1
|
Laranjeira S, Guillemot-Legris O, Girmahun G, Roberton V, Phillips JB, Shipley RJ. In silico model for automated calculation of functional metrics in animal models of peripheral nerve injury repair. Comput Biol Med 2024; 181:109036. [PMID: 39213706 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.109036] [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] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The rat sciatic nerve model is commonly used to test novel therapies for nerve injury repair. The static sciatic index (SSI) is a useful metric for quantifying functional recovery, and involves comparing an operated paw versus a control paw using a weighted ratio between the toe spread and the internal toe spread. To calculate it, rats are placed in a transparent box, photos are taken from underneath and the toe distances measured manually. This is labour intensive and subject to human error due to the challenge of consistently taking photos, identifying digits and making manual measurements. Although several commercial kits have been developed to address this challenge, they have seen little dissemination due to cost. Here we develop a novel algorithm for automatic measurement of SSI metrics based on video data using casted U-Nets. The algorithm consists of three U-Nets, one to segment the hind paws and two for the two pairs of digits which input into the SSI calculation. A training intersection over union error of 60 % and 80 % was achieved for the back paws and for both digit segmentation U-Nets, respectfully. The algorithm was tested against video data from three separate experiments. Compared to manual measurements, the algorithm provides the same profile of recovery for every experiment but with a tighter standard deviation in the SSI measure. Through the open-source release of this algorithm, we aim to provide an inexpensive tool to more reliably quantify functional recovery metrics to the nerve repair research community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simão Laranjeira
- UCL Mechanical Engineering, London, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UK.
| | - Owen Guillemot-Legris
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UK
| | - Gedion Girmahun
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UK
| | - Victoria Roberton
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UK
| | - James B Phillips
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UK
| | - Rebecca J Shipley
- UCL Mechanical Engineering, London, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Geus TJ, Franken G, Joosten EAJ. Spinal Cord Stimulation Paradigms and Alleviation of Neuropathic Pain Behavior in Experimental Painful Diabetic Polyneuropathy. Neuromodulation 2024:S1094-7159(24)00138-7. [PMID: 39033461 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2024.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an alternative treatment option for painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN). Differential target multiplexed (DTM)-SCS is proposed to be more effective than conventional (Con)-SCS. Animal studies are essential for understanding SCS mechanisms in PDPN pain relief. Although the Von Frey (VF) test is the gold standard for preclinical pain research, it has limitations. Operant testing using the conditioned place preference (CPP) test provides insights into spontaneous neuropathic pain relief and enhances the translatability of findings. This study aims to 1) use the CPP test to evaluate Con- and DTM-SCS effects on spontaneous neuropathic pain relief in PDPN animals and 2) investigate the correlation between mechanical hypersensitivity alleviation and spontaneous neuropathic pain relief. MATERIAL AND METHODS Diabetes was induced through streptozotocin injection in 32 rats; 16 animals developed PDPN and were implanted with a quadripolar lead. Rats were conditioned for Con-SCS (n = 8) or DTM-SCS (n = 7), and a preference score compared with sham was determined. After conditioning, a 30-minute SCS protocol was conducted. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed using VF before, during, and after SCS. RESULTS There were no significant chamber preference changes for DTM-SCS (p = 0.3449) or Con-SCS (p = 0.3632). Subgroups of responders and nonresponders were identified with significant increases in preference score for responders for both DTM-SCS (-266.6 to 119.8; p = 0.0238; n = 4) and Con-SCS (-350.7 to 88.46; p = 0.0148; n = 3). No strong correlation between SCS-induced spontaneous neuropathic pain relief and effects on mechanical hypersensitivity in PDPN animals is noted. CONCLUSIONS The CPP test is a valuable tool to test the efficacy of the pain-relieving potential of various SCS paradigms in PDPN animals. The results of this study show no differences in spontaneous neuropathic pain relief between DTM- and Con-SCS in PDPN animals. Furthermore, there is no correlation between the effect of SCS in spontaneous pain relief and hind paw mechanical hypersensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J de Geus
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Glenn Franken
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elbert A J Joosten
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fogarty NL, Johnson T, Kwok B, Lin A, Tsinman TK, Jiang X, Koyama E, Han L, Baxter JR, Mauck RL, Dyment NA. Reduction in postnatal weight-bearing does not alter the trajectory of murine meniscus growth and maturation. J Orthop Res 2024; 42:894-904. [PMID: 37804210 PMCID: PMC10978302 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The early postnatal period represents a critical window for the maturation and development of orthopedic tissues, including those within the knee joint. To understand how mechanical loading impacts the maturational trajectory of the meniscus and other tissues of the hindlimb, perturbation of postnatal weight bearing was achieved through surgical resection of the sciatic nerve in neonatal mice at 1 or 14 days old. Sciatic nerve resection (SNR) produced significant and persistent disruptions in gait, leading to reduced tibial length and reductions in Achilles tendon mechanical properties. However, SNR resulted in minimal disruptions in morphometric parameters of the menisci and other structures in the knee joint, with no detectable differences in Col1a1-YFP or Col2a1-CFP expressing cells within the menisci. Furthermore, micromechanical properties of the meniscus and cartilage (as assessed by atomic force microscopy-based nanoindentation testing) were not different between experimental groups. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, reduced hindlimb weight bearing via neonatal SNR did not significantly impact the growth and development of the knee meniscus. This unexpected finding demonstrates that the input mechanical threshold required to sustain meniscus development may be lower than previously hypothesized, though future studies incorporating skeletal kinematic models coupled with force plate measurements will be required to calculate the loads passing through the affected hindlimb and precisely define these thresholds. Collectively, these results provide insight into the mechanobiological responses of the meniscus to alterations in load, and contribute to our understanding of the factors that influence normal postnatal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Fogarty
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Talayah Johnson
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bryan Kwok
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alisia Lin
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tonia K Tsinman
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xi Jiang
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eiki Koyama
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Josh R Baxter
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert L Mauck
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory, CMC VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nathaniel A Dyment
- McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aguado-Garrido M, García-Rama C, Romero-Ramírez L, Buzoianu-Anguiano V, Pérez-Rizo E, Kramer BW, Mey J. Improved Efficacy of Delayed Treatment with Human Bone Marrow-Derived Stromal Cells Evaluated in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1548. [PMID: 38338827 PMCID: PMC10855798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031548] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) with uncultivated human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (bmSCs) prepared by negative selection has been proposed to be therapeutically superior to treatment with stem cells that were expanded in vitro. To explore their use in clinical trials, we studied the functional effects of delayed application at 7 days after SCI by testing different doses of bmSCs. Spinal cord contusion injury was induced in adult male Wistar rats at the thoracic level T9. Human bmSCs were prepared by negative selection without expansion in vitro (NeuroCellsTM). Treatment consisted of one 150 µL injection into the cisterna magna containing 0.5 or 2.5 million fresh bmSCs or 2.5 million bmSCs. The recovery of motor functions was evaluated during a surveillance period of six weeks (6 W), during which spinal cords were assessed histologically. Treatment resulted in a significant, dose-dependent therapeutic effect on the recovery of motor performance. The histological analysis revealed a lower degree of axonal degeneration and better survival of neurons and oligodendrocytes in bmSCs treated rats. Our results support delayed intrathecal application of bmSCs prepared by negative selection without expansion in vitro as a treatment of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jörg Mey
- Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
- EURON Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang S, Wang H, Lu P, Gong L, Gu X, Li M. Mechanisms underlying the cell-matrixed nerve grafts repairing peripheral nerve defects. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:563-577. [PMID: 37753326 PMCID: PMC10518682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.002] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), with its distinct biological properties, has gained significant attention as a natural biomaterial. Leveraging its potentials, we successfully developed a three-dimensional matrix-based oriented nerve graft by encapsulating a fibrous scaffold with multilayered conformationally intact and biologically active human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (hBMSC-dECM). Convincingly, the hBMSC-dECM group exhibited comparable functional recoveries to the autograft group by postoperative week 12. In the comprehensive analysis, the molecular regulations in the hBMSC-dECM group were more intricate and nuanced compared to the autograft group. Nevertheless, both groups displayed similar molecular regulatory processes in terms of vascularization and extracellular matrix. Notably, the hBMSC-dECM group demonstrated sustained high levels of regulation in axon and myelin regeneration at week 12, while the immunomodulation returned to the normal levels after peaking at week 2. Collectively, our findings illustrated the satisfactory construction of a cell-matrixed nerve graft that established a microenvironment conducive to nerve regeneration, and elucidated the distinct molecular regulation patterns and characteristics associated with different repair modes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
| | - Hongkui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
| | - Panjian Lu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
| | - Leilei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
| | - Meiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amorim D, Fonseca-Rodrigues D, David-Pereira A, Costa O, Lima AP, Nogueira R, Cruz R, Martins AS, Sousa L, Oliveira F, Pereira H, Pirraco R, Pertovaara A, Almeida A, Pinto-Ribeiro F. Injection of kaolin/carrageenan in the rat knee joint induces progressive experimental knee osteoarthritis. Pain 2023; 164:2477-2490. [PMID: 37390363 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disorder worldwide, is characterized by progressive degeneration of articular and periarticular structures, leading to physical and emotional impairments that greatly affect the quality of life of patients. Unfortunately, no therapy has been able to halt the progression of the disease. Owing to the complexity of OA, most animal models are only able to mimic a specific stage or feature of the human disorder. In this work, we demonstrate the intraarticular injection of kaolin or carrageenan leads to the progressive degeneration of the rat's knee joint, accompanied by mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia, gait impairments (reduced contact area of the affected limb), and radiological and histopathological findings concomitant with the development of human grade 4 OA. In addition, animals also display emotional impairments 4 weeks after induction, namely, anxious and depressive-like behaviour, important and common comorbidities of human OA patients. Overall, prolonging kaolin or carrageenan-induced monoarthritis mimics several important physical and psychological features of human OA in both male and female rodents and could be further applied in long-term studies of OA-associated chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Amorim
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Diana Fonseca-Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana David-Pereira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Octávia Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Antónia Palhares Lima
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rosete Nogueira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rute Cruz
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Sofia Martins
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Liliana Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | | | - Hélder Pereira
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Minho University, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rogério Pirraco
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- 3B's Research Group-Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Minho University, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Antti Pertovaara
- Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Armando Almeida
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Filipa Pinto-Ribeiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lopez-Garzon M, Canta A, Chiorazzi A, Alberti P. Gait analysis in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity rodent models. Brain Res Bull 2023; 203:110769. [PMID: 37748696 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110769] [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] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Gait analysis could be used in animal models as an indicator of sensory ataxia due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN). Over the years, gait analysis in in vivo studies has evolved from simple observations carried out by a trained operator to computerised systems with machine learning that allow the quantification of any variable of interest and the establishment of algorithms for behavioural classification. However, there is not a consensus on gait analysis use in CIPN animal models; therefore, we carried out a systematic review. Of 987 potentially relevant studies, 14 were included, in which different methods were analysed (observation, footprint and CatWalk™). We presented the state-of-the-art of possible approaches to analyse sensory ataxia in rodent models, addressing advantages and disadvantages of different methods available. Semi-automated methods may be of interest when preventive or therapeutic strategies are evaluated, also considering their methodological simplicity and automaticity; up to now, only CatWalk™ analysis has been tested. Future studies should expect that CIPN-affected animals tend to reduce hind paw support due to pain, allodynia or loss of sensation, and an increase in swing phase could or should be observed. Few available studies documented these impairments at the last time point, and only appeared later on respect to other earlier signs of CIPN (such as altered neurophysiological findings). For that reason, gait impairment could be interpreted as late repercussions of loss of sensory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lopez-Garzon
- Biomedical Group (BIO277), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; A02-Cuídate, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs, GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Unit of Excellence On Exercise and Health (UCEES), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Sport and Health Research Center (IMUDs), Granada, Spain
| | - Annalisa Canta
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy; NeuroMI (Milan Center for neuroscience), Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Chiorazzi
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy; NeuroMI (Milan Center for neuroscience), Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Alberti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Monza, Italy; NeuroMI (Milan Center for neuroscience), Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ritter J, Menger M, Herath SC, Histing T, Kolbenschlag J, Daigeler A, Heinzel JC, Prahm C. Translational evaluation of gait behavior in rodent models of arthritic disorders with the CatWalk device - a narrative review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1255215. [PMID: 37869169 PMCID: PMC10587608 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1255215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthritic disorders have become one of the main contributors to the global burden of disease. Today, they are one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability worldwide. Current therapies are incapable of treating pain sufficiently and preventing disease progression. The lack of understanding basic mechanisms underlying the initiation, maintenance and progression of arthritic disorders and related symptoms represent the major obstacle in the search for adequate treatments. For a long time, histological evaluation of joint pathology was the predominant outcome parameter in preclinical arthritis models. Nevertheless, quantification of pain and functional limitations analogs to arthritis related symptoms in humans is essential to enable bench to bedside translation and to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatment strategies. As the experience of pain and functional deficits are often associated with altered gait behavior, in the last decades, automated gait analysis has become a well-established tool for the quantitative evaluation of the sequalae of arthritic disorders in animal models. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed overview on the current literature on the use of the CatWalk gait analysis system in rodent models of arthritic disorders, e.g., Osteoarthritis, Monoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Special focus is put on the assessment and monitoring of pain-related behavior during the course of the disease. The capability of evaluating the effect of distinct treatment strategies and the future potential for the application of the CatWalk in rodent models of arthritic disorders is also addressed in this review. Finally, we discuss important consideration and provide recommendations on the use of the CatWalk in preclinical models of arthritic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ritter
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Menger
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Steven C Herath
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tina Histing
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Adrien Daigeler
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes C Heinzel
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology - The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ma S, Zhang J, Hua X, Wu J, Zheng M, Xu J. Tuina therapy promotes behavioral improvement and brain plasticity in rats with peripheral nerve injury and repair. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3174. [PMID: 37522806 PMCID: PMC10498059 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tuina is currently one of the popular complementary and alternative methods of rehabilitation therapy. Tuina can improve patients' pain and mobility function. However, the underlying physiological mechanism remains largely unknown, which might limit its further popularization in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to explore the short-term and long-term changes in brain functional activity following Tuina intervention for peripheral nerve injury repair. METHODS A total of 16 rats were equally divided into the intervention group and the control group. Rats in the intervention group received Tuina therapy applying on the gastrocnemius muscle of the right side for 4 months following sciatic nerve transection and immediate repair, while the control group received nerve transection and repair only. The block-design functional magnetic resonance imaging scan was applied in both groups at 1 and 4 months after the surgery. During the scan, both the injured and intact hindpaw was electrically stimulated according to a "boxcar" paradigm. RESULTS When stimulating the intact hindpaw, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower activation in the somatosensory area, limbic/paralimbic areas, pain-regulation areas, and basal ganglia compared to the control group, with only the prefrontal area showing higher activation. After 4 months of sciatic nerve injury, the control group exhibited decreased motor cortex activity compared to the activity observed at 1 month, and the intervention group demonstrated stronger bilateral motor cortex activity compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Tuina therapy on the gastrocnemius muscle of rats with sciatic nerve injury can effectively alleviate pain and maintain the motor function of the affected limb. In addition, Tuina therapy reduced the activation level of pain-related brain regions and inhibited the decreased activity of the motor cortex caused by nerve injury, reflecting the impact of peripheral stimulation on brain plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu‐Jie Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Rehabilitation MedicineThe Second Rehabilitation Hospital of ShanghaiShanghaiChina
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent RehabilitationMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
| | - Jun‐Peng Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent RehabilitationMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
- School of Rehabilitation ScienceShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xu‐Yun Hua
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent RehabilitationMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang HospitalShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jia‐Jia Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent RehabilitationMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang HospitalShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mou‐Xiong Zheng
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent RehabilitationMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang HospitalShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jian‐Guang Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent RehabilitationMinistry of EducationShanghaiChina
- School of Rehabilitation ScienceShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Leite APS, Pinto CG, Tibúrcio FC, Muller KS, Padovani CR, Barraviera B, Junior RSF, Leal CV, Matsumura CY, Matheus SMM. Acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junctions present normal distribution after peripheral nerve injury and repair through nerve guidance associated with fibrin biopolymer. Injury 2023; 54:345-361. [PMID: 36446670 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) lead to alterations in the Agrin-LRP4-MuSK pathway. This results in disaggregation of AChRs and change from epsilon (mature, innervated) to gamma (immature, denervated) subunit. Tubulization technique has been shown to be effective for PNI repair and it also allows the use of adjuvants, such as fibrin biopolymer (FB). This study evaluated the effect of the association of tubulization with FB after PNI on AChRs and associated proteins. Fifty-two adults male Wistar rats were used, distributed in 4 experimental groups: Sham Control (S), Denervated Control (D); Tubulization (TB) and Tubulization + Fibrin Biopolymer (TB+FB). Catwalk was performed every 15 days. Ninety days after surgery the right soleus muscles and ischiatic nerves were submitted to the following analyses: (a) morphological and morphometric analysis of AChRs by confocal microscopy; (b) morphological and morphometric analysis of the ischiatic nerve; (c) protein quantification of AChRs: alpha, gama, and epsilon, of Schwann cells, agrin, LRP4, MuSK, rapsyn, MMP3, MyoD, myogenin, MURF1 and atrogin-1. The main results were about the NMJs that in the TB+FB group presented morphological and morphometric approximation (compactness index; area of the AChRs and motor plate) to the S group. In addition, there were also an increase of S100 and AChRε protein expression and a decrease of MyoD. These positive association resulted in AChRs stabilization that potentiate the neuromuscular regeneration, which strengthens the use of TB for severe injuries repair and the beneficial effect of FB, along with tubulization technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Silveira Leite
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carina Guidi Pinto
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Cantore Tibúrcio
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Kevin Silva Muller
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Padovani
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics, Vegetal Biology, Parasitology and Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- Medical School, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil; Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (Cevap), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (Cevap), São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudenete Vieira Leal
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Cintia Yuri Matsumura
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Michelin Matheus
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Allgood JE, Roballo KCS, Sparks BB, Bushman JS. The effects of graft source and orientation on outcomes after ablation of a branched peripheral nerve. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1055490. [PMID: 36451654 PMCID: PMC9701849 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1055490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Segmental peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are the most common cause of enduring nervous system dysfunction. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) has an extensive and highly branching organization. While much is known about the factors that affect regeneration through sharp bisections and linear ablations of peripheral nerves, very little has been investigated or documented about PNIs that ablate branch points. Such injuries present additional complexity compared to linear segmental defects. This study compared outcomes following ablation of a branch point with branched grafts, specifically examining how graft source and orientation of the branched graft contributed to regeneration. The model system was Lewis rats that underwent a 2.5 cm ablation that started in the sciatic nerve trunk and included the peroneal/tibial branch point. Rats received grafts that were rat sciatic autograft, inbred sciatic allograft, and inbred femoral allograft, each of which was a branched graft of 2.5 cm. Allografts were obtained from Lewis rats, which is an inbred strain. Both branches of the sciatic grafts were mixed motor and sensory while the femoral grafts were smaller in diameter than sciatic grafts and one branch of the femoral graft is sensory and the other motor. All branched grafts were sutured into the defect in two orientations dictated by which branch in the graft was sutured to the tibial vs peroneal stumps in recipients. Outcome measures include compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) and CatWalk gait analysis throughout the recovery period, with toluidine blue for intrinsic nerve morphometry and retrograde labeling conducted at the 36-week experimental end point. Results indicate that graft source and orientation does play a significant role earlier in the regenerative process but by 36 weeks all groups showed very similar indications of regeneration across multiple outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jared S. Bushman
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Figueiredo GSDL, Fernandes M, Atti VN, Valente SG, Roth F, Nakachima LR, dos Santos JBG, Fernandes CH. Use of aerobic treadmill exercises on nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Acta Cir Bras 2022; 37:e370804. [PMID: 36327398 PMCID: PMC9633008 DOI: 10.1590/acb370804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Various postoperative protocols have been proposed to improve outcomes and accelerate nerve regeneration. Recently, the use of physical exercise in a post-surgical neurorraphy procedure has shown good results when started early. We experimentally investigated the hypothesis that post-operative exercise speeds up results and improves clinical and morphologic parameters. METHODS Isogenic rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1 SHAM; 2 SHAM submitted to the exercise protocol (EP); 3 Grafting of the sciatic nerve; and 4 Grafting of the sciatic nerve associated with the EP. The EP was based on aerobic activities with a treadmill, with a progressive increase in time and intensity during 6 weeks. The results were evaluated by the sciatic functional index (SFI), morphometric and morphologic analysis of nerve distal to the lesion, and the number of spinal cord motor neurons, positive to the marker Fluoro-Gold (FG), captured retrogradely through neurorraphy. RESULTS Functional analysis (SFI) did not show a statistical difference between the group grafted with (-50.94) and without exercise (-65.79) after 90 days. The motoneurons count (Spinal cord histology) also showed no diference between these groups (834.5 × 833 respectively). Although functionally there is no difference between these groups, morphometric study showed a greater density (53.62) and larger fibers (7.762) in GRAFT group. When comparing both operated groups with both SHAM groups, all values were much lower. CONCLUSIONS The experimental model that this aerobic treadmill exercises protocol did not modify nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury and repair with nerve graft.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Santiago de Lima Figueiredo
- MD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil.,Corresponding author:
- (55 11) 98386-0432
| | - Marcela Fernandes
- PhD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Vinícius Neves Atti
- MD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Sandra Gomes Valente
- PhD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Felipe Roth
- MD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Luis Renato Nakachima
- PhD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - João Baptista Gomes dos Santos
- PhD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Fernandes
- PhD. Universidade Federal de São Paulo – Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology – Division of Hand Surgery – Sao Paulo (SP), Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vinestock RC, Felsenthal N, Assaraf E, Katz E, Rubin S, Heinemann-Yerushalmi L, Krief S, Dezorella N, Levin-Zaidman S, Tsoory M, Thomopoulos S, Zelzer E. Neonatal Enthesis Healing Involves Noninflammatory Acellular Scar Formation through Extracellular Matrix Secretion by Resident Cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:1122-1135. [PMID: 35659946 PMCID: PMC9379688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing typically recruits the immune and vascular systems to restore tissue structure and function. However, injuries to the enthesis, a hypocellular and avascular tissue, often result in fibrotic scar formation and loss of mechanical properties, severely affecting musculoskeletal function and life quality. This raises questions about the healing capabilities of the enthesis. Herein, this study established an injury model to the Achilles entheses of neonatal mice to study the effectiveness of early-age enthesis healing. Histology and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed an atypical process that did not involve inflammation or angiogenesis. Instead, healing was mediated by secretion of collagen types I and II by resident cells, which formed a permanent hypocellular and avascular scar. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cellular response to injury, including endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and cell death, varied between the tendon and cartilage ends of the enthesis. Single-molecule in situ hybridization, immunostaining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays verified these differences. Finally, gait analysis showed that these processes effectively restored function of the injured leg. These findings reveal a novel healing mechanism in neonatal entheses, whereby local extracellular matrix secretion by resident cells forms an acellular extracellular matrix deposit without inflammation, allowing gait restoration. These insights into the healing mechanism of a complex transitional tissue may lead to new therapeutic strategies for adult enthesis injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ron C Vinestock
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Neta Felsenthal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Assaraf
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eldad Katz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sarah Rubin
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Sharon Krief
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nili Dezorella
- Department of Electron Microscopy Unit, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Smadar Levin-Zaidman
- Department of Electron Microscopy Unit, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael Tsoory
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Stavros Thomopoulos
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Elazar Zelzer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Heinzel JC, Oberhauser V, Keibl C, Schädl B, Swiadek NV, Längle G, Frick H, Slezak C, Prahm C, Grillari J, Kolbenschlag J, Hercher D. ESWT Diminishes Axonal Regeneration following Repair of the Rat Median Nerve with Muscle-In-Vein Conduits but Not after Autologous Nerve Grafting. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081777. [PMID: 35892677 PMCID: PMC9394363 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations reporting positive effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on nerve regeneration are limited to the rat sciatic nerve model. The effects of ESWT on muscle-in-vein conduits (MVCs) have also not been investigated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ESWT after repair of the rat median nerve with either autografts (ANGs) or MVCs. In male Lewis rats, a 7 mm segment of the right median nerve was reconstructed either with an ANG or an MVC. For each reconstructive technique, one group of animals received one application of ESWT while the other rats served as controls. The animals were observed for 12 weeks, and nerve regeneration was assessed using computerized gait analysis, the grasping test, electrophysiological evaluations and histological quantification of axons, blood vessels and lymphatic vasculature. Here, we provide for the first time a comprehensive analysis of ESWT effects on nerve regeneration in a rat model of median nerve injury. Furthermore, this study is among the first reporting the quantification of lymphatic vessels following peripheral nerve injury and reconstruction in vivo. While we found no significant direct positive effects of ESWT on peripheral nerve regeneration, results following nerve repair with MVCs were significantly inferior to those after ANG repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C. Heinzel
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (J.C.H.); (C.P.); (J.K.)
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Viola Oberhauser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Keibl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Schädl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Morphology, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole V. Swiadek
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Längle
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Helen Frick
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Cyrill Slezak
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Physics, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT 84058, USA
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (J.C.H.); (C.P.); (J.K.)
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, BOKU—University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (J.C.H.); (C.P.); (J.K.)
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria; (V.O.); (C.K.); (B.S.); (N.V.S.); (G.L.); (H.F.); (C.S.); (J.G.)
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Targosinski S, Henzi A, Engmann AK, Rushing EJ, Barth AA, Klein HJ, Kim BS, Giovanoli P, Schwab ME, Plock JA, Schweizer R. A swim test for functional assessment of rodent peripheral nerve regeneration. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 379:109663. [PMID: 35809863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Targosinski
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Henzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne K Engmann
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - André A Barth
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger J Klein
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Bong-Sung Kim
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Giovanoli
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin E Schwab
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan A Plock
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Schweizer
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Prenatal administration of IL-1Ra attenuate the neurodevelopmental impacts following non-pathogenic inflammation during pregnancy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23404. [PMID: 34862457 PMCID: PMC8642433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02927-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal inflammation negatively affects placental function, subsequently altering fetal development. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are used to mimics infections in preclinical models but rarely detected during pregnancy. Our group previously developed an animal model of prenatal exposure to uric acid (endogenous mediator), leading to growth restriction alongside IL-1-driven placental inflammation (Brien et al. in J Immunol 198(1):443–451, 2017). Unlike PAMPs, the postnatal impact of prenatal non-pathogenic inflammation is still poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of prenatal uric acid exposure on postnatal neurodevelopment and the therapeutic potential of the IL-1 receptor antagonist; IL-1Ra. Uric acid induced growth restriction and placental inflammation, which IL-1Ra protected against. Postnatal evaluation of both structural and functional aspects of the brain revealed developmental changes. Both astrogliosis and microgliosis were observed in the hippocampus and white matter at postnatal day (PND)7 with IL-1Ra being protective. Decreased myelin density was observed at PND21, and reduced amount of neuronal precursor cells was observed in the Dentate Gyrus at PND35. Functionally, motor impairments were observed as evaluated with the increased time to fully turn upward (180 degrees) on the inclined plane and the pups were weaker on the grip strength test. Prenatal exposure to sterile inflammation, mimicking most clinical situation, induced growth restriction with negative impact on neurodevelopment. Targeted anti-inflammatory intervention prenatally could offer a strategy to protect brain development during pregnancy.
Collapse
|
17
|
Pitzer C, Kurpiers B, Eltokhi A. Gait performance of adolescent mice assessed by the CatWalk XT depends on age, strain and sex and correlates with speed and body weight. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21372. [PMID: 34725364 PMCID: PMC8560926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The automatization of behavioral tests assessing motor activity in rodent models is important for providing robust and reproducible results and evaluating new therapeutics. The CatWalk system is an observer-independent, automated and computerized technique for the assessment of gait performance in rodents. This method has previously been used in adult rodent models of CNS-based movement disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. As motor and gait abnormalities in neuropsychiatric disorders are observed during infancy and adolescence, it became important to validate the CatWalk XT in the gait analysis of adolescent mice and unravel factors that may cause variations in gait performance. Three adolescent wild-type inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6N, DBA/2 and FVB/N, were tested using the CatWalk XT (Version 10.6) for suitable detection settings to characterize several gait parameters at P32 and P42. The same detection settings being suitable for C57BL/6N and DBA/2 mice allowed a direct comparison between the two strains. On the other hand, due to their increased body weight and size, FVB/N mice required different detection settings. The CatWalk XT reliably measured the temporal, spatial, and interlimb coordination parameters in the investigated strains during adolescence. Additionally, significant effects of sex, development, speed and body weight within each strain confirmed the sensitivity of motor and gait functions to these factors. The CatWalk gait analysis of rodents during adolescence, taking the effect of age, strain, sex, speed and body weight into consideration, will decrease intra-laboratory discrepancies and increase the face validity of rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pitzer
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Barbara Kurpiers
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Eltokhi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rosiglitazone Alleviates Mechanical Allodynia of Rats with Bone Cancer Pain through the Activation of PPAR- γ to Inhibit the NF- κB/NLRP3 Inflammatory Axis in Spinal Cord Neurons. PPAR Res 2021; 2021:6086265. [PMID: 34484316 PMCID: PMC8413064 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6086265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is a serious clinical problem that affects the quality of life of cancer patients. However, the current treatment methods for this condition are still unsatisfactory. This study investigated whether intrathecal injection of rosiglitazone modulates the noxious behaviors associated with BCP, and the possible mechanisms related to this effect were explored. We found that rosiglitazone treatment relieved bone cancer-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner, promoted the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in spinal cord neurons, and inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory axis induced by BCP. However, concurrent administration of the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 reversed these effects. The results show that rosiglitazone inhibits the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammation axis by activating PPAR-γ in spinal neurons, thereby alleviating BCP. Therefore, the PPAR-γ/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway may be a potential target for the treatment of BCP in the future.
Collapse
|
19
|
Isvoranu G, Manole E, Neagu M. Gait Analysis Using Animal Models of Peripheral Nerve and Spinal Cord Injuries. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1050. [PMID: 34440252 PMCID: PMC8392642 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review discusses recent data regarding rodent models of spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries in terms of gait analysis using the CatWalk system (CW), an automated and exceptionally reliable system for assessing gait abnormalities and motor coordination. CW is a good tool for both studying improvements in the walking of animals after suffering a peripheral nerve and spinal cord lesion and to select the best therapies and procedures after tissue destruction, given that it provides objective and quantifiable data. Most studies using CW for gait analysis that were published in recent years focus on injuries inflicted in the peripheral nerve, spinal cord, and brain. CW has been used in the assessment of rodent motor function through high-resolution videos, whereby specialized software was used to measure several aspects of the animal's gait, and the main characteristics of the automated system are presented here. CW was developed to assess footfall and gait changes, and it can calculate many parameters based on footprints and time. However, given the multitude of parameters, it is necessary to evaluate which are the most important under the employed experimental circumstances. By selecting appropriate animal models and evaluating peripheral nerve and spinal cord lesion regeneration using standardized methods, suggestions for new therapies can be provided, which represents the translation of this methodology into clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghita Isvoranu
- Husbandry Unit, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Emilia Manole
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Pathology Department, Colentina University Hospital, 19-21 Sos. Stefan cel Mare, 020125 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Monica Neagu
- Pathology Department, Colentina University Hospital, 19-21 Sos. Stefan cel Mare, 020125 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-93 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fritz T, Schäfer J, Scheuer C, Stutz J, Histing T, Pohlemann T, Menger MD, Laschke MW, Klein M, Orth M. Macrophage-activating lipoprotein (MALP)-2 impairs the healing of partial tendon injuries in mice. Ann Anat 2021; 239:151818. [PMID: 34391911 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tendon injuries are accounted for up to 50% of musculoskeletal injuries and often result in poor outcomes. Inflammation is a major hallmark of tendon regeneration. Therefore, we analyzed in this study whether the topical application of the pro-inflammatory mediator macrophage-activating lipoprotein (MALP)-2 improves the healing of partial tendon injuries. C57BL/6 mice underwent a partial tenotomy of the flexor digitorum longus tendon of the left hind limb, which was treated with a solution containing either 0.5 µg MALP-2 or vehicle (control). Repetitive gait analyses were performed prior to the surgical intervention as well as postoperatively on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 36. The structural stability of the tendons was biomechanically tested on day 7 and 36. In addition, Western blot analyses were performed on isolated tendons that were treated in vitro with MALP-2 or vehicle. In both groups, partial tenotomy resulted in a pathological gait pattern during the initial postoperative phase. On day 7, the gait pattern normalized in vehicle-treated animals, but not in MALP-2-treated mice. Moreover, the tendons of MALP-2-treated mice exhibited a significantly reduced biomechanical stiffness after 7 and 36 days when compared to controls. Western blot analyses revealed a significantly higher expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and lower expression of cyclin D in MALP-2-treated tendons. These findings indicate that MALP-2 delays the healing of injured tendons most likely due to increased intracellular stress and suppressed cell proliferation in this naturally bradytrophic tissue. Hence, the application of MALP-2 cannot be recommended for the treatment of tendon injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Fritz
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Julia Schäfer
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Scheuer
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Janine Stutz
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Tina Histing
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany; BG Trauma Center, Eberhard Karls Universitaet Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tim Pohlemann
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael D Menger
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Matthias W Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Klein
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Orth
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Garrick JM, Costa LG, Cole TB, Marsillach J. Evaluating Gait and Locomotion in Rodents with the CatWalk. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e220. [PMID: 34370398 PMCID: PMC8363132 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Motor deficits can significantly affect the completion of daily life activities and have a negative impact on quality of life. Consequently, motor function is an important behavioral endpoint to measure for in vivo pathophysiologic studies in a variety of research areas, such as toxicant exposure, drug development, disease characterization, and transgenic phenotyping. Evaluation of motor function is also critical to the interpretation of cognitive behavioral assays, as many rely on intact motor abilities to derive meaningful data. As such, gait analysis is an important component of behavioral research and can be achieved by manual or video-assisted methods. Manual gait analysis methods, however, are prone to observer bias and are unable to capture many critical parameters. In contrast, automated video-assisted gait analysis can quickly and reliably assess gait and locomotor abnormalities that were previously difficult to collect manually. Here, we describe the evaluation of gait and locomotion in rodents using the automated Noldus CatWalk XT system. We include a step-by-step guide for running an experiment using the CatWalk XT system and discuss theory and considerations when evaluating rodent gait. The protocol and discussion provided here act as a supplemental resource to the manual for this commercially available system and can assist CatWalk users in their experimental design and implementation. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Garrick
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lucio G. Costa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Dept. of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Toby B. Cole
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center on Human Development and Disabilities, University of Washington, United States
| | - Judit Marsillach
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Jia D, Sun Y, Liu G, Xue M, Huang Z, Huang C. Trifluoro-icaritin alleviates mechanical hypersensitivity and improves motor coordination and balance in rats with spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. Neurosci Lett 2021; 761:136125. [PMID: 34302890 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is still one of the unsolved public health problems worldwide. Although the current reagents can attenuate neuropathic pain to a certain extent, their clinical application is very limited owing to larger toxicity and serious side effects. Trifluoro-icaritin (ICTF) has been documented to possess profound anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, but whether ICTF exerts an anti-nociceptive effect on neuropathic pain remains unknown. Here, a rat model of spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain was used. SNI rats were administrated with ICTF (i.p.) once daily lasting for 21 days, and subsequently the pain-related behaviors were evaluated by applying mechanical or thermal pain threshold, CatWalk gait parameter, and rotarod test on day 1 before and day 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 after SNI surgery, respectively. The results showed that ICTF (0.5 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, and 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment alleviated SNI-induced mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. After administration of ICTF at the most effective dose of 5.0 mg/kg to SNI rats, CatWalk gait analysis revealed that ICTF not only significantly enhanced gait parameters including max contact max intensity, max intensity, print area, and stand time but also decreased the swing time; Rotarod test further exhibited that ICTF could effectively prolong the time on rod and increase the rotating speed in SNI rats. Additionally, following ICTF (5.0 mg/kg) treatment of SNI rats for 21 consecutive days, the max contact max intensity was found to be positively correlated with the rotating speed. Taken together, ICTF successfully ameliorates mechanical hypersensitivity and improves the motor coordination and balance in SNI rats, suggesting that ICTF may be exploited as a potential candidate in the management of neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Yalan Sun
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Guangsen Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Meng Xue
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; Pain Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China; Pain Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yang J, Liang R, Wang L, Zheng C, Xiao X, Ming D. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Improves the Gait Disorders of Rats Under Simulated Microgravity Conditions Associated With the Regulation of Motor Cortex. Front Physiol 2021; 12:587515. [PMID: 33613305 PMCID: PMC7890125 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.587515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, it has been proved that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves dyskinesia induced by conditions such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson diseases and cerebral ischemia. However, it is still unknown whether it can be used as a countermeasure for gait disorders in astronauts during space flight. In this study, we evaluated the effects of rTMS on the rat gait function under simulated microgravity (SM) conditions. The SM procedure continued for consecutive 21 days in male Wistar rats. Meanwhile, the high-frequency rTMS (10 Hz) was applied for 14 days from the eighth day of SM procedure. The behavioral results showed that SM could cause gait disorders such as decreased walking ability and contralateral limb imbalance in rats, which could be reversed by rTMS. Furthermore, rTMS affected the neural oscillations of motor cortex, enhancing in δ (2–4 Hz) band, suppressing in θ (4–7 Hz), and α (7–12 Hz) bands. Additionally, rTMS could activate mTOR in the motor cortex. These data suggests that the improvement effects of rTMS on gait disorders in rats under SM conditions might be associated with its regulation on neural oscillations in the cerebral motor cortex and the expression of some motor-related proteins which may enhance the control of nervous system on muscle function. Based on our results, rTMS can be used as an potential effective supplement in the field of clinical and rehabilitation research to reduce gait disorders caused by the space environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Yang
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Liang
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenguang Zheng
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Ming
- Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Eisdorfer JT, Phelan MA, Keefe KM, Rollins MM, Campion TJ, Rauscher KM, Sobotka-Briner H, Senior M, Gordon G, Smith GM, Spence AJ. Addition of angled rungs to the horizontal ladder walking task for more sensitive probing of sensorimotor changes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246298. [PMID: 33544764 PMCID: PMC7864417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One method for the evaluation of sensorimotor therapeutic interventions, the horizontal ladder walking task, analyzes locomotor changes that may occur after disease, injury, or by external manipulation. Although this task is well suited for detection of large effects, it may overlook smaller changes. The inability to detect small effect sizes may be due to a neural compensatory mechanism known as "cross limb transfer", or the contribution of the contralateral limb to estimate an injured or perturbed limb's position. The robust transfer of compensation from the contralateral limb may obscure subtle locomotor outcomes that are evoked by clinically relevant therapies, in the early onset of disease, or between higher levels of recovery. Here, we propose angled rungs as a novel modification to the horizontal ladder walking task. Easily-adjustable angled rungs force rats to locomote across a different locomotion path for each hindlimb and may therefore make information from the contralateral limb less useful. Using hM3Dq (excitatory) Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) expressed in large diameter peripheral afferents of the hindlimb in the intact animal, we characterized the sensitivity of our design to detect stepping differences by comparing locomotor changes observed on angled rungs to those observed on a standard horizontal ladder. On our novel asymmetrical ladder, activation of DREADDs resulted in significant differences in rung misses (p = 0.000011) and weight-supporting events (p = 0.049). By comparison, on a standard ladder, we did not observe differences in these parameters (p = 0.86 and p = 0.98, respectively). Additionally, no locomotor differences were detected in baseline and inactivated DREADDs trials when we compared ladder types, suggesting that the angled rungs do not change animal gait behavior unless intervention or injury is introduced. Significant changes observed with angled rungs may demonstrate more sensitive probing of locomotor changes due to the decoupling of cross limb transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn T. Eisdorfer
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Phelan
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Keefe
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Morgan M. Rollins
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Thomas J. Campion
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn M. Rauscher
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hannah Sobotka-Briner
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mollie Senior
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle Gordon
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - George M. Smith
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. Spence
- Department of Bioengineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Heinzel JC, Oberhauser V, Keibl C, Swiadek N, Längle G, Frick H, Kolbenschlag J, Prahm C, Grillari J, Hercher D. Evaluation of Functional Recovery in Rats After Median Nerve Resection and Autograft Repair Using Computerized Gait Analysis. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:593545. [PMID: 33551723 PMCID: PMC7859340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.593545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Computerized gait analysis is a common evaluation method in rat models of hind limb nerve injuries, but its use remains unpublished in models of segmental nerve injury of the forelimb. It was the aim of this work to investigate if computerized gait analysis is a feasible evaluation method in a rat model of segmental median nerve injury and autograft repair. Ten male Lewis rats underwent 7-mm resection of the right median nerve with immediate autograft repair. The left median nerve was resected without repair and served as an internal control. Animals were assessed for 12 weeks after surgery via CatWalk (CW) gait analysis every 2 weeks. Evaluation of motor recovery by means of the grasping test was performed weekly while electrophysiological measurements were performed at the end of the observation period. CW data were correlated with grasping strength at each post-operative time point. CW data were also correlated with electrophysiology using linear regression analysis. Principal component analysis was performed to identify clusters of outcome metrics. Recovery of motor function was observable 4 weeks after surgery, but grasping strength was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) compared to baseline values until post-operative week 6. In terms of sensory recovery, the pain-related parameter Duty Cycle showed significant (p < 0.05) recovery starting from post-operative week 8. The Print Area of the right paw was significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to the left side starting from post-operative week 10. Various parameters of gait correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with mean and maximum grasping strength. However, only Stand Index showed a significant correlation with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (p < 0.05). With this work, we prove that computerized gait analysis is a valid and feasible method to evaluate functional recovery after autograft repair of the rat median nerve. We were able to identify parameters such as Print Area, Duty Cycle, and Stand Index, which allow assessment of nerve regeneration. The course of these parameters following nerve resection without repair was also assessed. Additionally, external paw rotation was identified as a valid parameter to evaluate motor reinnervation. In summary, computerized gait analysis is a valuable additional tool to study nerve regeneration in rats with median nerve injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C Heinzel
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viola Oberhauser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Keibl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Swiadek
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Längle
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helen Frick
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu B, Luo M, Meng D, Pan H, Shen H, Shen J, Yao M, Xu L. Tetrahydropalmatine exerts analgesic effects by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting the activation of glial cells in rats with inflammatory pain. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211042117. [PMID: 34505815 PMCID: PMC8435927 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211042117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is an unpleasant sensory experience that usually plays a protective role. Inflammatory pain is often severe and stubborn, which has a great impact on the quality of life of patients. However, there has been no breakthrough in the treatment strategy and mechanism of inflammatory pain. METHODS This study investigated the analgesic effect of tetrahydropalmatine (THP) in rats injected with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain. Allodynia and gait analysis of rats were used to evaluate the analgesic effect at different time points before and after operation. THP (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once daily for 7 days post Day 3. The expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the spinal cord were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The activation of astrocytes and microglial cells in the spinal cord was tested by western blot before and after THP treatment. The apoptosis of glial cells was tested by flow cytometry after treatment with THP in the primary cultured glial cell model. RESULTS CFA treatment induced significant allodynia and caused abnormal gait in rats. Administration of THP at 10 mg/kg significantly alleviated CFA-induced inflammatory pain behaviors. Moreover, CFA-induced activation of glial cells and the increased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were inhibited by THP administration. In addition, THP promotes apoptosis in primary cultured glial cells. This study suggests the possible clinical utility of THP in the treatment of inflammatory pain. CONCLUSION THP plays an analgesic role by inhibiting the activation of glial cells and promoting apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Man Luo
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Danyang Meng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Huan Pan
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jianfen Shen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Ming Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Longsheng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang J, Wang L, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Huang X, Han T, Liu B, Zhang Y, Li Y, Zhang L. Synergistic Therapy of Celecoxib-Loaded Magnetism-Responsive Hydrogel for Tendon Tissue Injuries. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:592068. [PMID: 33330423 PMCID: PMC7729092 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.592068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendon tissue injury is very common and always associated with pain, tissue swelling and even malformation if not treated on time. Traditional therapeutic strategies, such as cryotherapy, electrical therapy, ultrasound therapy and anti-inflammatory drug, are still unsatisfying. In this work, a synergistic therapy, based on the combination of celecoxib drug and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) regimens, was developed for the treatment of tendon injury. This celecoxib-loaded magnetism-responsive hydrogel dressing (gelatin/Fe3O4/celecoxib) showed good biocompatibility and coordinated drug release behavior under the PEMF, which could effectively reduce the inflammatory reaction of macrophage cells with the incremental proportion of M2 macrophages at the injury site. CatWalk gait analysis further verified this synergistic effect of combination therapy for achieving the outstanding recovery of the injured tendon tissue. Thus, this magnetism-responsive hydrogel may represent a promising alternative strategy in clinics for promoting tendon healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Likang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yueming Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Graduate School, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Han
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Biyuan Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lining Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
The influence of rat strain on the development of neuropathic pain and comorbid anxio-depressive behaviour after nerve injury. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20981. [PMID: 33262364 PMCID: PMC7708988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77640-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Back-translating the clinical manifestations of human disease burden into animal models is increasingly recognized as an important facet of preclinical drug discovery. We hypothesized that inbred rat strains possessing stress hyper-reactive-, depressive- or anxiety-like phenotypes may possess more translational value than common outbred strains for modeling neuropathic pain. Rats (inbred: LEW, WKY, F344/ICO and F344/DU, outbred: Crl:SD) were exposed to Spared Nerve Injury (SNI) and evaluated routinely for 6 months on behaviours related to pain (von Frey stimulation and CatWalk-gait analysis), anxiety (elevated plus maze, EPM) and depression (sucrose preference test, SPT). Markers of stress reactivity together with spinal/brain opioid receptor expression were also measured. All strains variously developed mechanical allodynia after SNI with the exception of stress-hyporesponsive LEW rats, despite all strains displaying similar functional gait-deficits after injury. However, affective changes reflective of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour were only observed for F344/DU in the EPM, and for Crl:SD in SPT. Although differences in stress reactivity and opioid receptor expression occurred, overall they were relatively unaffected by SNI. Thus, anxio-depressive behaviours did not develop in all strains after nerve injury, and correlated only modestly with degree of pain sensitivity or with genetic predisposition to stress and/or affective disturbances.
Collapse
|
29
|
Bluette CT, Shoieb AM, Peng Q, Manickam B, Huang W, Shin E, Zhang W, Song YH, Liu CN. Behavioral, Histopathologic, and Molecular Biological Responses of Nanoparticle- and Solution-Based Formulations of Vincristine in Mice. Int J Toxicol 2020; 40:40-51. [PMID: 33148080 DOI: 10.1177/1091581820968255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Clinical use of the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine (VCR) is limited by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CiPN). A new formulation of VCR encapsulated by nanoparticles has been proposed and developed to alleviate CiPN. We hypothesized in nonclinical animals that the nanoparticle drug would be less neurotoxic due to different absorption and distribution properties to the peripheral nerve from the unencapsulated free drug. Here, we assessed whether VCR encapsulation in nanoparticles alleviates CiPN using behavioral gait analysis (CatWalk), histopathologic and molecular biological (RT-qPCR) approaches. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to 3 groups (empty nanoparticle, nano-VCR, solution-based VCR, each n = 8). After 15 days of dosing, animals were euthanized for tissue collection. It was shown that intraperitoneal administration of nano-VCR (0.15 mg/kg, every other day) and the empty nanoparticle resulted in no changes in gait parameters; whereas, injection of solution-based VCR resulted in decreased run speed and increased step cycle and stance (P < 0.05). There were no differences in incidence and severity of degeneration in the sciatic nerves between the nano-VCR-dosed and solution-based VCR-dosed animals. Likewise, decreased levels of a nervous tissue-enriched microRNA-183 in circulating blood did not show a significant difference between the nano- and solution-based VCR groups (P > 0.05). Empty nanoparticle administration did not cause any behavioral, microRNA, or structural changes. In conclusion, this study suggests that the nano-VCR formulation may alleviate behavioral changes in CiPN, but it does not improve the structural changes of CiPN in peripheral nerve. Nanoparticle properties may need to be optimized to improve biological observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal T Bluette
- Comparative Medicine, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ahmed M Shoieb
- Drug Safety R&D, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Qinghai Peng
- Drug Safety R&D, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Wenhu Huang
- Drug Safety R&D, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eyoung Shin
- Oncology, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Oncology, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Young-Ho Song
- Oncology, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, Pearl River, NY, USA
| | - Chang-Ning Liu
- Comparative Medicine, 105623Pfizer Worldwide RD&M, Groton, CT, USA. Peng is now with Protego Biopharma, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Heinzel J, Längle G, Oberhauser V, Hausner T, Kolbenschlag J, Prahm C, Grillari J, Hercher D. Use of the CatWalk gait analysis system to assess functional recovery in rodent models of peripheral nerve injury – a systematic review. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 345:108889. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
31
|
Kapitansky O, Karmon G, Sragovich S, Hadar A, Shahoha M, Jaljuli I, Bikovski L, Giladi E, Palovics R, Iram T, Gozes I. Single Cell ADNP Predictive of Human Muscle Disorders: Mouse Knockdown Results in Muscle Wasting. Cells 2020; 9:E2320. [PMID: 33086621 PMCID: PMC7603382 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) mutations are linked with cognitive dysfunctions characterizing the autistic-like ADNP syndrome patients, who also suffer from delayed motor maturation. We thus hypothesized that ADNP is deregulated in versatile myopathies and that local ADNP muscle deficiency results in myopathy, treatable by the ADNP fragment NAP. Here, single-cell transcriptomics identified ADNP as a major constituent of the developing human muscle. ADNP transcript concentrations further predicted multiple human muscle diseases, with concentrations negatively correlated with the ADNP target interacting protein, microtubule end protein 1 (EB1). Reverting back to modeling at the single-cell level of the male mouse transcriptome, Adnp mRNA concentrations age-dependently correlated with motor disease as well as with sexual maturation gene transcripts, while Adnp expressing limb muscle cells significantly decreased with aging. Mouse Adnp heterozygous deficiency exhibited muscle microtubule reduction and myosin light chain (Myl2) deregulation coupled with motor dysfunction. CRISPR knockdown of adult gastrocnemius muscle Adnp in a Cas9 mouse resulted in treadmill (male) and gait (female) dysfunctions that were specifically ameliorated by treatment with the ADNP snippet, microtubule interacting, Myl2-regulating, NAP (CP201). Taken together, our studies provide new hope for personalized diagnosis/therapeutics in versatile myopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Kapitansky
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Gidon Karmon
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Shlomo Sragovich
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Adva Hadar
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Meishar Shahoha
- Intradepartmental Viral Infection Unit, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Iman Jaljuli
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, School of Mathematical Sciences, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Lior Bikovski
- The Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Eliezer Giladi
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| | - Robert Palovics
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA; (R.P.); (T.I.)
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA
| | - Tal Iram
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA; (R.P.); (T.I.)
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 95343, USA
| | - Illana Gozes
- The Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (O.K.); (G.K.); (S.S.); (A.H.); (E.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu BL, Cao QL, Zhao X, Liu HZ, Zhang YQ. Inhibition of TRPV1 by SHP-1 in nociceptive primary sensory neurons is critical in PD-L1 analgesia. JCI Insight 2020; 5:137386. [PMID: 32960817 PMCID: PMC7605531 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.137386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) receptor PD-1 was found in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and PD-L1 activates PD-1 to inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain by modulating neuronal excitability. However, the downstream signaling of PD-1 in sensory neurons remains unclear. Here, we show that PD-L1 activated Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to downregulate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in DRG neurons and inhibit bone cancer pain in mice. Local injection of PD-L1 produced analgesia. PD-1 in DRG neurons colocalized with TRPV1 and SHP-1. PD-L1 induced the phosphorylation of SHP-1 in DRG TRPV1 neurons and inhibited TRPV1 currents. Loss of TRPV1 in mice abolished bone cancer–induced thermal hyperalgesia and PD-L1 analgesia. Conditioned deletion of SHP-1 in NaV1.8+ neurons aggravated bone cancer pain and diminished the inhibition of PD-L1 on TRPV1 currents and pain. Together, our findings suggest that PD-L1/PD-1 signaling suppresses bone cancer pain via inhibition of TRPV1 activity. Our results also suggest that SHP-1 in sensory neurons is an endogenous pain inhibitor and delays the development of bone cancer pain via suppressing TRPV1 function. PD-L1/PD-1 signaling suppresses TRPV1 activity and alleviates pain-like behaviors via phosphorylation of SHP-1 in nociceptive primary sensory neurons in a mouse bone cancer model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Long Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Lai Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Zhu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Age and Sex-Dependent ADNP Regulation of Muscle Gene Expression Is Correlated with Motor Behavior: Possible Feedback Mechanism with PACAP. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186715. [PMID: 32937737 PMCID: PMC7555576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), a double-edged sword, sex-dependently regulates multiple genes and was previously associated with the control of early muscle development and aging. Here we aimed to decipher the involvement of ADNP in versatile muscle gene expression patterns in correlation with motor function throughout life. Using quantitative RT-PCR we showed that Adnp+/− heterozygous deficiency in mice resulted in aberrant gastrocnemius (GC) muscle, tongue and bladder gene expression, which was corrected by the Adnp snippet, drug candidate, NAP (CP201). A significant sexual dichotomy was discovered, coupled to muscle and age-specific gene regulation. As such, Adnp was shown to regulate myosin light chain (Myl) in the gastrocnemius (GC) muscle, the language acquisition gene forkhead box protein P2 (Foxp2) in the tongue and the pituitary-adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptor PAC1 mRNA (Adcyap1r1) in the bladder, with PACAP linked to bladder function. A tight age regulation was observed, coupled to an extensive correlation to muscle function (gait analysis), placing ADNP as a muscle-regulating gene/protein.
Collapse
|
34
|
Effect of Systemic Adipose-derived Stem Cell Therapy on Functional Nerve Regeneration in a Rodent Model. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2020; 8:e2953. [PMID: 32802651 PMCID: PMC7413771 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000002953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Regardless of etiology, peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) result in disruption/loss of neuromuscular junctions, target muscle denervation, and poor sensorimotor outcomes with associated pain and disability. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have shown promise in neuroregeneration. However, there is a paucity of objective assessments reflective of functional neuroregeneration in experimental PNI. Here, we use a multimodal, static, and dynamic approach to evaluate functional outcomes after ASC therapy in a rodent PNI model.
Collapse
|
35
|
Botulinum Toxin A Improves Supramuscular Fat Graft Retention by Enhancing Angiogenesis and Adipogenesis. Dermatol Surg 2020; 46:646-652. [DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000002106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
36
|
Heinzel JC, Hercher D, Redl H. The course of recovery of locomotor function over a 10-week observation period in a rat model of femoral nerve resection and autograft repair. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01580. [PMID: 32097542 PMCID: PMC7177579 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A great extent of knowledge on peripheral nerve regeneration has been gathered using the rat sciatic nerve model. The femoral nerve model of the rat offers an interesting alternative, as it lacks disadvantageous features such as automutilation. For the analysis of locomotor behavior in rats after sciatic nerve injury, the CatWalk™ XT Gait Analysis System is often used. However, lesions of the femoral nerve in the rat have yet remained unstudied with this method. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ten male Sprague Dawley rats were evaluated with the CatWalk XT to study their gait after a 6-mm resection of the right femoral nerve and reconstruction with an autologous nerve graft. Animals were observed for 10 weeks after surgery. RESULTS Print Area, Print Length, Swing Speed, and Duty Cycle decreased to a minimum of 40% of baseline 2 weeks after surgery. Swing Time was elevated more than twofold at this time point. However, all these parameters recovered back to >90% of baseline values at 10 weeks after surgery. This degree of functional recovery has not been reported after sciatic nerve resection and autograft repair. Base of support varied minimally postoperatively in contrast to a strong decrement after sciatic nerve resection and repair. CONCLUSION We hereby provide a comprehensive in-depth analysis of how to study functional recovery after injury of the femoral nerve in the rat via the CatWalk XT. We place special emphasis on highlighting the differences between the femoral nerve and sciatic nerve injury model in this context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Christoph Heinzel
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Trauma Research Center, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Trauma Research Center, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology in the AUVA Trauma Research Center, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Richards TM, Sharma P, Kuang A, Whitty D, Ahmed Z, Shah PK. Novel Speed-Controlled Automated Ladder Walking Device Reveals Walking Speed as a Critical Determinant of Skilled Locomotion after a Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2698-2721. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany M. Richards
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Pawan Sharma
- Department of Physical Therapy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Aaron Kuang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Douglas Whitty
- Department of Physical Therapy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Zaghloul Ahmed
- Department of Physical Therapy, Center for Developmental Neuroscience, The College of Staten Island, Staten Island, New York
- Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Prithvi K. Shah
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
- Department of Physical Therapy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang CH, Ma ZZ, Huo BB, Lu YC, Wu JJ, Hua XY, Xu JG. Diffusional plasticity induced by electroacupuncture intervention in rat model of peripheral nerve injury. J Clin Neurosci 2019; 69:250-256. [PMID: 31477463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is an adjuvant therapy for peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Both peripheral and central alterations contribute to the rehabilitation process. We employed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate the diffusion plasticity of afferent and efferent pathways caused by EA in model of peripheral nerve injury and reparation. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: normal group, model group and intervention group. Rats of the model group and the intervention group underwent sciatic nerve transection and anastomosis. EA intervention was performed on the intervention group at ST-36 and GB-30 for three months. Gait assessment and DTI were conducted at days post-operative (DPO) 30, 60 and 90. We selected corticospinal tract, spinothalamic tract and internal capsule as regions of interest and analyzed diffusion metrics including fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD). FA values and RD values displayed significant differences or obvious tendency while AD values maintained a stable level. RD values displayed better indicative performance than FA in internal capsule. The intervention group presented significant correlation between RD values and Regularity Index (RI) during the intervention period. The effect of EA on peripheral nerve injury repairing rats appeared to be accelerated recovery process of sensory and motor neural pathway. We proposed that RD was a potential in vivo indicator for structural plasticity caused by EA and PNI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hao Zhang
- Center of Rehabilitation, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Ma
- Center of Rehabilitation, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei-Bei Huo
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye-Chen Lu
- Center of Rehabilitation, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Center of Rehabilitation, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- Center of Rehabilitation, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Feichtinger X, Monforte X, Keibl C, Hercher D, Schanda J, Teuschl AH, Muschitz C, Redl H, Fialka C, Mittermayr R. Substantial Biomechanical Improvement by Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy After Surgical Repair of Rodent Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears. Am J Sports Med 2019; 47:2158-2166. [PMID: 31206305 DOI: 10.1177/0363546519854760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characteristics of chronic rotator cuff tears include continuous loss of tendon structure as well as tendon elasticity, followed by a high failure rate after surgical reconstruction. Several studies have already shown the beneficial effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on tissue regeneration in tendon pathologies. HYPOTHESIS ESWT improves biomechanical tendon properties as well as functional shoulder outcomes in chronic rotator cuff reconstruction in rodents. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS After tendon detachment and 3 weeks of degeneration, a subsequent transosseous reattachment of the supraspinatus tendon was performed in 48 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16 per group). Rodents were randomly assigned to 3 study groups: no ESWT/control group, intraoperative ESWT (IntraESWT), and intra- and postoperative ESWT (IntraPostESWT). Shoulder joint function, as determined by gait analysis, was assessed repeatedly during the observation period. Eight weeks after tendon reconstruction, the rats were euthanized, and biomechanical and gene expression analyses were performed. RESULTS Macroscopically, all repairs were intact at the time of euthanasia, with no ruptures detectable. Biomechanical analyses showed significantly improved load-to-failure testing results in both ESWT groups in comparison with the control group (control, 0.629; IntraESWT, 1.102; IntraPostESWT, 0.924; IntraESWT vs control, P≤ .001; IntraPostESWT vs control, P≤ .05). Furthermore, functional gait analyses showed a significant enhancement in intensity measurements for the IntraPostESWT group in comparison with the control group (P≤ .05). Gene expression analysis revealed no significant differences among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION Clearly improved biomechanical results were shown in the single-application and repetitive ESWT groups. Furthermore, functional evaluation showed significantly improved intensity measurements for the repetitive ESWT group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study underpins a new additional treatment possibility to prevent healing failure. Improved biomechanical stability and functionality may enable faster remobilization as well as an accelerated return to work and sports activities. Furthermore, as shockwave therapy is a noninvasive, easy-to-perform, cost-effective treatment tool with no undesired side effects, this study is of high clinical relevance in orthopaedic surgery. Based on these study results, a clinical study has already been initiated to clinically confirm the improved functionality by ESWT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xaver Feichtinger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,AUVA Trauma Center Vienna-Meidling, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery II, Herz-Jesu Krankenhaus, Vienna, Austria
| | - Xavier Monforte
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Keibl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jakob Schanda
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,AUVA Trauma Center Vienna-Meidling, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas H Teuschl
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Heinz Redl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Fialka
- AUVA Trauma Center Vienna-Meidling, Vienna, Austria.,Center for the Musculoskeletal System, Medical Faculty, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Mittermayr
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,AUVA Trauma Center Vienna-Meidling, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ni XJ, Wang XD, Zhao YH, Qiu JY, Chen Y, Wang Y, Chang JJ. The High-Frequency Ultrasound Detection of Rat Sciatic Nerve in a Crushed Injury Model. Ultrasound Q 2019; 35:120-124. [PMID: 30020271 DOI: 10.1097/ruq.0000000000000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to visualize sciatic nerve injury in rats using ultrasound imaging in a crushed injury model. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a left sciatic nerve crush operation. Then, high-frequency ultrasound was used to image both sciatic nerves at 2 days and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS Normal uninjured nerves have uniform thickness, display a smooth epineurium and inner adventitia, and are oblong in transverse sections. After the crush operation, nerve thickness increased, the inner echo signal decreased, the image of the epineurium became obscured and coarse before becoming smooth again, and transverse sections of the nerve fibers changed from being semicircular to oval in shape before becoming elliptical again. These observations were consistent with pathological changes associated with nerve injury. CONCLUSIONS High-frequency ultrasound is capable of capturing dynamic changes in rat sciatic nerves in a crushed injury model. This can be used as an auxiliary method of evaluation in traditional peripheral nerve injury experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jun Ni
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital to Nantong University
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology of Medical College
| | - Ya-Hong Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jia-Ying Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology of Medical College
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital to Nantong University
| | - Jing-Jian Chang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Maghsoudi OH, Vahedipour A, Hallowell T, Spence A. Open-source Python software for analysis of 3D kinematics from quadrupedal animals. Biomed Signal Process Control 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2019.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
42
|
Liang Y, Zhang J, Walczak P, Bulte JWM. Quantification of motor neuron loss and muscular atrophy in ricin-induced focal nerve injury. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 308:142-150. [PMID: 30056087 PMCID: PMC6251705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrasciatic nerve injection of the Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA or ricin) causes degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) with functional deficits, such as those that occur in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The objective of this study was to develop a new comprehensive platform for quantitative evaluation of MN loss, muscular atrophy and behavioral deficits using different ricin injection regimens. NEW METHOD Fluorogold (FG)-guided stereological quantification of MNs, in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of muscular atrophy, and CatWalk behavioral testing were used to evaluate the outcome of rats treated with different ricin regimens (RCA60 0.5 μg, RCA60 3 μg, and RCA120 6 μg) as animal models of MN degeneration. RESULTS FG-guided stereological counting of MNs enabled identification, dissection and robust quantification of ricin-induced MN loss. The RCA60 0.5 μg and RCA120 6 μg regimens were found to be best suited as preclinical MN depletion models, with a low mortality and a reproducible MN loss, accompanied by muscle atrophy and functional deficits evaluated by MRI and the CatWalk method, respectively. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS 1) Fluorogold neuronal tracing provides a robust and straightforward means for quantifying MN loss in the spinal cord; 2) MRI is well-suited to non-invasively assess muscle atrophy; and 3) The CatWalk method is more flexible than rotarod test for studying motor deficits. CONCLUSION Intrasciatic injection of RCA60 or RCA120 induces nerve injury and muscle atrophy, which can be properly evaluated by a comprehensive platform using FG-guided quantitative 3D topographic histological analysis, MRI and the CatWalk behavioral test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Liang
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jiangyang Zhang
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Dept. of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Dept. of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Dept of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhu C, Huang J, Xue C, Wang Y, Wang S, Bao S, Chen R, Li Y, Gu Y. Skin derived precursor Schwann cell-generated acellular matrix modified chitosan/silk scaffolds for bridging rat sciatic nerve gap. Neurosci Res 2018; 135:21-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
44
|
miR126-5p Downregulation Facilitates Axon Degeneration and NMJ Disruption via a Non-Cell-Autonomous Mechanism in ALS. J Neurosci 2018; 38:5478-5494. [PMID: 29773756 PMCID: PMC6001038 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3037-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon degeneration and disruption of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are key events in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology. Although the disease's etiology is not fully understood, it is thought to involve a non-cell-autonomous mechanism and alterations in RNA metabolism. Here, we identified reduced levels of miR126-5p in presymptomatic ALS male mice models, and an increase in its targets: axon destabilizing Type 3 Semaphorins and their coreceptor Neuropilins. Using compartmentalized in vitro cocultures, we demonstrated that myocytes expressing diverse ALS-causing mutations promote axon degeneration and NMJ dysfunction, which were inhibited by applying Neuropilin1 blocking antibody. Finally, overexpressing miR126-5p is sufficient to transiently rescue axon degeneration and NMJ disruption both in vitro and in vivo Thus, we demonstrate a novel mechanism underlying ALS pathology, in which alterations in miR126-5p facilitate a non-cell-autonomous mechanism of motor neuron degeneration in ALS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite some progress, currently no effective treatment is available for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We suggest a novel regulatory role for miR126-5p in ALS and demonstrate, for the first time, a mechanism by which alterations in miR126-5p contribute to axon degeneration and NMJ disruption observed in ALS. We show that miR126-5p is altered in ALS models and that it can modulate Sema3 and NRP protein expression. Furthermore, NRP1 elevations in motor neurons and muscle secretion of Sema3A contribute to axon degeneration and NMJ disruption in ALS. Finally, overexpressing miR126-5p is sufficient to transiently rescue NMJ disruption and axon degeneration both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
|
45
|
Dupleichs M, Masson M, Gauthier O, Dutilleul M, Bouler JM, Verron E, Janvier P. Pain Management After Bone Reconstruction Surgery Using an Analgesic Bone Cement: A Functional Noninvasive In Vivo Study Using Gait Analysis. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2018; 19:1169-1180. [PMID: 29772271 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Postoperative pain after bone reconstruction is a serious complication that could jeopardize the global success of a surgery. This pain must be controlled and minimized during the first 3 to 4 postoperative days to prevent it from becoming chronic. In this study, a critical-size bone defect was created at the femoral distal end of rats and filled by an injectable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) loaded or not with local anesthetics (bupivacaine or ropivacaine). A functional evaluation of the gait was performed using the CatWalk system to compare the postoperative pain relief enhanced by the different CPCs after such a bone filling surgery. The results demonstrated significant pain relief during the short-term postoperative period, as shown by the print area and intensity parameters of the operated paw. At 24hours, the print area decreased by 65%, 42%, and 24%, and the intensity decreased by 25%, 9%, and 1% for unloaded, ropivacaine-loaded, and bupivacaine-loaded CPCs, respectively, compared with the preoperative values. Bupivacaine-loaded CPC provided an earlier return to full functional recovery than ropivacaine-loaded CPC. Moreover, the CPCs retained their biologic and mechanical properties. For all these reasons, anesthetic-loaded CPCs could be part of the global pain management protocol after bone reconstruction surgery such as iliac crest bone grafting procedures. PERSPECTIVE Bupivacaine-loaded CPC provided an earlier return to full gait function than ropivacaine-loaded CPC, with preserved bone filling properties. Such analgesic CPCs deserve further in vivo investigation and may be part of the global pain management protocol after bone reconstruction or bone augmentation surgery such as iliac crest bone grafting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dupleichs
- CEISAM, CNRS UMR 6230, University of Nantes, Nantes, France; RMeS-lab, INSERM UMR 1229, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Martial Masson
- RMeS-lab, INSERM UMR 1229, University of Nantes, Nantes, France; INSERM, UMS 016, CNRS 3556, Structure Fédérative de Recherche François Bonamy, SC3M facility, CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Université de Nantes, UFR Odontologie, Nantes, F-44042, France
| | - Olivier Gauthier
- RMeS-lab, INSERM UMR 1229, University of Nantes, Nantes, France; ONIRIS, Nantes Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Nantes, France
| | - Maeva Dutilleul
- RMeS-lab, INSERM UMR 1229, University of Nantes, Nantes, France; INSERM, UMS 016, CNRS 3556, Structure Fédérative de Recherche François Bonamy, SC3M facility, CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France; Université de Nantes, UFR Odontologie, Nantes, F-44042, France
| | | | - Elise Verron
- CEISAM, CNRS UMR 6230, University of Nantes, Nantes, France; RMeS-lab, INSERM UMR 1229, University of Nantes, Nantes, France.
| | - Pascal Janvier
- CEISAM, CNRS UMR 6230, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mozafari R, Kyrylenko S, Castro MV, Ferreira RS, Barraviera B, Oliveira ALR. Combination of heterologous fibrin sealant and bioengineered human embryonic stem cells to improve regeneration following autogenous sciatic nerve grafting repair. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2018; 24:11. [PMID: 29681920 PMCID: PMC5897995 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-018-0147-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peripheral nerve injury is a worldwide clinical problem, and the preferred surgical method for treating it is the end-to-end neurorrhaphy. When it is not possible due to a large nerve gap, autologous nerve grafting is used. However, these surgical techniques result in nerve regeneration at highly variable degrees. It is thus very important to seek complementary techniques to improve motor and sensory recovery. One promising approach could be cell therapy. Transplantation therapy with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is appealing because these cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into specialized cell types and have self-renewal ability. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to find conditions under which functional recovery is improved after sciatic nerve neurorrhaphy. We assumed that hESC, either alone or in combination with heterologous fibrin sealant scaffold, could be used to support regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve injury and repair via autografting with end-to-end neurorrhaphy. Methods Five millimeters of the sciatic nerve of C57BL/6 J mice were transected off and rotated 180 degrees to simulate an injury, and then stumps were sutured. Next, we applied heterologous fibrin sealant and/or human embryonic stem cells genetically altered to overexpress fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) at the site of the injury. The study was designed to include six experimental groups comprising neurorrhaphy (N), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant (N + F), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + doxycycline (N + F + D), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + wild-type hESC (N + F + W), neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + hESC off (N + F + T), and neurorrhaphy + heterologous fibrin sealant + hESC on via doxycycline (N + F + D + T). We evaluated the recovery rate using Catwalk and von Frey functional recovery tests, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis. Results The experiments indicated that sensory function improved when transgenic hESCs were used. The regeneration of sensory fibers indeed led to increased reflexes, upon stimulation of the paw ipsilateral to the lesion, as seen by von-Frey evaluation, which was supported by immunohistochemistry. Conclusions Overall, the present data demonstrated that transgenic embryonic stem cells, engineered to overexpress FGF-2 in an inducible fashion, could be employed to support regeneration aiming at the recovery of both motor and sensory functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Mozafari
- 1Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Campinas, SP CEP 13083-970 Brazil
| | - Sergiy Kyrylenko
- 2Department of Public Health, Medical Institute of Sumy State University, Sumy, 40007 Ukraine
| | - Mateus Vidigal Castro
- 1Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Campinas, SP CEP 13083-970 Brazil
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- 3Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Benedito Barraviera
- 3Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, SP Brazil
| | - Alexandre Leite Rodrigues Oliveira
- 1Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Laboratory of Nerve Regeneration, Campinas, SP CEP 13083-970 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cortical remodeling after electroacupuncture therapy in peripheral nerve repairing model. Brain Res 2018; 1690:61-73. [PMID: 29654733 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is an alternative therapy for peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The treatment relies on post-therapeutic effect rather than real-time effect. We utilized fMRI to clarify the resting-state alteration caused by sustained effect of EA on peripheral nerve repairing model. Twenty-four rats were divided equally into three groups: normal group, model group and intervention group. Rats of the model and intervention group underwent sciatic nerve transection and direct anastomosis. EA intervention at ST-36 and GB-30 was conducted continuously for 4 months on the intervention group. Behavioral assessments and fMRI were performed 1 month and 4 months after surgery. Intervention group showed significant improvement on the gait parameters max contact mean intensity (MCMI) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) than model group. EA-related sustained effects of amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) could be described as a remolding pattern of somatosensory area and sensorimotor integration regions which presented higher ALFF in the contralateral hemisphere and lower in the ipsilateral hemisphere than model group. Interhemispheric functional connectivity (FC) analysis showed a significantly lower FC after EA therapy between the largest significantly different clusters in bilateral somatosensory cortices than the model group 4 months after surgery(p < 0.05). And the model group presented significantly higher FC than the normal group at both two time-points (p < 0.01). The sustained effect of EA on peripheral nerve repairing rats appeared to induce both regional and extensive neuroplasticity in bilateral hemispheres. We proposed that such EA-related effect was a reverse of maladaptive plasticity caused by PNI.
Collapse
|
48
|
Christensen AJ, Iyer SM, François A, Vyas S, Ramakrishnan C, Vesuna S, Deisseroth K, Scherrer G, Delp SL. In Vivo Interrogation of Spinal Mechanosensory Circuits. Cell Rep 2017; 17:1699-1710. [PMID: 27806306 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal dorsal horn circuits receive, process, and transmit somatosensory information. To understand how specific components of these circuits contribute to behavior, it is critical to be able to directly modulate their activity in unanesthetized in vivo conditions. Here, we develop experimental tools that enable optogenetic control of spinal circuitry in freely moving mice using commonly available materials. We use these tools to examine mechanosensory processing in the spinal cord and observe that optogenetic activation of somatostatin-positive interneurons facilitates both mechanosensory and itch-related behavior, while reversible chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons suppresses mechanosensation. These results extend recent findings regarding the processing of mechanosensory information in the spinal cord and indicate the potential for activity-induced release of the somatostatin neuropeptide to affect processing of itch. The spinal implant approach we describe here is likely to enable a wide range of studies to elucidate spinal circuits underlying pain, touch, itch, and movement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J Christensen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shrivats M Iyer
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Amaury François
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Saurabh Vyas
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sam Vesuna
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Grégory Scherrer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Scott L Delp
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Of rodents and men: understanding the emergence of motor and cognitive symptoms in Huntington disease. Behav Pharmacol 2017; 27:403-14. [PMID: 26886208 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Arguably, one of the most important milestones in Huntington disease research since the discovery of the gene responsible has been the generation of different genetic animal models. Although clinical reports have shown evidence of progressive cognitive impairments in gene carriers before motor symptoms are diagnosed, such symptoms have been much less obvious in animal models. In this review, we summarize the three main classes of animal models for Huntington disease and describe some relevant translational assays for behavioural deficits evaluation. Finally, we argue that a good knowledge of the emergence of motor and cognitive symptoms in mice and rat models is indispensable for the selection of endpoint measures in early preclinical drug screening studies.
Collapse
|
50
|
Bernardes D, Oliveira ALR. Comprehensive catwalk gait analysis in a chronic model of multiple sclerosis subjected to treadmill exercise training. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:160. [PMID: 28830377 PMCID: PMC5568395 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0941-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease with a wide range of symptoms including walking impairment and neuropathic pain mainly represented by mechanical allodynia. Noteworthy, exercise preconditioning may affect both walking impairment and mechanical allodynia. Most of MS symptoms can be reproduced in the animal model named experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Usually, neurological deficits of EAE are recorded using a clinical scale based on the development of disease severity that characterizes tail and limb paralysis. Following paralysis recovery, subtle motor alterations and even mechanical allodynia investigation are difficult to record, representing sequels of peak disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the walking dysfunction by the catwalk system (CT) in exercised and non-exercised C57BL/6 mice submitted to EAE with MOG35-55 up to 42 days post-induction (dpi). METHODS Twenty-four C57BL/6 female mice were randomly assigned to unexercised (n = 12) or exercised (n = 12) groups. The MOG35-55 induced EAE model has been performed at the beginning of the fifth week of the physical exercise training protocol. In order to characterize the gait parameters, we used the CT system software version XT 10.1 (Noldus Inc., The Netherlands) from a basal time point (before induction) to 42 days post induction (dpi). Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prisma 4.0 software. RESULTS Data show dynamic gait changes in EAE mice including differential front (FP) and hind paw (HP) contact latency. Such findings are hypothesized as related to an attempt to maintain balance and posture similar to what has been observed in patients with MS. Importantly, pre-exercised mice show differences in the mentioned gait compensation, particularly at the propulsion sub-phase of HP stand. Besides, we observed reduced intensity of the paw prints as well as reduced print area in EAE subjects, suggestive of a development of chronic mechanical allodynia in spite of being previously exercised. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that Catwalk system is a useful tool to investigate subtle motor impairment and mechanical allodynia at chronic time points of the EAE model, improving the functional investigation of gait abnormalities and demyelination sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Bernardes
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, Sao Paulo 13.083-862 Brazil
| | - Alexandre Leite Rodrigues Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, Sao Paulo 13.083-862 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|