (SB 242084), and 5-HT2B/2C inverse agonist (SB 206553) receptors intrathecally in intact rats and monitored their effects on unrestrained locomotion. An intrathecal cannula was introduced at the low thoracic level and pushed caudally until the tip reached the L2/L3 or L5/L6 spinal segments. Locomotor performance was evaluated using EMG activity of hindlimb muscles during locomotion on a 2 m long runway. Motoneuron excitability was estimated using EMG recordings during dorsi- and plantar flexion at the ankle. Locomotion was dramatically impaired after the blockage of 5-HT2A receptors. The effect of Cypr was more pronounced than that of Volin since in the L5/L6 rats Cypr (but not Volin) induced significant alteration of the strength of interlimb coordination followed by total paralysis. These agents significantly decreased locomotor EMG amplitude and abolished or substantially decreased stretch reflexes. Blocking 5-HT2B/2C receptors had no effect either on locomotion or reflexes. We suggest that in intact rats serotonin controls timing and amplitude of muscle activity by acting on 5-HT2A receptors on both CPG interneurons and motoneurons, while 5-HT2B/2C receptors are not involved in control of the locomotor pattern in lumbar spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk Majczyński
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna M Cabaj
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Larry M Jordan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Urszula Sławińska
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Diogo CC, da Costa LM, Pereira JE, Filipe V, Couto PA, Geuna S, Armada-da-Silva PA, Maurício AC, Varejão ASP. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis to evaluate functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injured rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:18-28. [PMID: 30611796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The recovery of walking function following spinal cord injury (SCI) is of major importance to patients and clinicians. In experimental SCI studies, a rat model is widely used to assess walking function, following thoracic spinal cord lesion. In an effort to provide a resource which investigators can refer to when seeking the most appropriate functional assay, the authors have compiled and categorized the behavioral assessments used to measure the deficits and recovery of the gait in thoracic SCI rats. These categories include kinematic and kinetic measurements. Within this categorization, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of measurement. The present review includes the type of outcome data that they produce, the technical difficulty and the time required to potentially train the animals to perform them, and the need for expensive or highly specialized equipment. The use of multiple kinematic and kinetic parameters is recommended to identify subtle deficits and processes involved in the compensatory mechanisms of walking function after experimental thoracic SCI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cardoso Diogo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Maltez da Costa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Vítor Filipe
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; INESC TEC, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200 - 465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Alexandre Couto
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Paulo A Armada-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Dafundo, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal; CIPER-FMH: Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, Portugal
| | - Ana Colette Maurício
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Animal Science and Study Centre (CECA), Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agroenvironment of the University of Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401, Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur S P Varejão
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
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Sarabia-Estrada R, Ruiz-Valls A, Shah SR, Ahmed AK, Ordonez AA, Rodriguez FJ, Guerrero-Cazares H, Jimenez-Estrada I, Velarde E, Tyler B, Li Y, Phillips NA, Goodwin CR, Petteys RJ, Jain SK, Gallia GL, Gokaslan ZL, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Sciubba DM. Effects of primary and recurrent sacral chordoma on the motor and nociceptive function of hindlimbs in rats: an orthotopic spine model. J Neurosurg Spine 2017; 27:215-226. [PMID: 28598292 DOI: 10.3171/2016.12.spine16917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chordoma is a slow-growing, locally aggressive cancer that is minimally responsive to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy and has high local recurrence rates after resection. Currently, there are no rodent models of spinal chordoma. In the present study, the authors sought to develop and characterize an orthotopic model of human chordoma in an immunocompromised rat. METHODS Thirty-four immunocompromised rats were randomly allocated to 4 study groups; 22 of the 34 rats were engrafted in the lumbar spine with human chordoma. The groups were as follows: UCH1 tumor-engrafted (n = 11), JHC7 tumor-engrafted (n = 11), sham surgery (n = 6), and intact control (n = 6) rats. Neurological impairment of rats due to tumor growth was evaluated using open field and locomotion gait analysis; pain response was evaluated using mechanical or thermal paw stimulation. Cone beam CT (CBCT), MRI, and nanoScan PET/CT were performed to evaluate bony changes due to tumor growth. On Day 550, rats were killed and spines were processed for H & E-based histological examination and immunohistochemistry for brachyury, S100β, and cytokeratin. RESULTS The spine tumors displayed typical chordoma morphology, that is, physaliferous cells filled with vacuolated cytoplasm of mucoid matrix. Brachyury immunoreactivity was confirmed by immunostaining, in which samples from tumor-engrafted rats showed a strong nuclear signal. Sclerotic lesions in the vertebral body of rats in the UCH1 and JHC7 groups were observed on CBCT. Tumor growth was confirmed using contrast-enhanced MRI. In UCH1 rats, large tumors were observed growing from the vertebral body. JHC7 chordoma-engrafted rats showed smaller tumors confined to the bone periphery compared with UCH1 chordoma-engrafted rats. Locomotion analysis showed a disruption in the normal gait pattern, with an increase in the step length and duration of the gait in tumor-engrafted rats. The distance traveled and the speed of rats in the open field test was significantly reduced in the UCH1 and JHC7 tumor-engrafted rats compared with controls. Nociceptive response to a mechanical stimulus showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the paw withdrawal threshold (mechanical hypalgesia). In contrast, the paw withdrawal response to a thermal stimulus decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in tumor-engrafted rats. CONCLUSIONS The authors developed an orthotopic human chordoma model in rats. Rats were followed for 550 days using imaging techniques, including MRI, CBCT, and nanoScan PET/CT, to evaluate lesion progression and bony integrity. Nociceptive evaluations and locomotion analysis were performed during follow-up. This model reproduces cardinal signs, such as locomotor and sensory deficits, similar to those observed clinically in human patients. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first spine rodent model of human chordoma. Its use and further study will be essential for pathophysiology research and the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sagar R Shah
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.,Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Alvaro A Ordonez
- Pediatrics, Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research
| | | | | | - Ismael Jimenez-Estrada
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Neurosciences, Research Center for Advanced Studies IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Yuxin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan General Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay K Jain
- Pediatrics, Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research
| | | | - Ziya L Gokaslan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; and
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Cabaj AM, Majczyński H, Couto E, Gardiner PF, Stecina K, Sławińska U, Jordan LM. Serotonin controls initiation of locomotion and afferent modulation of coordination via 5-HT 7 receptors in adult rats. J Physiol 2016; 595:301-320. [PMID: 27393215 DOI: 10.1113/jp272271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Experiments on neonatal rodent spinal cord showed that serotonin (5-HT), acting via 5-HT7 receptors, is required for initiation of locomotion and for controlling the action of interneurons responsible for inter- and intralimb coordination, but the importance of the 5-HT system in adult locomotion is not clear. Blockade of spinal 5-HT7 receptors interfered with voluntary locomotion in adult rats and fictive locomotion in paralysed decerebrate rats with no afferent feedback, consistent with a requirement for activation of descending 5-HT neurons for production of locomotion. The direct control of coordinating interneurons by 5-HT7 receptors observed in neonatal animals was not found during fictive locomotion, revealing a developmental shift from direct control of locomotor interneurons in neonates to control of afferent input from the moving limb in adults. An understanding of the afferents controlled by 5-HT during locomotion is required for optimal use of rehabilitation therapies involving the use of serotonergic drugs. ABSTRACT Serotonergic pathways to the spinal cord are implicated in the control of locomotion based on studies using serotonin type 7 (5-HT7 ) receptor agonists and antagonists and 5-HT7 receptor knockout mice. Blockade of these receptors is thought to interfere with the activity of coordinating interneurons, a conclusion derived primarily from in vitro studies on isolated spinal cord of neonatal rats and mice. Developmental changes in the effects of serotonin (5-HT) on spinal neurons have recently been described, and there is increasing data on control of sensory input by 5-HT7 receptors on dorsal root ganglion cells and/or dorsal horn neurons, leading us to determine the effects of 5-HT7 receptor blockade on voluntary overground locomotion and on locomotion without afferent input from the moving limb (fictive locomotion) in adult animals. Intrathecal injections of the selective 5-HT7 antagonist SB269970 in adult intact rats suppressed locomotion by partial paralysis of hindlimbs. This occurred without a direct effect on motoneurons as revealed by an investigation of reflex activity. The antagonist disrupted intra- and interlimb coordination during locomotion in all intact animals but not during fictive locomotion induced by stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR). MLR-evoked fictive locomotion was transiently blocked, then the amplitude and frequency of rhythmic activity were reduced by SB269970, consistent with the notion that the MLR activates 5-HT neurons, leading to excitation of central pattern generator neurons with 5-HT7 receptors. Effects on coordination in adults required the presence of afferent input, suggesting a switch to 5-HT7 receptor-mediated control of sensory pathways during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Cabaj
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Nerve-Muscle Engineering, Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering PAS, 02-109, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Henryk Majczyński
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Erika Couto
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Phillip F Gardiner
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Katinka Stecina
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Urszula Sławińska
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Larry M Jordan
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
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Leszczyńska AN, Majczyński H, Wilczyński GM, Sławińska U, Cabaj AM. Thoracic Hemisection in Rats Results in Initial Recovery Followed by a Late Decrement in Locomotor Movements, with Changes in Coordination Correlated with Serotonergic Innervation of the Ventral Horn. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143602. [PMID: 26606275 PMCID: PMC4659566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lateral thoracic hemisection of the rodent spinal cord is a popular model of spinal cord injury, in which the effects of various treatments, designed to encourage locomotor recovery, are tested. Nevertheless, there are still inconsistencies in the literature concerning the details of spontaneous locomotor recovery after such lesions, and there is a lack of data concerning the quality of locomotion over a long time span after the lesion. In this study, we aimed to address some of these issues. In our experiments, locomotor recovery was assessed using EMG and CatWalk recordings and analysis. Our results showed that after hemisection there was paralysis in both hindlimbs, followed by a substantial recovery of locomotor movements, but even at the peak of recovery, which occurred about 4 weeks after the lesion, some deficits of locomotion remained present. The parameters that were abnormal included abduction, interlimb coordination and speed of locomotion. Locomotor performance was stable for several weeks, but about 3-4 months after hemisection secondary locomotor impairment was observed with changes in parameters, such as speed of locomotion, interlimb coordination, base of hindlimb support, hindlimb abduction and relative foot print distance. Histological analysis of serotonergic innervation at the lumbar ventral horn below hemisection revealed a limited restoration of serotonergic fibers on the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord, while on the contralateral side of the spinal cord it returned to normal. In addition, the length of these fibers on both sides of the spinal cord correlated with inter- and intralimb coordination. In contrast to data reported in the literature, our results show there is not full locomotor recovery after spinal cord hemisection. Secondary deterioration of certain locomotor functions occurs with time in hemisected rats, and locomotor recovery appears partly associated with reinnervation of spinal circuitry by serotonergic fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anna M Cabaj
- Nencki Insitute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw, Poland.,Nałęcz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, PAS, Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Krizsan-Agbas D, Winter MK, Eggimann LS, Meriwether J, Berman NE, Smith PG, McCarson KE. Gait analysis at multiple speeds reveals differential functional and structural outcomes in response to graded spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2014; 31:846-56. [PMID: 24405378 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2013.3115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Open-field behavioral scoring is widely used to assess spinal cord injury (SCI) outcomes, but has limited usefulness in describing subtle changes important for posture and locomotion. Additional quantitative methods are needed to increase the resolution of locomotor outcome assessment. This study used gait analysis at multiple speeds (GAMS) across a range of mild-to-severe intensities of thoracic SCI in the rat. Overall, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores and subscores were assessed, and detailed automated gait analysis was performed at three fixed walking speeds (3.5, 6.0, and 8.5 cm/sec). Variability in hindpaw brake, propel, and stance times were analyzed further by integrating across the stance phase of stepping cycles. Myelin staining of spinal cord sections was used to quantify white matter loss at the injury site. Varied SCI intensity produced graded deficits in BBB score, BBB subscores, and spinal cord white matter and total volume loss. GAMS measures of posture revealed decreased paw area, increased limb extension, altered stance width, and decreased values for integrated brake, propel, and stance. Measures of coordination revealed increased stride frequency concomitant with decreased stride length, resulting in deviation from consistent forelimb/hindlimb coordination. Alterations in posture and coordination were correlated to impact severity. GAMS results correlated highly with functional and histological measures and revealed differential relationships between sets of GAMS dynamics and cord total volume loss versus epicenter myelin loss. Automated gait analysis at multiple speeds is therefore a useful tool for quantifying nuanced changes in gait as an extension of histological and observational methods in assessing SCI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Krizsan-Agbas
- 1 Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas
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Basoglu H, Kurtoglu T, Cetin NK, Bilgin MD, Kiylioglu N. Assessment of in vivo spinal cord conduction velocity in rats in an experimental model of ischemic spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2013; 51:616-22. [DOI: 10.1038/sc.2013.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Neckel ND, Dai H, Bregman BS. Quantifying changes following spinal cord injury with velocity dependent locomotor measures. J Neurosci Methods 2013; 214:27-36. [PMID: 23333791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many locomotor measures commonly used to assess functional deficits following neurological injury are velocity dependent. This makes the comparison of faster pre-injury walking to slower post-injury walking a challenging process. In lieu of calculating mean values at specific velocities, we have employed the use of nonlinear regression techniques to quantify locomotor measures across all velocities. This enables us to assess more accurately the locomotor recovery of rats after a cervical spinal cord injury. For example, while the mean stride length of the hindlimbs decreased following injury, regression analysis revealed that the change was due to the reduction in walking speed and not a functional deficit. A significant difference in the percent of the right forelimb step cycle that was spent in stance phase, or duty factor, was found across all velocities, however this deficit spontaneously recovered after 6 weeks. Conversely, no differences were initially found in hindlimb stride length, but abnormal compensatory techniques were found to have developed 3 weeks after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Neckel
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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10
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Alluin O, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S, Delivet-Mongrain H, Leblond H, Fehlings MG, Rossignol S. Kinematic study of locomotor recovery after spinal cord clip compression injury in rats. J Neurotrauma 2011; 28:1963-81. [PMID: 21770755 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2011.1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), precise assessment of motor recovery is essential to evaluate the outcome of new therapeutic approaches. Very little is known on the recovery of kinematic parameters after clinically-relevant severe compressive/contusive incomplete spinal cord lesions in experimental animal models. In the present study we evaluated the time-course of kinematic parameters during a 6-week period in rats walking on a treadmill after a severe thoracic clip compression SCI. The effect of daily treadmill training was also assessed. During the recovery period, a significant amount of spontaneous locomotor recovery occurred in 80% of the rats with a return of well-defined locomotor hindlimb pattern, regular plantar stepping, toe clearance and homologous hindlimb coupling. However, substantial residual abnormalities persisted up to 6 weeks after SCI including postural deficits, a bias of the hindlimb locomotor cycle toward the back of the animals with overextension at the swing/stance transition, loss of lateral balance and impairment of weight bearing. Although rats never recovered the antero-posterior (i.e. homolateral) coupling, different levels of decoupling between the fore and hindlimbs were measured. We also showed that treadmill training increased the swing duration variability during locomotion suggesting an activity-dependent compensatory mechanism of the motor control system. However, no effect of training was observed on the main locomotor parameters probably due to a ceiling effect of self-training in the cage. These findings constitute a kinematic baseline of locomotor recovery after clinically relevant SCI in rats and should be taken into account when evaluating various therapeutic strategies aimed at improving locomotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Alluin
- Multidisciplinary Team in Locomotor Rehabilitation of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central of the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec, Canada Research Chair on the Spinal Cord, Department of Physiology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Rossignol S, Frigon A. Recovery of Locomotion After Spinal Cord Injury: Some Facts and Mechanisms. Annu Rev Neurosci 2011; 34:413-40. [PMID: 21469957 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-061010-113746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Serge Rossignol
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central (FRSQ), Department of Physiology, and Multidisciplinary Team in Locomotor Rehabilitation of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Université de Montréal, Montreal H3C 3J7, Canada;
| | - Alain Frigon
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central (FRSQ), Department of Physiology, and Multidisciplinary Team in Locomotor Rehabilitation of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Université de Montréal, Montreal H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke JIH 5N4, Canada
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12
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Górska T, Chojnicka-Gittins B, Majczyński H, Zmysłowski W. Recovery of overground locomotion following partial spinal lesions of different extent in the rat. Behav Brain Res 2009; 196:286-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Revised: 09/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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Yu CG, Joshi A, Geddes JW. Intraspinal MDL28170 microinjection improves functional and pathological outcome following spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2008; 25:833-40. [PMID: 18627259 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2007.0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although calpain (calcium-activated cysteine protease) inhibition represents a rational therapeutic target for spinal cord injury (SCI), few studies have reported improved functional outcomes with post-injury administration of calpain inhibitors. This reflects the weak potency and limited aqueous solubility of current calpain inhibitors. Previously, we demonstrated that intraspinal microinjection of the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 resulted in greater inhibition of calpain activity as compared to systemic administration of the same compound. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of intraspinal MDL28170 microinjection to spare spinal tissue and locomotor dysfunction following SCI. Contusion SCI was produced in female Long-Evans rats using the Infinite Horizon impactor at the 200-kdyn force setting. Open-field locomotion was evaluated until 6 weeks post-injury. Histological assessment of tissue sparing was performed at 6 weeks after SCI. The results demonstrate that MDL28170, administered with a single post-injury intraspinal microinjection (50 nmoles), significantly improves both locomotor function and pathological outcome measures following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Guang Yu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Šedý J, Urdzíková L, Jendelová P, Syková E. Methods for behavioral testing of spinal cord injured rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2008; 32:550-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Revised: 08/09/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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