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Forghani R, Goodnight B, Latchoumane CFV, Karumbaiah L. AutoRG: An automatized reach-to-grasp platform technology for assessing forelimb motor function, neural circuit activation, and cognition in rodents. J Neurosci Methods 2023; 387:109798. [PMID: 36682731 PMCID: PMC10071513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent reach-to-grasp function assessment is a translationally powerful model for evaluating neurological function impairments and recovery responses. Existing assessment platforms are experimenter-dependent, costly, or low-throughput with limited output measures. Further, a direct histologic comparison of neural activation has never been conducted between any novel, automated platform and the well-established single pellet skilled reach task (SRT). NEW METHOD To address these technological and knowledge gaps, we designed an open-source, low-cost Automatized Reach-to-Grasp (AutoRG) pull platform that reduces experimenter interventions and variability. We assessed reach-to-grasp function in rats across seven progressively difficult stages using AutoRG. We mapped AutoRG and SRT-activated motor circuitries in the rat brain using volumetric imaging of the immediate early gene-encoded Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated) protein. RESULTS Rats demonstrated robust forelimb reaching and pulling behavior after training in AutoRG. Reliable force versus time responses were recorded for individual reach events in real time, which were used to derive several secondary functional measures of performance. Moreover, we provide the first demonstration that for a training period of 30 min, AutoRG and SRT both engage similar neural responses in the caudal forelimb area (CFA), rostral forelimb area (RFA), and sensorimotor area (S1). CONCLUSION AutoRG is the first low-cost, open-source pull system designed for the scale-up of volitional forelimb motor function testing and characterization of rodent reaching behavior. The similarities in neuronal activation patterns observed in the rat motor cortex after SRT and AutoRG assessments validate the AutoRG as a rigorously characterized, scalable alternative to the conventional SRT and expensive commercial systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameen Forghani
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Braxton Goodnight
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Charles-Francois Vincent Latchoumane
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Georgia, 425, River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Lohitash Karumbaiah
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Georgia, 425, River Road, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Georgia, 203 Pound Hall, 105 Foster Rd, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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2
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Betz D, Becker AM, Cotter KM, Sloan AM, Stowe AM, Goldberg MP. Using Operant Reach Chambers to Assess Mouse Skilled Forelimb Use After Stroke. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2616:327-343. [PMID: 36715943 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2926-0_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Skilled forelimb reaching and grasping are important components of rodent motor performance. The isometric pull task can serve as a tool for quantifying forelimb function following stroke or other CNS injury as well as in forelimb rehabilitation. This task has been extensively developed for use in rats. Here, we describe methods of setup and training of an operant reach chamber for mice. Using a reward of peanut oil, mice are adaptively trained to pull a handle positioned slightly outside of an operant chamber, with automated recording of the number of attempts, force generated, success rate, and latency to maximal force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dene Betz
- Department of Neurology, UT Health Sciences Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - April M Becker
- Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Katherine M Cotter
- Department of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Ann M Stowe
- Department of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mark P Goldberg
- Department of Neurology, UT Health Sciences Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Samejima S, Ievins AM, Boissenin A, Tolley NM, Khorasani A, Mondello SE, Moritz CT. Automated lever task with minimum antigravity movement for rats with cervical spinal cord injury. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 366:109433. [PMID: 34863839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109433] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is currently no cure for paralysis due to spinal cord injury (SCI), the highest treatment priority is restoring arm and hand function for people with cervical SCI. Preclinical animal models provide an opportunity to test innovative treatments, but severe cervical injury models require significant time and effort to assess responses to novel interventions. Moreover, there is no behavioral task that can assess forelimb movement in rats with severe cervical SCI unable to perform antigravity movements. NEW METHOD We developed a novel lever pressing task for rats with severe cervical SCI. We employed an automated adaptive algorithm to train animals using open-source software and commercially available hardware. We found that using the adaptive training required only 13.3 ± 2.5 training days to achieve behavioral proficiency. The lever press task could quantify immediate and long-term improvements in severely impaired forelimb function effectively. This behavior platform has potential to facilitate rehabilitative training and assess effects of therapeutic modalities following SCI. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS There is no existing assessment aiming to quantify forelimb extension movement in rodents without function against gravity. We found that the new lever press task in the antigravity position could assess the severity of cervical SCI as well as the compensatory movement in the proximal forelimb less affected by the injury. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the new behavioral task is capable of tracking the functional changes with various therapies in rats with severe forelimb impairments in a cost- and time-efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soshi Samejima
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; UW Institute for Neural Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; The Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Aiva M Ievins
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adrien Boissenin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nicholas M Tolley
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Abed Khorasani
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sarah E Mondello
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chet T Moritz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; UW Institute for Neural Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; The Center for Neurotechnology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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Sanchez CA, Brougher J, Krishnan DG, Thorn CA. Longitudinal Assessment of Skilled Forelimb Motor Impairments in DJ-1 Knockout Rats. Behav Brain Res 2022; 424:113774. [PMID: 35101457 PMCID: PMC8941633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND DJ-1 knockout (DJ-1 KO) rats exhibit a moderate parkinsonian phenotype, with gross motor deficits and ca. 50% loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons appearing around 6-8 months of age. Fine motor impairments are often observed in Parkinson's disease (PD), but skilled motor function in recently developed transgenic rat models of PD is not well characterized. OBJECTIVES To assess the longitudinal performance of DJ-1 KO rats on a skilled forelimb reaching task. METHODS DJ-1 KO and wild-type (WT) rats were trained from 2 to 10 months of age on an isometric pullbar task designed to test forelimb strength and coordination. After 36 consecutive weeks of training (ca. 10 months old), task difficulty was then increased to challenge the motor capabilities of the DJ-1 KO rats. Throughout the study, subjects also received weekly assessments of gross locomotor activity in an open field. RESULTS Pull-task performance of the DJ-1 KO rats was impaired compared to WT, with deficits reaching significance around 7-9 months of age. When challenged, DJ-1 KO rats were able to exert increased force on the pullbar but continued to exhibit deficits compared to WT rats. Throughout the study, no differences in distance traveled or rearing frequency were observed in the open field, but DJ-1 KO rats were found to spend significantly more time in the center of the open field than WT rats. CONCLUSIONS Using a sensitive, automated assay of forelimb strength and coordination, we find that skilled forelimb motor performance is impaired in DJ-1 KO rats.
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GARCIA NÁDIAF, MORAES CAMILADE, REBELO MACÁRIOA, PETERS SAVANAHMARIAG, CASTRO FÁBIOMDE, PUGGINA ENRICOF. Strength training with and without arteriovenous blood flow restriction improves performance, regardless of changes in muscle hypertrophy, in Wistar rats. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20201147. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220201147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - ENRICO F. PUGGINA
- University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil; University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil
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Baylo-Marín O, Flores Á, García-Alías G. Long-term rehabilitation reduces task error variability in cervical spinal cord contused rats. Exp Neurol 2021; 348:113928. [PMID: 34813841 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To promote skilled forelimb function following a spinal cord injury, we have evaluated whether long-term voluntary sensorimotor rehabilitation can promote substantial reaching and grasping recovery. Long-Evans rats were trained to reach single pellets and then received a moderate 100 kdyn contusion to the C5 lateral funiculi. During the first eight months post-injury, a group of animals was enrolled in daily skilled reaching rehabilitation consisting of grabbing and manipulating seeds from the bottom of a grid. Single-pellet reaching and grasping recovery was tested biweekly throughout the functional follow-up and the recovery was compared to a second group of contused but non-rehabilitated animals. Following the injury, reaching and grasping success dropped to zero in both groups and remained absent for three months post-injury, followed by a slight recovery that remained constant until the end of the follow-up. No differences in reaching success were found between groups. Nevertheless, the type of gesture errors in the failed attempts were categorized and scored. The errors ranged from the animal's inability to lift the paw and initiate the movement to the final stage of the attempt, in which the pellet falls during grasping and retraction of the paw towards the mouth. Both groups of animals exhibited similar types of errors but the animals with rehabilitation showed less error variability and those that occurred at the latest stages of the attempt predominated compared to those performed by the non-trained animals. Histological examination of the injury showed that injury severity was similar between groups and that the damage was circumscribed to the site of impact, affecting mainly the dorsal and medial region of the lateral funiculi, with preservation of the dorsal component of the corticospinal tract and the interneurons and motoneurons of the spinal segments beyond the site of injury. The results indicate that activity-dependent plasticity driven by voluntary rehabilitation decreases task error variability and drives the recovery of the movement gestures. However, the plasticity achieved is insufficient to attain full functional recovery to successfully reach, grasp and release the pellets in the mouth, indicating the necessity for additional interventional therapies to promote repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaia Baylo-Marín
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology & Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - África Flores
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology & Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Guillermo García-Alías
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology & Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain; Institut Guttmann de Neurorehabilitació, Badalona, Spain.
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The Efficacy of Schwann-Like Differentiated Muscle-Derived Stem Cells in Treating Rodent Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Injury. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 148:787-798. [PMID: 34550935 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000008383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a pressing need to identify alternative mesenchymal stem cell sources for Schwann cell cellular replacement therapy, to improve peripheral nerve regeneration. This study assessed the efficacy of Schwann cell-like cells (induced muscle-derived stem cells) differentiated from muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) in augmenting nerve regeneration and improving muscle function after nerve trauma. METHODS The Schwann cell-like nature of induced MDSCs was characterized in vitro using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, microarray, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. In vivo, four groups (n = 5 per group) of rats with median nerve injuries were examined: group 1 animals were treated with intraneural phosphate-buffered saline after cold and crush axonotmesis (negative control); group 2 animals were no-injury controls; group 3 animals were treated with intraneural green fluorescent protein-positive MDSCs; and group 4 animals were treated with green fluorescent protein-positive induced MDSCs. All animals underwent weekly upper extremity functional testing. Rats were euthanized 5 weeks after treatment. The median nerve and extrinsic finger flexors were harvested for nerve histomorphometry, myelination, muscle weight, and atrophy analyses. RESULTS In vitro, induced MDSCs recapitulated native Schwann cell gene expression patterns and up-regulated pathways involved in neuronal growth/signaling. In vivo, green fluorescent protein-positive induced MDSCs remained stably transformed 5 weeks after injection. Induced MDSC therapy decreased muscle atrophy after median nerve injury (p = 0.0143). Induced MDSC- and MDSC-treated animals demonstrated greater functional muscle recovery when compared to untreated controls (hand grip after induced MDSC treatment: group 1, 0.91 N; group 4, 3.38 N); p < 0.0001) at 5 weeks after treatment. This may demonstrate the potential beneficial effects of MDSC therapy, regardless of differentiation stage. CONCLUSION Both MDSCs and induced MDSCs decrease denervation muscle atrophy and improve subsequent functional outcomes after upper extremity nerve trauma in rodents.
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Huot-Lavoie M, Ethier C, Ting W, Burns D. Assessment of Corticospinal Excitability in Awake Rodents Using EMG-Controlled Intracortical Stimulation. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4267. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Darrow MJ, Mian TM, Torres M, Haider Z, Danaphongse T, Seyedahmadi A, Rennaker RL, Hays SA, Kilgard MP. The tactile experience paired with vagus nerve stimulation determines the degree of sensory recovery after chronic nerve damage. Behav Brain Res 2021; 396:112910. [PMID: 32971197 PMCID: PMC7572822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Loss of sensory function is a common consequence of neurological injury. Recent clinical and preclinical evidence indicates vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with tactile rehabilitation, consisting of delivery of a variety of mechanical stimuli to the hyposensitive skin surface, yields substantial and long-lasting recovery of somatosensory function after median and ulnar nerve transection and repair. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a specific component of the tactile rehabilitation paired with VNS is necessary for recovery of somatosensory function. In a second experiment in a separate cohort, we investigated whether VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation could improve skilled forelimb motor function. Elements of the study design, including planned sample size, assessments, and statistical comparisons, were preregistered prior to beginning data collection (https://osf.io/3tm8u/). Animals received a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) causing chronic sensory loss. Eight weeks after injury, animals were given a VNS implant followed by six weeks of tactile rehabilitation sessions consisting of repeated application of one of two distinct mechanical stimuli, a filament or a paintbrush, to the previously denervated forepaw. VNS paired with either filament indentation or brushing of the paw significantly improved recovery of forelimb withdrawal thresholds after PNI compared to tactile rehabilitation without VNS. The effect size was twice as large when VNS was paired with brushing compared to VNS paired with point indentation. An independent replication in a second cohort confirmed that VNS paired with brush restored forelimb withdrawal thresholds to normal. These rats displayed significant improvements in performance on a skilled forelimb task compared to rats that did not receive VNS. These findings support the utility of pairing VNS with tactile rehabilitation to improve recovery of somatosensory and motor function after neurological injury. Additionally, this study demonstrates that the sensory characteristics of the rehabilitation paired with VNS determine the degree of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Darrow
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Tabarak M Mian
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Miranda Torres
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Zainab Haider
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Tanya Danaphongse
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Armin Seyedahmadi
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Seth A Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States.
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
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Fenrich KK, Hallworth BW, Vavrek R, Raposo PJF, Misiaszek JE, Bennett DJ, Fouad K, Torres-Espin A. Self-directed rehabilitation training intensity thresholds for efficient recovery of skilled forelimb function in rats with cervical spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2020; 339:113543. [PMID: 33290776 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Task specific rehabilitation training is commonly used to treat motor dysfunction after neurological injures such as spinal cord injury (SCI), yet the use of task specific training in preclinical animal studies of SCI is not common. This is due in part to the difficulty in training animals to perform specific motor tasks, but also due to the lack of knowledge about optimal rehabilitation training parameters to maximize recovery. The single pellet reaching, grasping and retrieval (SPRGR) task (a.k.a. single pellet reaching task or Whishaw task) is a skilled forelimb motor task used to provide rehabilitation training and test motor recovery in rodents with cervical SCI. However, the relationships between the amount, duration, intensity, and timing of training remain poorly understood. In this study, using automated robots that allow rats with cervical SCI ad libitum access to self-directed SPRGR rehabilitation training, we show clear relationships between the total amount of rehabilitation training, the intensity of training (i.e., number of attempts/h), and performance in the task. Specifically, we found that rats naturally segregate into High and Low performance groups based on training strategy and performance in the task. Analysis of the different training strategies showed that more training (i.e., increased number of attempts in the SPRGR task throughout rehabilitation training) at higher intensities (i.e., number of attempts per hour) increased performance in the task, and that improved performance in the SPRGR task was linked to differences in corticospinal tract axon collateral densities in the injured spinal cords. Importantly, however, our data also indicate that rehabilitation training becomes progressively less efficient (i.e., less recovery for each attempt) as both the amount and intensity of rehabilitation training increases. Finally, we found that Low performing animals could increase their training intensity and transition to High performing animals in chronic SCI. These results highlight the rehabilitation training strategies that are most effective to regain skilled forelimb motor function after SCI, which will facilitate pre-clinical rehabilitation studies using animal models and could be beneficial in the development of more efficient clinical rehabilitation training strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith K Fenrich
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada.
| | - Ben W Hallworth
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Romana Vavrek
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Pamela J F Raposo
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - John E Misiaszek
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - David J Bennett
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Karim Fouad
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Abel Torres-Espin
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada; Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC), Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco 94110, USA.
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Latchoumane CFV, Barany DA, Karumbaiah L, Singh T. Neurostimulation and Reach-to-Grasp Function Recovery Following Acquired Brain Injury: Insight From Pre-clinical Rodent Models and Human Applications. Front Neurol 2020; 11:835. [PMID: 32849253 PMCID: PMC7396659 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Reach-to-grasp is an evolutionarily conserved motor function that is adversely impacted following stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation, are promising tools that could enhance functional recovery of reach-to-grasp post-brain injury. Though the rodent literature provides a causal understanding of post-injury recovery mechanisms, it has had a limited impact on NIBS protocols in human research. The high degree of homology in reach-to-grasp circuitry between humans and rodents further implies that the application of NIBS to brain injury could be better informed by findings from pre-clinical rodent models and neurorehabilitation research. Here, we provide an overview of the advantages and limitations of using rodent models to advance our current understanding of human reach-to-grasp function, cortical circuitry, and reorganization. We propose that a cross-species comparison of reach-to-grasp recovery could provide a mechanistic framework for clinically efficacious NIBS treatments that could elicit better functional outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles-Francois V. Latchoumane
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Deborah A. Barany
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lohitash Karumbaiah
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Tarkeshwar Singh
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Darrow MJ, Torres M, Sosa MJ, Danaphongse TT, Haider Z, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP, Hays SA. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired With Rehabilitative Training Enhances Motor Recovery After Bilateral Spinal Cord Injury to Cervical Forelimb Motor Pools. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2020; 34:200-209. [PMID: 31969052 DOI: 10.1177/1545968319895480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitative training has emerged as a strategy to enhance recovery after neurological injury. Previous studies demonstrate that brief bursts of closed-loop VNS paired with rehabilitative training substantially improve recovery of forelimb motor function in models of unilateral and bilateral contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) at spinal level C5/6. While these findings provide initial evidence of the utility of VNS for SCI, the injury model used in these studies spares the majority of alpha motor neurons originating in C7-T1 that innervate distal forelimb muscles. Because the clinical manifestation of SCI in many patients involves damage at these levels, it is important to define whether damage to the distal forelimb motor neuron pools limits VNS-dependent recovery. In this study, we assessed recovery of forelimb function in rats that received a bilateral incomplete contusive SCI at C7/8 and underwent extensive rehabilitative training with or without paired VNS. The study design, including planned sample size, assessments, and statistical comparisons, was preregistered prior to beginning data collection ( https://osf.io/ysvgf/ ). VNS paired with rehabilitative training significantly improved recovery of volitional forelimb strength compared to equivalent rehabilitative training without VNS. Additionally, VNS-dependent enhancement of recovery generalized to 2 similar, but untrained, forelimb tasks. These findings indicate that damage to alpha motor neurons does not prevent VNS-dependent enhancement of recovery and provides additional evidence to support the evaluation of closed-loop VNS paired with rehabilitation in patients with incomplete cervical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria J Sosa
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | | | - Zainab Haider
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Seth A Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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Darrow MJ, Mian TM, Torres M, Haider Z, Danaphongse T, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP, Hays SA. Restoration of Somatosensory Function by Pairing Vagus Nerve Stimulation with Tactile Rehabilitation. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:194-205. [PMID: 31875975 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sensory dysfunction is a common consequence of many forms of neurological injury, including stroke and nerve damage. Rehabilitative paradigms that incorporate sensory retraining can provide modest benefits, but the majority of patients are left with lasting sensory loss. We have developed a novel strategy that uses closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with tactile rehabilitation to enhance synaptic plasticity and facilitate recovery of sensory function. METHODS A clinical case report provides initial evidence that a similar implementation of closed-loop VNS paired with a tactile rehabilitation regimen could improve recovery of somatosensory function. Here, we sought to build on these promising initial clinical data and rigorously evaluate the ability of VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation to improve recovery in an animal model of chronic sensory loss. The study design, including planned sample size, assessments, and statistical comparisons, was preregistered prior to beginning data collection (https://osf.io/xsnj5/). RESULTS VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation resulted in a significant and nearly complete recovery of mechanosensory withdrawal thresholds. Equivalent tactile rehabilitation without VNS failed to improve sensory function. This VNS-dependent restoration of sensory thresholds was maintained for several months after the cessation of stimulation, illustrating long-term benefits. Moreover, VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation resulted in significant generalized improvements in other measures of sensorimotor forepaw function. INTERPRETATION Given the safety and tolerability of VNS therapy, these findings suggest that incorporating VNS paired with sensory retraining into rehabilitative regimens may represent a fundamentally new method to increase recovery of sensory function after neurological injury. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:194-205.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Darrow
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Tabarak M Mian
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Miranda Torres
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Zainab Haider
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Tanya Danaphongse
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Seth A Hays
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
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14
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Usoro JO, Shih E, Black BJ, Rihani RT, Abbott J, Chakraborty B, Pancrazio JJ, Cogan SF. Chronic stability of local field potentials from standard and modified Blackrock microelectrode arrays implanted in the rat motor cortex. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2019. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ab4c02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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15
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Torres-Espín A, Beaudry E, Fenrich K, Fouad K. Rehabilitative Training in Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 35:1970-1985. [PMID: 30074874 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitative motor training is currently one of the most widely used approaches to promote moderate recovery following injuries of the central nervous system. Such training is generally applied in the clinical setting, whereas it is not standard in preclinical research. This is a concern as it is becoming increasingly apparent that neuroplasticity enhancing treatments require training or some form of activity as a co-therapy to promote functional recovery. Despite the importance of training and the many open questions regarding its mechanistic consequences, its use in preclinical animal models is rather limited. Here we review approaches, findings and challenges when training is applied in animal models of spinal cord injury, and we suggest recommendations to facilitate the integration of training using an appropriate study design, into pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Torres-Espín
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eric Beaudry
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Karim Fouad
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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16
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Hanwright PJ, Rath JL, Guionneau N, Harris TG, Sarhane KA, Kemp SW, Hoke A, Cederna PS, Tuffaha SH. Stimulated grip strength measurement: Validation of a novel method for functional assessment. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:437-442. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.26646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Hanwright
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Jennifer L. Rath
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Nicholas Guionneau
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Thomas G.W Harris
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Karim A. Sarhane
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Stephen W.P. Kemp
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Ahmet Hoke
- Department of NeurologyJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Paul S. Cederna
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Sami H. Tuffaha
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
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17
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Sindhurakar A, Butensky SD, Carmel JB. Automated Forelimb Tasks for Rodents: Current Advantages and Limitations, and Future Promise. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2019; 33:503-512. [PMID: 31189409 DOI: 10.1177/1545968319855034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rodent tests of function have advanced our understanding of movement, largely through the human training and testing and manual assessment. Tools such as reaching and grasping of a food pellet have been widely adopted because they are effective and simple to use. However, these tools are time-consuming, subjective, and often qualitative. Automation of training, testing, and assessment has the potential to increase efficiency while ensuring tasks are objective and quantitative. We detail new methods for automating rodent forelimb tests, including the use of pellet dispensers, sensors, computer vision, and home cage systems. We argue that limitations in existing forelimb tasks are driving the innovations in automated systems. We further argue that automated tasks partially address these limitations, and we outline necessary precautions and remaining challenges when adopting these types of tasks. Finally, we suggest attributes of future automated rodent assessment tools that can enable widespread adoption and help us better understand forelimb function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel D Butensky
- 2 Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
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18
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Growth Hormone Improves Nerve Regeneration, Muscle Re-innervation, and Functional Outcomes After Chronic Denervation Injury. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3117. [PMID: 30816300 PMCID: PMC6395714 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39738-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the efficacy of systemic growth hormone (GH) therapy in ameliorating the deleterious effects of chronic denervation (CD) injury on nerve regeneration and resulting motor function. Using a forelimb CD model, 4 groups of Lewis rats were examined (n = 8 per group): Group-1 (negative control) 8 weeks of median nerve CD followed by ulnar-to-median nerve transfer; Group-2 (experimental) 8 weeks of median nerve CD followed by ulnar-to-median nerve transfer and highly purified lyophilized pituitary porcine GH treatment (0.6 mg/day); Group-3 (positive control) immediate ulnar-to-median nerve transfer without CD; Group-4 (baseline) naïve controls. All animals underwent weekly grip strength testing and were sacrificed 14 weeks following nerve transfer for histomorphometric analysis of median nerve regeneration, flexor digitorum superficialis atrophy, and neuromuscular junction reinnervation. In comparison to untreated controls, GH-treated animals demonstrated enhanced median nerve regeneration as measured by axon density (p < 0.005), axon diameter (p < 0.0001), and myelin thickness (p < 0.0001); improved muscle re-innervation (27.9% vs 38.0% NMJs re-innervated; p < 0.02); reduced muscle atrophy (1146 ± 93.19 µm2 vs 865.2 ± 48.33 µm2; p < 0.02); and greater recovery of motor function (grip strength: p < 0.001). These findings support the hypothesis that GH-therapy enhances axonal regeneration and maintains chronically-denervated muscle to thereby promote motor re-innervation and functional recovery.
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19
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Bollu T, Whitehead SC, Prasad N, Walker J, Shyamkumar N, Subramaniam R, Kardon B, Cohen I, Goldberg JH. Automated home cage training of mice in a hold-still center-out reach task. J Neurophysiol 2018; 121:500-512. [PMID: 30540551 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00667.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An obstacle to understanding neural mechanisms of movement is the complex, distributed nature of the mammalian motor system. Here we present a novel behavioral paradigm for high-throughput dissection of neural circuits underlying mouse forelimb control. Custom touch-sensing joysticks were used to quantify mouse forelimb trajectories with micron-millisecond spatiotemporal resolution. Joysticks were integrated into computer-controlled, rack-mountable home cages, enabling batches of mice to be trained in parallel. Closed loop behavioral analysis enabled online control of reward delivery for automated training. We used this system to show that mice can learn, with no human handling, a direction-specific hold-still center-out reach task in which a mouse first held its right forepaw still before reaching out to learned spatial targets. Stabilogram diffusion analysis of submillimeter-scale micromovements produced during the hold demonstrate that an active control process, akin to upright balance, was implemented to maintain forepaw stability. Trajectory decomposition methods, previously used in primates, were used to segment hundreds of thousands of forelimb trajectories into millions of constituent kinematic primitives. This system enables rapid dissection of neural circuits for controlling motion primitives from which forelimb sequences are built. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel joystick design resolves mouse forelimb kinematics with micron-millisecond precision. Home cage training is used to train mice in a hold-still center-out reach task. Analytical methods, previously used in primates, are used to decompose mouse forelimb trajectories into kinematic primitives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejapratap Bollu
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Nikil Prasad
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Jackson Walker
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Nitin Shyamkumar
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Raghav Subramaniam
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Brian Kardon
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Itai Cohen
- Department of Physics, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
| | - Jesse H Goldberg
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York
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20
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Pasquini M, Lai S, Spalletti C, Cracchiolo M, Conti S, Panarese A, Caleo M, Micera S. A Robotic System for Adaptive Training and Function Assessment of Forelimb Retraction in Mice. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2018; 26:1803-1812. [PMID: 30106680 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2018.2864279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Rodent models are decisive for translational research in healthy and pathological conditions of motor function thanks to specific similarities with humans. Here, we present an upgraded version of the M-Platform, a robotic device previously designed to train mice during forelimb retraction tasks. This new version significantly extends its possibilities for murine experiments during motor tasks: 1) an actuation system for friction adjustment allows to automatically adapt pulling difficulty; 2) the device can be used both for training, with a retraction task, and for assessment, with an isometric task; and 3) the platform can be integrated with a neurophysiology systems to record simultaneous cortical neural activity. Results of the validation experiments with healthy mice confirmed that the M-Platform permits precise adjustments of friction during the task, thus allowing to change its difficulty and that these variations induce a different improvement in motor performance, after specific training sessions. Moreover, simultaneous and high quality (high signal-to-noise ratio) neural signals can be recorded from the rostral forelimb area (RFA) during task execution. With the novel features presented herein, the M-Platform may allow to investigate the outcome of a customized motor rehabilitation protocol after neural injury, to analyze task-related signals from brain regions interested by neuroplastic events and to perform optogenetic silencing or stimulation during experiments in transgenic mice.
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21
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Ganzer PD, Darrow MJ, Meyers EC, Solorzano BR, Ruiz AD, Robertson NM, Adcock KS, James JT, Jeong HS, Becker AM, Goldberg MP, Pruitt DT, Hays SA, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL. Closed-loop neuromodulation restores network connectivity and motor control after spinal cord injury. eLife 2018. [PMID: 29533186 PMCID: PMC5849415 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recovery from serious neurological injury requires substantial rewiring of neural circuits. Precisely-timed electrical stimulation could be used to restore corrective feedback mechanisms and promote adaptive plasticity after neurological insult, such as spinal cord injury (SCI) or stroke. This study provides the first evidence that closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV) based on the synaptic eligibility trace leads to dramatic recovery from the most common forms of SCI. The addition of CLV to rehabilitation promoted substantially more recovery of forelimb function compared to rehabilitation alone following chronic unilateral or bilateral cervical SCI in a rat model. Triggering stimulation on the most successful movements is critical to maximize recovery. CLV enhances recovery by strengthening synaptic connectivity from remaining motor networks to the grasping muscles in the forelimb. The benefits of CLV persist long after the end of stimulation because connectivity in critical neural circuits has been restored. The spine houses a network of neurons that relays electric signals from the brain cells to the muscles. When the spine is injured, some of these neurons may be damaged and their connections to the muscles broken. As a result, the muscles they command become weak, and movement is impaired. It is possible to strengthen the remaining neural connections with physical rehabilitation, but the results are limited. Vagus nerve stimulation, VNS for short, is a new technique that could help people recuperate better after their spine is injured. The vagus nerve controls the heart, lungs and guts, and it reports the state of the body to the brain. When this nerve is electrically stimulated, it releases chemicals that can strengthen the neural connections between brain, spine and muscles, and even create new ones. This rewiring process is essential to repair or bypass the broken neural connections caused by a spine injury. However, it is still not clear how best to use VNS to optimize recovery. Here, Ganzer et al. study how VNS helps rats whose forelimbs are weakened after a spine injury. Three groups of rats go through physical rehabilitation, using their affected front paws to pull a handle and feed themselves. Two of these groups also receive VNS: their vagus nerve is stimulated either after the best trials (strongest pulls) or worst trials (weakest pulls). Compared to the rehab-only and the worst trials-VNS animals, the rats that receive VNS on the best trials while using their affected paw have many more neuronal connections between their brain and the muscles in this limb. These muscles also become much stronger. VNS during the movement improves recovery whether the rodents have one or two front limbs injured, and the benefits are long lasting. As the rats pull the handle, the neurons involved in the movement get activated: they then carry a molecular ‘signature’ that lasts for a short time. When VNS is applied during that window, it appears to help these neurons form new connections with each other, as well as strengthen existing ones. These improved connections mean the brain can communicate better with the muscles: movement is enhanced, which results in greater functional recovery compared to rehabilitation alone. VNS is already trialed in stroke patients, who have weakened muscles because their brain neurons are damaged. The work by Ganzer et al. provides crucial information on how VNS could ultimately improve the recovery and quality of life of people with spine injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Ganzer
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States.,Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States
| | - Michael J Darrow
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
| | - Eric C Meyers
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States.,Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States
| | | | - Andrea D Ruiz
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States
| | | | - Katherine S Adcock
- School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
| | - Justin T James
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States
| | - Han S Jeong
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States
| | - April M Becker
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Mark P Goldberg
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - David T Pruitt
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States.,Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States
| | - Seth A Hays
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States.,Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States.,School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States.,Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States.,School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States.,Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, United States.,School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, United States
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22
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Nica I, Deprez M, Nuttin B, Aerts JM. Automated Assessment of Endpoint and Kinematic Features of Skilled Reaching in Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 11:255. [PMID: 29354039 PMCID: PMC5758496 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neural injury to the motor cortex may result in long-term impairments. As a model for human impairments, rodents are often used to study deficits related to reaching and grasping, using the single-pellet reach-to-grasp task. Current assessments of this test capture mostly endpoint outcome. While qualitative features have been proposed, they usually involve manual scoring. Objective: To detect three phases of movement during the single-pellet reach-to-grasp test and assess completion of each phase. To automatically monitor rat forelimb trajectory so as to extract kinematics and classify phase outcome. Methods: A top-view camera is used to monitor three rats during training, healthy and impaired testing, over 33 days. By monitoring the coordinates of the forelimb tip along with the position of the pellet, the algorithm divides a trial into reaching, grasping and retraction. Unfulfilling any of the phases results in one of three possible errors: miss, slip or drop. If all phases are complete, the outcome label is success. Along with endpoints, movement kinematics are assessed: variability, convex hull, mean and maximum reaching speed, length of trajectory and peak forelimb extension. Results: The set of behavior endpoints was extended to include miss, slip, drop and success rate. The labeling algorithm was tested on pre- and post-lesion datasets, with overall accuracy rates of 86% and 92%, respectively. These endpoint features capture a drop in skill after motor cortical lesion as the success rate of 59.6 ± 11.8% pre-lesion decreases to 13.9 ± 8.2% post-lesion, along with a significant increase in miss rate from 7.2 ± 6.7% pre-lesion to 50.2 ± 18.7% post-lesion. Kinematics reveals individual-specific strategies of improvement during training, with a common trend of trajectory variability decreasing with success. Correlations between kinematics and endpoints reveal a more complex pattern of relationships during rehabilitation (18 significant pairs of features) than during training (nine correlated pairs). Conclusion: Extended endpoint outcomes and kinematics of reaching and grasping are captured automatically with a robust computer program. Both endpoints and kinematics capture intra-animal drop in skill after a motor cortical lesion. Correlations between kinematics and endpoints change from training to rehabilitation, suggesting different mechanisms that underlie motor improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Nica
- Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponse (M3-BIORES), Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjolijn Deprez
- Research Group Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Nuttin
- Research Group Experimental Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponse (M3-BIORES), Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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23
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A motorized pellet dispenser to deliver high intensity training of the single pellet reaching and grasping task in rats. Behav Brain Res 2018; 336:67-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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24
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Butensky SD, Bethea T, Santos J, Sindhurakar A, Meyers E, Sloan AM, Rennaker RL, Carmel JB. The Knob Supination Task: A Semi-automated Method for Assessing Forelimb Function in Rats. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28994796 PMCID: PMC5752340 DOI: 10.3791/56341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tasks that accurately measure dexterity in animal models are critical to understand hand function. Current rat behavioral tasks that measure dexterity largely use video analysis of reaching or food manipulation. While these tasks are easy to implement and are robust across disease models, they are subjective and laborious for the experimenter. Automating traditional tasks or creating new automated tasks can make the tasks more efficient, objective, and quantitative. Since rats are less dexterous than primates, central nervous system (CNS) injury produces more subtle deficits in dexterity, however, supination is highly affected in rodents and crucial to hand function in primates. Therefore, we designed a semi-automated task that measures forelimb supination in rats. Rats are trained to reach and grasp a knob-shaped manipulandum and turn the manipulandum in supination to receive a reward. Rats can acquire the skill within 20 ± 5 days. While the early part of training is highly supervised, much of the training is done without direct supervision. The task reliably and reproducibly captures subtle deficits after injury and shows functional recovery that accurately reflects clinical recovery curves. Analysis of data is performed by specialized software through a graphical user interface that is designed to be intuitive. We also give solutions to common problems encountered during training, and show that minor corrections to behavior early in training produce reliable acquisition of supination. Thus, the knob supination task provides efficient and quantitative evaluation of a critical movement for dexterity in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Eric Meyers
- Texas Biomedical Center, The University of Texas at Dallas; Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas
| | - Andrew M Sloan
- Texas Biomedical Center, The University of Texas at Dallas; Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- Texas Biomedical Center, The University of Texas at Dallas; Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas
| | - Jason B Carmel
- Burke Medical Research Institute; Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College;
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25
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Pruitt DT, Danaphongse TT, Schmid AN, Morrison RA, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL, Hays SA. Traumatic Brain Injury Occludes Training-Dependent Cortical Reorganization in the Contralesional Hemisphere. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:2495-2503. [PMID: 28462608 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitative training drives plasticity in the ipsilesional (injured) motor cortex that is believed to support recovery of motor function after either stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, adaptive plasticity in the contralesional (uninjured) motor cortex has been well-characterized in the context of stroke. While similar rehabilitation-dependent plasticity in the intact hemisphere may occur after TBI, this has yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, we investigated the effects of TBI and forelimb training on reorganization of movement representations in the intact motor cortex. Rats were trained to proficiency on the isometric pull task and then received a controlled cortical impact (CCI) in the left motor cortex to impair function of the trained right forelimb. After TBI, animals underwent forelimb training on the pull task for 2 months. At the end of training, intracortical microstimulation was used to document the organization of the intact motor cortex (the contralesional hemisphere). TBI significantly decreased the cortical area eliciting movements of the impaired forelimb in untrained animals. In the absence of TBI, training significantly increased forelimb map area, compared with in untrained controls. However, training of the impaired forelimb after TBI was insufficient to increase forelimb map area. These findings are consistent with other studies showing impaired rehabilitation-dependent plasticity after TBI and provide a novel characterization of TBI on rehabilitation-dependent plasticity in contralesional motor circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Pruitt
- 1 School of Behavioral Brain Sciences University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,2 Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Tanya T Danaphongse
- 1 School of Behavioral Brain Sciences University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,2 Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Ariel N Schmid
- 1 School of Behavioral Brain Sciences University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Robert A Morrison
- 1 School of Behavioral Brain Sciences University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- 1 School of Behavioral Brain Sciences University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- 1 School of Behavioral Brain Sciences University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,2 Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Seth A Hays
- 2 Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
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26
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Butensky SD, Sloan AP, Meyers E, Carmel JB. Dexterity: A MATLAB-based analysis software suite for processing and visualizing data from tasks that measure arm or forelimb function. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 286:114-124. [PMID: 28583476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand function is critical for independence, and neurological injury often impairs dexterity. To measure hand function in people or forelimb function in animals, sensors are employed to quantify manipulation. These sensors make assessment easier and more quantitative and allow automation of these tasks. While automated tasks improve objectivity and throughput, they also produce large amounts of data that can be burdensome to analyze. We created software called Dexterity that simplifies data analysis of automated reaching tasks. NEW METHOD Dexterity is MATLAB software that enables quick analysis of data from forelimb tasks. Through a graphical user interface, files are loaded and data are identified and analyzed. These data can be annotated or graphed directly. Analysis is saved, and the graph and corresponding data can be exported. For additional analysis, Dexterity provides access to custom scripts created by other users. RESULTS To determine the utility of Dexterity, we performed a study to evaluate the effects of task difficulty on the degree of impairment after injury. Dexterity analyzed two months of data and allowed new users to annotate the experiment, visualize results, and save and export data easily. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Previous analysis of tasks was performed with custom data analysis, requiring expertise with analysis software. Dexterity made the tools required to analyze, visualize and annotate data easy to use by investigators without data science experience. CONCLUSIONS Dexterity increases accessibility to automated tasks that measure dexterity by making analysis of large data intuitive, robust, and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew P Sloan
- Texas Biomedical Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA; Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | - Eric Meyers
- Texas Biomedical Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA; Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | - Jason B Carmel
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY, 10605, USA; Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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27
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Meyers EC, Granja R, Solorzano BR, Romero-Ortega M, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL, Hays S. Median and ulnar nerve injuries reduce volitional forelimb strength in rats. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:1149-1154. [PMID: 28120500 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are among the leading causes of physical disability in the United States. The majority of injuries occur in the upper extremities, and functional recovery is often limited. Robust animal models are critical first steps for developing effective therapies to restore function after PNI. METHODS We developed an automated behavioral assay that provides quantitative measurements of volitional forelimb strength in rats. Multiple forelimb PNI models involving the median and ulnar nerves were used to assess forelimb function for up to 13 weeks postinjury. RESULTS Despite multiple weeks of task-oriented training following injury, rats exhibit significant reductions in multiple quantitative parameters of forelimb function, including maximal pull force and speed of force generation. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that the isometric pull task is an effective method of evaluating forelimb function following PNI and may aid in development of therapeutic interventions to restore function. Muscle Nerve 56: 1149-1154, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Meyers
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Rafael Granja
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Bleyda R Solorzano
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Mario Romero-Ortega
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Seth Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
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28
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Alia C, Spalletti C, Lai S, Panarese A, Lamola G, Bertolucci F, Vallone F, Di Garbo A, Chisari C, Micera S, Caleo M. Neuroplastic Changes Following Brain Ischemia and their Contribution to Stroke Recovery: Novel Approaches in Neurorehabilitation. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:76. [PMID: 28360842 PMCID: PMC5352696 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic damage to the brain triggers substantial reorganization of spared areas and pathways, which is associated with limited, spontaneous restoration of function. A better understanding of this plastic remodeling is crucial to develop more effective strategies for stroke rehabilitation. In this review article, we discuss advances in the comprehension of post-stroke network reorganization in patients and animal models. We first focus on rodent studies that have shed light on the mechanisms underlying neuronal remodeling in the perilesional area and contralesional hemisphere after motor cortex infarcts. Analysis of electrophysiological data has demonstrated brain-wide alterations in functional connectivity in both hemispheres, well beyond the infarcted area. We then illustrate the potential use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques to boost recovery. We finally discuss rehabilitative protocols based on robotic devices as a tool to promote endogenous plasticity and functional restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Alia
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR)Pisa, Italy; Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Lai
- Translational Neural Engineering Area, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pontedera, Italy
| | - Alessandro Panarese
- Translational Neural Engineering Area, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna Pontedera, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lamola
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation-University Hospital of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Bertolucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation-University Hospital of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Vallone
- Translational Neural Engineering Area, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'AnnaPontedera, Italy; CNR Biophysics Institute, National Research Council (CNR)Pisa, Italy; Neural Computation Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Italian institute of Technology (IIT)Rovereto, Italy
| | - Angelo Di Garbo
- CNR Biophysics Institute, National Research Council (CNR) Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmelo Chisari
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Neurorehabilitation-University Hospital of Pisa Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvestro Micera
- Translational Neural Engineering Area, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'AnnaPontedera, Italy; Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Translational NeuroEngineering Laboratory, Center for Neuroprosthetics and Institute of BioengineeringLausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Caleo
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) Pisa, Italy
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29
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Kern B, Budihardjo JD, Mermulla S, Quan A, Cadmi C, Lopez J, Khusheim M, Xiang S, Park J, Furtmüller GJ, Sarhane KA, Schneeberger S, Lee WPA, Hoke A, Tuffaha SH, Brandacher G. A Novel Rodent Orthotopic Forelimb Transplantation Model That Allows for Reliable Assessment of Functional Recovery Resulting From Nerve Regeneration. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:622-634. [PMID: 27500557 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Improved nerve regeneration and functional outcomes would greatly enhance the utility of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) such as hand and upper extremity transplantation. However, research aimed at achieving this goal has been limited by the lack of a functional VCA animal model. We have developed a novel rat midhumeral forelimb transplant model that allows for the characterization of upper extremity functional recovery following transplantation. At the final end point of 12 weeks, we found that animals with forelimb transplantation including median, ulnar and radial nerve coaptation demonstrated significantly improved grip strength and forelimb function as compared to forelimb transplantation without nerve approximation (grip strength: 1.71N ± 0.57 vs. no appreciable recovery; IBB scale: 2.6 ± 0.7? vs. 0.8 ± 0.40; p = 0.0005), and similar recovery to nerve transection-and-repair only (grip strength: 1.71N ± 0.57 vs. 2.03 ± 0.42.6; IBB scale: 2.6 ± 0.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.8; p = ns). Moreover, all forelimb transplant animals with nerve coaptation displayed robust axonal regeneration with myelination and reduced flexor muscle atrophy when compared to forelimb transplant animals without nerve coaptation. In conclusion, this is the first VCA small-animal model that allows for reliable and reproducible measurement of behavioral functional recovery in addition to histologic evaluation of nerve regeneration and graft reinnervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kern
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Visceral, Transplant, and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J D Budihardjo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S Mermulla
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Quan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - C Cadmi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - J Lopez
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - M Khusheim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S Xiang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - J Park
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - G J Furtmüller
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - K A Sarhane
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - W P A Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Hoke
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S H Tuffaha
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - G Brandacher
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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30
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Leemburg S, Iijima M, Lambercy O, Nallet-Khosrofian L, Gassert R, Luft A. Investigating Motor Skill Learning Processes with a Robotic Manipulandum. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28287570 DOI: 10.3791/54970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Skilled reaching tasks are commonly used in studies of motor skill learning and motor function under healthy and pathological conditions, but can be time-intensive and ambiguous to quantify beyond simple success rates. Here, we describe the training procedure for reach-and-pull tasks with ETH Pattus, a robotic platform for automated forelimb reaching training that records pulling and hand rotation movements in rats. Kinematic quantification of the performed pulling attempts reveals the presence of distinct temporal profiles of movement parameters such as pulling velocity, spatial variability of the pulling trajectory, deviation from midline, as well as pulling success. We show how minor adjustments in the training paradigm result in alterations in these parameters, revealing their relation to task difficulty, general motor function or skilled task execution. Combined with electrophysiological, pharmacological and optogenetic techniques, this paradigm can be used to explore the mechanisms underlying motor learning and memory formation, as well as loss and recovery of function (e.g. after stroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Leemburg
- Division of Vascular Neurology and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich;
| | - Maiko Iijima
- Division of Vascular Neurology and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich
| | - Olivier Lambercy
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
| | | | - Roger Gassert
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich
| | - Andreas Luft
- Division of Vascular Neurology and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich;
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31
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Pruitt DT, Schmid AN, Danaphongse TT, Flanagan KE, Morrison RA, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL, Hays SA. Forelimb training drives transient map reorganization in ipsilateral motor cortex. Behav Brain Res 2016; 313:10-16. [PMID: 27392641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Skilled motor training results in reorganization of contralateral motor cortex movement representations. The ipsilateral motor cortex is believed to play a role in skilled motor control, but little is known about how training influences reorganization of ipsilateral motor representations of the trained limb. To determine whether training results in reorganization of ipsilateral motor cortex maps, rats were trained to perform the isometric pull task, an automated motor task that requires skilled forelimb use. After either 3 or 6 months of training, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) mapping was performed to document motor representations of the trained forelimb in the hemisphere ipsilateral to that limb. Motor training for 3 months resulted in a robust expansion of right forelimb representation in the right motor cortex, demonstrating that skilled motor training drives map plasticity ipsilateral to the trained limb. After 6 months of training, the right forelimb representation in the right motor cortex was significantly smaller than the representation observed in rats trained for 3 months and similar to untrained controls, consistent with a normalization of motor cortex maps. Forelimb map area was not correlated with performance on the trained task, suggesting that task performance is maintained despite normalization of cortical maps. This study provides new insights into how the ipsilateral cortex changes in response to skilled learning and may inform rehabilitative strategies to enhance cortical plasticity to support recovery after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Pruitt
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States.
| | - Ariel N Schmid
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Tanya T Danaphongse
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Kate E Flanagan
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Robert A Morrison
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Seth A Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
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32
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Hays SA, Ruiz A, Bethea T, Khodaparast N, Carmel JB, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP. Vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitative training enhances recovery of forelimb function after ischemic stroke in aged rats. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 43:111-8. [PMID: 27255820 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Advanced age is associated with a higher incidence of stroke and worse functional outcomes. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitative training has emerged as a potential method to improve recovery after brain injury but to date has only been evaluated in young rats. Here, we evaluated whether VNS paired with rehabilitative training would improve recovery of forelimb function after ischemic lesion of the motor cortex in rats 18 months of age. Rats were trained to perform the isometric pull task, an automated, quantitative measure of volitional forelimb strength. Once proficient, rats received an ischemic lesion of the motor cortex and underwent rehabilitative training paired with VNS for 6 weeks. VNS paired with rehabilitative training significantly enhances recovery of forelimb function after lesion. Rehabilitative training without VNS results in a 34% ± 19% recovery, whereas VNS paired with rehabilitative training yields a 98% ± 8% recovery of prelesion of forelimb function. VNS does not significantly reduce lesion size. These findings demonstrate that VNS paired with rehabilitative training enhances motor recovery in aged subjects in a model of stroke and may suggest that VNS therapy may effectively translate to elderly stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hays
- Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA; Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, TX, USA.
| | - Andrea Ruiz
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Thelma Bethea
- Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Navid Khodaparast
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, TX, USA; School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Jason B Carmel
- Brain and Mind Research Institute and Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY, USA
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA; Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, TX, USA; School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, TX, USA; School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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33
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Ganzer PD, Meyers EC, Sloan AM, Maliakkal R, Ruiz A, Kilgard MP, Robert LR. Awake behaving electrophysiological correlates of forelimb hyperreflexia, weakness and disrupted muscular synchronization following cervical spinal cord injury in the rat. Behav Brain Res 2016; 307:100-11. [PMID: 27033345 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury usually occurs at the level of the cervical spine and results in profound impairment of forelimb function. In this study, we recorded awake behaving intramuscular electromyography (EMG) from the biceps and triceps muscles of the impaired forelimb during volitional and reflexive forelimb movements before and after unilateral cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) in rats. C5/C6 hemicontusion reduced volitional forelimb strength by more than 50% despite weekly rehabilitation for one month post-injury. Triceps EMG during volitional strength assessment was reduced by more than 60% following injury, indicating reduced descending drive. Biceps EMG during reflexive withdrawal from a thermal stimulus was increased by 500% following injury, indicating flexor withdrawal hyperreflexia. The reduction in volitional forelimb strength was significantly correlated with volitional and reflexive biceps EMG activity. Our results support the hypothesis that biceps hyperreflexia and descending volitional drive both significantly contribute to forelimb strength deficits after cSCI and provide new insight into dynamic muscular dysfunction after cSCI. The use of multiple automated quantitative measures of forelimb dysfunction in the rodent cSCI model will likely aid the search for effective regenerative, pharmacological, and neuroprosthetic treatments for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Daniel Ganzer
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
| | - Eric Christopher Meyers
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
| | - Andrew Michael Sloan
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
| | - Reshma Maliakkal
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
| | - Andrea Ruiz
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
| | - Michael Paul Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
| | - LeMoine Rennaker Robert
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080, United States.
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34
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Meyers E, Sindhurakar A, Choi R, Solorzano R, Martinez T, Sloan A, Carmel J, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL, Hays S. The supination assessment task: An automated method for quantifying forelimb rotational function in rats. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 266:11-20. [PMID: 26976724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological injuries or disease can impair the function of motor circuitry controlling forearm supination, and recovery is often limited. Preclinical animal models are essential tools for developing therapeutic interventions to improve motor function after neurological damage. Here we describe the supination assessment task, an automated measure of quantifying forelimb supination in the rat. NEW METHOD Animals were trained to reach out of a slot in a cage, grasp a spherical manipulandum, and supinate the forelimb. The angle of the manipulandum was measured using a rotary encoder. If the animal exceeded the predetermined turn angle, a reward pellet was delivered. This automated task provides a large, high-resolution dataset of turn angle over time. Multiple parameters can be measured including success rate, peak turn angle, turn velocity, area under the curve, and number of rotations per trial. The task provides a high degree of flexibility to the user, with both software and hardware parameters capable of being adjusted. RESULTS We demonstrate the supination assessment task can effectively measure significant deficits in multiple parameters of rotational motor function for multiple weeks in two models of ischemic stroke. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Preexisting motor assays designed to measure forelimb supination in the rat require high-speed video analysis techniques. This operant task provides a high-resolution, quantitative end-point dataset of turn angle, which obviates the necessity of video analysis. CONCLUSIONS The supination assessment task represents a novel, efficient method of evaluating forelimb rotation and may help decrease the cost and time of running experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Meyers
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States.
| | - Anil Sindhurakar
- Burke Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, United States
| | - Rachel Choi
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Ruby Solorzano
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Taylor Martinez
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Andrew Sloan
- Vulintus Inc., 17217 Waterview Pkwy, Ste 1.202BB, Dallas, TX 75252, United States
| | - Jason Carmel
- Burke Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, United States; Weill Cornell Medical College, Brain Mind Research Institute and Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, United States
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; Vulintus Inc., 17217 Waterview Pkwy, Ste 1.202BB, Dallas, TX 75252, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Seth Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
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35
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Sharp KG, Duarte JE, Gebrekristos B, Perez S, Steward O, Reinkensmeyer DJ. Robotic Rehabilitator of the Rodent Upper Extremity: A System and Method for Assessing and Training Forelimb Force Production after Neurological Injury. J Neurotrauma 2016; 33:460-7. [PMID: 26414700 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.3987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models of spinal cord injury are critical for the development of treatments for upper limb motor impairment in humans, but there are few methods for measuring forelimb strength of rodents, an important outcome measure. We developed a novel robotic device--the Robotic Rehabilitator of the Rodent Upper Extremity (RUE)--that requires rats to voluntarily reach for and pull a bar to retrieve a food reward; the resistance of the bar can be programmed. We used RUE to train forelimb strength of 16 rats three times per week for 23 weeks before and 38 weeks after a mild (100 kdyne) unilateral contusion at the cervical level 5 (C5). We measured maximum force produced when RUE movement was unexpectedly blocked. We compared this blocked pulling force (BPF) to weekly measures of forelimb strength obtained with a previous, well-established method: the grip strength meter (GSM). Before injury, BPF was 2.6 times higher (BPF, 444.6 ± 19.1 g; GSM, 168.4 ± 3.1 g) and 4.9 times more variable (p < 0.001) than pulling force measured with the GSM; the two measurement methods were uncorrelated (R(2) = 0.03; p = 0.84). After injury, there was a significant decrease in BPF of 134.35 g ± 14.71 g (p < 0.001). Together, our findings document BPF as a repeatable measure of forelimb force production, sensitive to a mild spinal cord injury, which comes closer to measuring maximum force than the GSM and thus may provide a useful measure for quantifying the effects of treatment in rodent models of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli G Sharp
- 1 Department of Dance, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California.,2 Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Jaime E Duarte
- 3 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California
| | | | - Sergi Perez
- 3 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Oswald Steward
- 2 Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California.,4 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California.,5 Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California.,6 Department of Neurosurgery, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - David J Reinkensmeyer
- 2 Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California.,3 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California.,4 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine , Irvine, California
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36
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Fenrich KK, May Z, Torres-Espín A, Forero J, Bennett DJ, Fouad K. Single pellet grasping following cervical spinal cord injury in adult rat using an automated full-time training robot. Behav Brain Res 2015; 299:59-71. [PMID: 26611563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Task specific motor training is a common form of rehabilitation therapy in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The single pellet grasping (SPG) task is a skilled forelimb motor task used to evaluate recovery of forelimb function in rodent models of SCI. The task requires animals to obtain food pellets located on a shelf beyond a slit at the front of an enclosure. Manually training and testing rats in the SPG task requires extensive time and often yields results with high outcome variability and small therapeutic windows (i.e., the difference between pre- and post-SCI success rates). Recent advances in automated SPG training using automated pellet presentation (APP) systems allow rats to train ad libitum 24h a day, 7 days a week. APP trained rats have improved success rates, require less researcher time, and have lower outcome variability compared to manually trained rats. However, it is unclear whether APP trained rats can perform the SPG task using the APP system after SCI. Here we show that rats with cervical SCI can successfully perform the SPG task using the APP system. We found that SCI rats with APP training performed significantly more attempts, had slightly lower and less variable final score success rates, and larger therapeutic windows than SCI rats with manual training. These results demonstrate that APP training has clear advantages over manual training for evaluating reaching performance of SCI rats and represents a new tool for investigating rehabilitative motor training following CNS injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith K Fenrich
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Department of Physical therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada.
| | - Zacincte May
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Department of Physical therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - Abel Torres-Espín
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Department of Physical therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - Juan Forero
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Department of Physical therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - David J Bennett
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Department of Physical therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - Karim Fouad
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Department of Physical therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
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37
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Khodaparast N, Kilgard MP, Casavant R, Ruiz A, Qureshi I, Ganzer PD, Rennaker RL, Hays SA. Vagus Nerve Stimulation During Rehabilitative Training Improves Forelimb Recovery After Chronic Ischemic Stroke in Rats. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 30:676-84. [PMID: 26542082 DOI: 10.1177/1545968315616494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. Currently, there are no consistently effective rehabilitative treatments for chronic stroke patients. Our recent studies demonstrate that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitative training improves recovery of function in multiple models of stroke. Here, we evaluated the ability of VNS paired with rehabilitative training to improve recovery of forelimb strength when initiated many weeks after a cortical and subcortical ischemic lesion in subjects with stable, chronic motor deficits. METHODS Rats were trained to perform an automated, quantitative measure of voluntary forelimb strength. Once proficient, rats received injections of endothelin-1 to cause a unilateral cortical and subcortical ischemic lesion. Then, 6 weeks after the lesion, rats underwent rehabilitative training paired with VNS (Paired VNS; n = 10), rehabilitative training with equivalent VNS delivered 2 hours after daily rehabilitative training (Delayed VNS; n = 10), or rehabilitative training without VNS (Rehab, n = 9). RESULTS VNS paired with rehabilitative training significantly improved recovery of forelimb function compared with control groups. The Paired VNS group displayed an 86% recovery of strength, the Rehab group exhibited 47% recovery, and the Delayed VNS group exhibited 42% recovery. Improvement in forelimb function was sustained in the Paired VNS group after the cessation of stimulation, potentially indicating lasting benefits. No differences in intensity of rehabilitative training, lesion size, or MAP-2 expression were observed between groups. CONCLUSION VNS paired with rehabilitative training confers significantly greater recovery of forelimb function after chronic ischemic stroke in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrea Ruiz
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, USA
| | - Iqra Qureshi
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, USA
| | - Patrick D Ganzer
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, USA
| | | | - Seth A Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, USA
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A Within-Animal Comparison of Skilled Forelimb Assessments in Rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141254. [PMID: 26506434 PMCID: PMC4624720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of skilled reaching tasks have been developed to evaluate forelimb function in rodent models. The single pellet skilled reaching task and pasta matrix task have provided valuable insight into recovery of forelimb function in models of neurological injury and disease. Recently, several automated measures have been developed to reduce the cost and time burden of forelimb assessment in rodents. Here, we provide a within-subject comparison of three common forelimb assessments to allow direct evaluation of sensitivity and efficiency across tasks. Rats were trained to perform the single pellet skilled reaching task, the pasta matrix task, and the isometric pull task. Once proficient on all three tasks, rats received an ischemic lesion of motor cortex and striatum to impair use of the trained limb. On the second week post-lesion, all three tasks measured a significant deficit in forelimb function. Performance was well-correlated across tasks. By the sixth week post-lesion, only the isometric pull task measured a significant deficit in forelimb function, suggesting that this task is more sensitive to chronic impairments. The number of training days required to reach asymptotic performance was longer for the isometric pull task, but the total experimenter time required to collect and analyze data was substantially lower. These findings suggest that the isometric pull task represents an efficient, sensitive measure of forelimb function to facilitate preclinical evaluation in models of neurological injury and disease.
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An automated task for the training and assessment of distal forelimb function in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 258:16-23. [PMID: 26484787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral models relevant to stroke research seek to capture important aspects of motor skills typically impaired in human patients, such as coordination of distal musculature. Such models may focus on mice since many genetic tools are available for use only in that species and since the training and behavioral demands of mice can differ from rats even for superficially similar behavioral readouts. However, current mouse assays are time consuming to train and score, especially in a manner producing continuous quantification. An automated assay of mouse forelimb function may provide advantages for quantification and speed, and may be useful for many applications including stroke research. NEW METHOD We present an automated assay of distal forelimb function. In this task, mice reach forward, grip and pull an isometric handle with a prescribed force. The apparatus partially automates the training process so that mice can be trained quickly and simultaneously. RESULTS Using this apparatus, it is possible to measure long-lasting impairment in success rate, force pulled, latency to pull, and latency to success up to 22 weeks following photothrombotic cortical strokes in mice. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This assessment measures forelimb function as do pellet reach tasks, but it utilizes a different motion and provides automatic measures that can ease and augment the research process. CONCLUSIONS This high-throughput behavioral assay can detect long-lasting motor impairments, eliminates the need for subjective scoring, and produces a rich, continuous data set from which many aspects of the reach and grasp motion can be automatically extracted.
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Pruitt DT, Schmid AN, Kim LJ, Abe CM, Trieu JL, Choua C, Hays SA, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Delivered with Motor Training Enhances Recovery of Function after Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2015; 33:871-9. [PMID: 26058501 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.3972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the largest health problems in the United States, and affects nearly 2 million people every year. The effects of TBI, including weakness and loss of coordination, can be debilitating and last years after the initial injury. Recovery of motor function is often incomplete. We have developed a method using electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve paired with forelimb use by which we have demonstrated enhanced recovery from ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Here we have tested the hypothesis that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with physical rehabilitation could enhance functional recovery after TBI. We trained rats to pull on a handle to receive a food reward. Following training, they received a controlled-cortical impact (CCI) in the forelimb area of motor cortex opposite the trained forelimb, and were then randomized into two treatment groups. One group of animals received VNS paired with rehabilitative therapy, whereas another group received rehabilitative therapy without VNS. Following CCI, volitional forelimb strength and task success rate in all animals were significantly reduced. VNS paired with rehabilitative therapy over a period of 5 weeks significantly increased recovery of both forelimb strength and success rate on the isometric pull task compared with rehabilitative training without VNS. No significant improvement was observed in the Rehab group. Our findings indicate that VNS paired with rehabilitative therapy enhances functional motor recovery after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Pruitt
- 1 The, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Ariel N Schmid
- 1 The, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Lily J Kim
- 1 The, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Caroline M Abe
- 1 The, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Jenny L Trieu
- 2 Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Connie Choua
- 1 The, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Seth A Hays
- 2 Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- 1 The, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- 1 The, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,2 Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas.,3 Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas
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41
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Wong CC, Ramanathan DS, Gulati T, Won SJ, Ganguly K. An automated behavioral box to assess forelimb function in rats. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 246:30-7. [PMID: 25769277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent forelimb reaching behaviors are commonly assessed using a single-pellet reach-to-grasp task. While the task is widely recognized as a very sensitive measure of distal limb function, it is also known to be very labor-intensive, both for initial training and the daily assessment of function. NEW METHOD Using components developed by open-source electronics platforms, we have designed and tested a low-cost automated behavioral box to measure forelimb function in rats. Our apparatus, made primarily of acrylic, was equipped with multiple sensors to control the duration and difficulty of the task, detect reach outcomes, and dispense pellets. Our control software, developed in MATLAB, was also used to control a camera in order to capture and process video during reaches. Importantly, such processing could monitor task performance in near real-time. RESULTS We further demonstrate that the automated apparatus can be used to expedite skill acquisition, thereby increasing throughput as well as facilitating studies of early versus late motor learning. The setup is also readily compatible with chronic electrophysiological monitoring. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Compared to a previous version of this task, our setup provides a more efficient method to train and test rodents for studies of motor learning and recovery of function after stroke. The unbiased delivery of behavioral cues and outcomes also facilitates electrophysiological studies. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our automated behavioral box will allow high-throughput and efficient monitoring of rat forelimb function in both healthy and injured animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea C Wong
- Neurology & Rehabilitation Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dhakshin S Ramanathan
- Neurology & Rehabilitation Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States; Psychiatry Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tanuj Gulati
- Neurology & Rehabilitation Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Seok Joon Won
- Neurology & Rehabilitation Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Karunesh Ganguly
- Neurology & Rehabilitation Service, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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42
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The timing and amount of vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitative training affect poststroke recovery of forelimb strength. Neuroreport 2015; 25:676-82. [PMID: 24818637 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Loss of upper arm strength after stroke is a leading cause of disability. Strategies that can enhance the benefits of rehabilitative training could improve motor function after stroke. Recent studies in a rat model of ischemic stroke have demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitative training substantially improves recovery of forelimb strength compared with extensive rehabilitative training without VNS. Here we report that the timing and amount of stimulation affect the degree of forelimb strength recovery. Similar amounts of Delayed VNS delivered 2 h after daily rehabilitative training sessions resulted in significantly less improvement compared with that on delivery of VNS that is paired with identical rehabilitative training. Significantly less recovery also occurred when several-fold more VNS was delivered during rehabilitative training. Both delayed and additional VNS confer moderately improved recovery compared with extensive rehabilitative training without VNS, but fail to enhance recovery to the same degree as VNS that is timed to occur with successful movements. These findings confirm that VNS paired with rehabilitative training holds promise for restoring forelimb strength poststroke and indicate that both the timing and the amount of VNS should be optimized to maximize therapeutic benefits.
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43
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Fenrich KK, May Z, Hurd C, Boychuk CE, Kowalczewski J, Bennett DJ, Whishaw IQ, Fouad K. Improved single pellet grasping using automated ad libitum full-time training robot. Behav Brain Res 2014; 281:137-48. [PMID: 25523027 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The single pellet grasping (SPG) task is a skilled forelimb motor task commonly used to evaluate reaching and grasp kinematics and recovery of forelimb function in rodent models of CNS injuries and diseases. To train rats in the SPG task, the animals are usually food restricted then placed in an SPG task enclosure and presented food pellets on a platform located beyond a slit located at the front of the task enclosure for 10-30 min, normally every weekday for several weeks. When the SPG task is applied in studies involving various experimental groups, training quickly becomes labor intensive, and can yield results with significant day-to-day variability. Furthermore, training is frequently done during the animals' light-cycle, which for nocturnal rodents such as mice and rats could affect performance. Here we describe an automated pellet presentation (APP) robotic system to train and test rats in the SPG task that reduces some of the procedural weaknesses of manual training. We found that APP trained rats performed significantly more trials per 24 h period, and had higher success rates with less daily and weekly variability than manually trained rats. Moreover, the results show that success rates are positively correlated with the number of dark-cycle trials, suggesting that dark-cycle training has a positive effect on success rates. These results demonstrate that automated training is an effective method for evaluating and training skilled reaching performance of rats, opening up the possibility for new approaches to investigating the role of motor systems in enabling skilled forelimb use and new approaches to investigating rehabilitation following CNS injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith K Fenrich
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-88 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada.
| | - Zacnicte May
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-88 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - Caitlin Hurd
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-88 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - Carolyn E Boychuk
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-88 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - Jan Kowalczewski
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - David J Bennett
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-88 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
| | - Ian Q Whishaw
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Karim Fouad
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada; Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-88 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB T6E 2G4, Canada
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Pruitt D, Hays S, Schmid A, Choua C, Kim L, Trieu J, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL. Controlled-cortical impact reduces volitional forelimb strength in rats. Brain Res 2014; 1582:91-8. [PMID: 25091640 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the largest health problems in the United States and affects both cognitive and motor function. Although weakness is common in TBI patients, few studies have demonstrated a reduction in strength in models of brain injury. We have developed a behavioral method to measure volitional forelimb strength and quantify forelimb weakness following traumatic brain injury. In this paper, we report the ability of the isometric pull task to measure both acute and chronic impairments in forelimb motor function following a controlled cortical impact (CCI) in rodents. Following CCI, volitional forelimb strength is reduced by 36% and remains significantly reduced after 6 weeks of post-lesion training. We also show that CCI results in impairment of multiple additional measures of forelimb function for several weeks post-injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pruitt
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States.
| | - Seth Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Ariel Schmid
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Connie Choua
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Lily Kim
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Jenny Trieu
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
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45
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Barbe MF, Gallagher S, Massicotte VS, Tytell M, Popoff SN, Barr-Gillespie AE. The interaction of force and repetition on musculoskeletal and neural tissue responses and sensorimotor behavior in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013; 14:303. [PMID: 24156755 PMCID: PMC3924406 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We examined the relationship of musculoskeletal risk factors underlying force and repetition on tissue responses in an operant rat model of repetitive reaching and pulling, and if force x repetition interactions were present, indicative of a fatigue failure process. We examined exposure-dependent changes in biochemical, morphological and sensorimotor responses occurring with repeated performance of a handle-pulling task for 12 weeks at one of four repetition and force levels: 1) low repetition with low force, 2) high repetition with low force, 3) low repetition with high force, and 4) high repetition with high force (HRHF). Methods Rats underwent initial training for 4–6 weeks, and then performed one of the tasks for 12 weeks, 2 hours/day, 3 days/week. Reflexive grip strength and sensitivity to touch were assayed as functional outcomes. Flexor digitorum muscles and tendons, forelimb bones, and serum were assayed using ELISA for indicators of inflammation, tissue stress and repair, and bone turnover. Histomorphometry was used to assay macrophage infiltration of tissues, spinal cord substance P changes, and tissue adaptative or degradative changes. MicroCT was used to assay bones for changes in bone quality. Results Several force x repetition interactions were observed for: muscle IL-1alpha and bone IL-1beta; serum TNFalpha, IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta; muscle HSP72, a tissue stress and repair protein; histomorphological evidence of tendon and cartilage degradation; serum biomarkers of bone degradation (CTXI) and bone formation (osteocalcin); and morphological evidence of bone adaptation versus resorption. In most cases, performance of the HRHF task induced the greatest tissue degenerative changes, while performance of moderate level tasks induced bone adaptation and a suggestion of muscle adaptation. Both high force tasks induced median nerve macrophage infiltration, spinal cord sensitization (increased substance P), grip strength declines and forepaw mechanical allodynia by task week 12. Conclusions Although not consistent in all tissues, we found several significant interactions between the critical musculoskeletal risk factors of force and repetition, consistent with a fatigue failure process in musculoskeletal tissues. Prolonged performance of HRHF tasks exhibited significantly increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders, while performance of moderate level tasks exhibited adaptation to task demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F Barbe
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad St, Philadelphia 19140, PA, USA.
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Khodaparast N, Hays SA, Sloan AM, Hulsey DR, Ruiz A, Pantoja M, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP. Vagus nerve stimulation during rehabilitative training improves forelimb strength following ischemic stroke. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 60:80-8. [PMID: 23954448 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Upper limb impairment is a common debilitating consequence of ischemic stroke. Physical rehabilitation after stroke enhances neuroplasticity and improves limb function, but does not typically restore normal movement. We have recently developed a novel method that uses vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with forelimb movements to drive specific, long-lasting map plasticity in rat primary motor cortex. Here we report that VNS paired with rehabilitative training can enhance recovery of forelimb force generation following infarction of primary motor cortex in rats. Quantitative measures of forelimb function returned to pre-lesion levels when VNS was delivered during rehab training. Intensive rehab training without VNS failed to restore function back to pre-lesion levels. Animals that received VNS during rehab improved twice as much as rats that received the same rehabilitation without VNS. VNS delivered during physical rehabilitation represents a novel method that may provide long-lasting benefits towards stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Khodaparast
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, USA.
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Hays SA, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP. Targeting plasticity with vagus nerve stimulation to treat neurological disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2013; 207:275-99. [PMID: 24309259 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63327-9.00010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pathological neural activity in a variety of neurological disorders could be treated by directing plasticity to specifically renormalize aberrant neural circuits, thereby restoring normal function. Brief bursts of acetylcholine and norepinephrine can enhance the neural plasticity associated with coincident events. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) represents a safe and effective means to trigger the release of these neuromodulators with a high degree of temporal control. VNS-event pairing can generate highly specific and long-lasting plasticity in sensory and motor cortex. Based on the capacity to drive specific changes in neural circuitry, VNS paired with experience has been successful in effectively ameliorating animal models of chronic tinnitus, stroke, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Targeted plasticity therapy utilizing VNS is currently being translated to humans to treat chronic tinnitus and improve motor recovery after stroke. This chapter will discuss the current progress of VNS paired with experience to drive specific plasticity to treat these neurological disorders and will evaluate additional future applications of targeted plasticity therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Richardson, TX, USA; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, Richardson, TX, USA
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