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Niceforo A, Zholudeva LV, Fernandes S, Lane MA, Qiang L. Challenges and Efficacy of Astrocyte-to-Neuron Reprogramming in Spinal Cord Injury: In Vitro Insights and In Vivo Outcomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.25.586619. [PMID: 38585866 PMCID: PMC10996511 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.25.586619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to the disruption of neural pathways, causing loss of neural cells, with subsequent reactive gliosis and tissue scarring that limit endogenous repair. One potential therapeutic strategy to address this is to target reactive scar-forming astrocytes with direct cellular reprogramming to convert them into neurons, by overexpression of neurogenic transcription factors. Here we used lentiviral constructs to overexpress Ascl1 or a combination of microRNAs (miRs) miR124, miR9/9*and NeuroD1 transfected into cultured and in vivo astrocytes. In vitro experiments revealed cortically-derived astrocytes display a higher efficiency (70%) of reprogramming to neurons than spinal cord-derived astrocytes. In a rat cervical SCI model, the same strategy induced only limited reprogramming of astrocytes. Delivery of reprogramming factors did not significantly affect patterns of breathing under baseline and hypoxic conditions, but significant differences in average diaphragm amplitude were seen in the reprogrammed groups during eupneic breathing, hypoxic, and hypercapnic challenges. These results show that while cellular reprogramming can be readily achieved in carefully controlled in vitro conditions, achieving a similar degree of successful reprogramming in vivo is challenging and may require additional steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Niceforo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | | | - Silvia Fernandes
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Michael A. Lane
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Liang Qiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
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2
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Michel-Flutot P, Lane MA, Lepore AC, Vinit S. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Respiratory Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury: From Preclinical Development to Clinical Translation. Cells 2023; 12:1519. [PMID: 37296640 PMCID: PMC10252981 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
High spinal cord injuries (SCIs) lead to permanent functional deficits, including respiratory dysfunction. Patients living with such conditions often rely on ventilatory assistance to survive, and even those that can be weaned continue to suffer life-threatening impairments. There is currently no treatment for SCI that is capable of providing complete recovery of diaphragm activity and respiratory function. The diaphragm is the main inspiratory muscle, and its activity is controlled by phrenic motoneurons (phMNs) located in the cervical (C3-C5) spinal cord. Preserving and/or restoring phMN activity following a high SCI is essential for achieving voluntary control of breathing. In this review, we will highlight (1) the current knowledge of inflammatory and spontaneous pro-regenerative processes occurring after SCI, (2) key therapeutics developed to date, and (3) how these can be harnessed to drive respiratory recovery following SCIs. These therapeutic approaches are typically first developed and tested in relevant preclinical models, with some of them having been translated into clinical studies. A better understanding of inflammatory and pro-regenerative processes, as well as how they can be therapeutically manipulated, will be the key to achieving optimal functional recovery following SCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Michel-Flutot
- END-ICAP, UVSQ, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France;
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Michael A. Lane
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA;
| | - Angelo C. Lepore
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Stéphane Vinit
- END-ICAP, UVSQ, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France;
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Pitts T, Iceman KE. Deglutition and the Regulation of the Swallow Motor Pattern. Physiology (Bethesda) 2023; 38:0. [PMID: 35998250 PMCID: PMC9707372 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00005.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries of investigation, questions and controversies remain regarding the fundamental genesis and motor pattern of swallow. Two significant topics include inspiratory muscle activity during swallow (Schluckatmung, i.e., "swallow-breath") and anatomical boundaries of the swallow pattern generator. We discuss the long history of reports regarding the presence or absence of Schluckatmung and the possible advantages of and neural basis for such activity, leading to current theories and novel experimental directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Pitts
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Kimberly E Iceman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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4
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Hashemizadeh S, Gharaylou Z, Hosseindoost S, Sardari M, Omidi A, Hosseini ravandi H, Hadjighassem M. Long-term administration of bumetanide improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:932487. [PMID: 36339604 PMCID: PMC9628211 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.932487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion disturbances are among the most remarkable deficits in spinal cord injury (SCI). GABA is an integral part of neural interaction. Action of the GABAA receptor depends on the amount of intracellular chloride. Homeostasis of chloride is controlled by two co-transporters, NKCC1 and KCC2. Previous studies revealed that NKCC1 are disturbed in SCI. In this study, NKCC1 is highly expressed in the epicenter of the lesioned spinal cord at 3 hours after induction of the lesion and reached the peak around 6 hours after SCI. Bumetanide (2 and 4 mg/day), as a specific NKCC1 inhibitor, was used at 3 hours post SCI for 28 days. The functional recovery outcomes were measured by the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale, ladder walking test, and hot plate test. The rats that received bumetanide 4 mg/day exhibited improved recovery of locomotor function, reduction of NKCC1 gene expression, and upregulation of GAP protein levels 28 days post SCI. Histological tissue evaluations confirmed bumetanide’s neuroprotective and regenerative effects. This study provides novel evidence for the benefits of bumetanide in early administration after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hashemizadeh
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saereh Hosseindoost
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sardari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Omidi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem,
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5
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Locke KC, Randelman ML, Hoh DJ, Zholudeva LV, Lane MA. Respiratory plasticity following spinal cord injury: perspectives from mouse to man. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2141-2148. [PMID: 35259820 PMCID: PMC9083159 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of respiratory plasticity in animal models spans decades. At the bench, researchers use an array of techniques aimed at harnessing the power of plasticity within the central nervous system to restore respiration following spinal cord injury. This field of research is highly clinically relevant. People living with cervical spinal cord injury at or above the level of the phrenic motoneuron pool at spinal levels C3-C5 typically have significant impairments in breathing which may require assisted ventilation. Those who are ventilator dependent are at an increased risk of ventilator-associated co-morbidities and have a drastically reduced life expectancy. Pre-clinical research examining respiratory plasticity in animal models has laid the groundwork for clinical trials. Despite how widely researched this injury is in animal models, relatively few treatments have broken through the preclinical barrier. The three goals of this present review are to define plasticity as it pertains to respiratory function post-spinal cord injury, discuss plasticity models of spinal cord injury used in research, and explore the shift from preclinical to clinical research. By investigating current targets of respiratory plasticity research, we hope to illuminate preclinical work that can influence future clinical investigations and the advancement of treatments for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C. Locke
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margo L. Randelman
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J. Hoh
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lyandysha V. Zholudeva
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Lane
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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6
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Pitts T, Iceman KE, Huff A, Musselwhite MN, Frazure ML, Young KC, Greene CL, Howland DR. Laryngeal and swallow dysregulation following acute cervical spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:405-417. [PMID: 35830612 PMCID: PMC9359645 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00469.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal function is vital to airway protection. While swallow is mediated by the brainstem, mechanisms underlying increased risk of dysphagia after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) are unknown. We hypothesized that loss of descending phrenic drive affects swallow and breathing differently, and loss of ascending spinal afferent information alters swallow regulation. We recorded electromyograms from upper airway and chest wall muscles in freely breathing pentobarbital-anesthetized cats and rats. Inspiratory laryngeal activity increased ~two-fold following C2 lateral-hemisection. Ipsilateral to the injury, crural diaphragm EMG amplitude was reduced during breathing (62 ± 25% change post-injury), but no animal had complete termination of activity; 75% of animals increased contralateral diaphragm recruitment, but this did not reach significance. During swallow, laryngeal adductor and pharyngeal constrictor muscles increased activity, and diaphragm activity was bilaterally suppressed. This was unexpected because of the ipsilateral-specific response during breathing. Swallow-breathing coordination was also disrupted and more swallows occurred during early expiration. Finally, to determine if the chest wall is a major source of feedback for laryngeal regulation, we performed T1 total transections in rats. As in the C2 lateral-hemisection, inspiratory laryngeal recruitment was the first feature noted. In contrast to the C2 lateral-hemisection, diaphragmatic drive increased after T1 transection. Overall, we found that SCI alters laryngeal drive during swallow and breathing, and reduced swallow-related diaphragm activity. Our results show behavior-specific effects, suggesting SCI affects swallow more than breathing, and emphasizes the need for additional studies on the effects of ascending afferents from the spinal cord on laryngeal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Pitts
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Kimberly E Iceman
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Alyssa Huff
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Matthew Nicholas Musselwhite
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Michael L Frazure
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Kellyanna C Young
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Clinton L Greene
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Dena Ruth Howland
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.,Research Service, Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, KY, United States
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7
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Bajjig A, Michel-Flutot P, Migevent T, Cayetanot F, Bodineau L, Vinit S, Vivodtzev I. Diaphragmatic Activity and Respiratory Function Following C3 or C6 Unilateral Spinal Cord Contusion in Mice. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040558. [PMID: 35453757 PMCID: PMC9031817 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The majority of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are cervical (cSCI), leading to a marked reduction in respiratory capacity. We aimed to investigate the effect of hemicontusion models of cSCI on both diaphragm activity and respiratory function to serve as preclinical models of cervical SCI. Since phrenic motoneuron pools are located at the C3-C5 spinal level, we investigated two models of preclinical cSCI mimicking human forms of injury, namely, one above (C3 hemicontusion-C3HC) and one below phrenic motoneuron pools (C6HC) in wild-type swiss OF-1 mice, and we compared their effects on respiratory function using whole-body plethysmography and on diaphragm activity using electromyography (EMG). At 7 days post-surgery, both C3HC and C6HC damaged spinal cord integrity above the lesion level, suggesting that C6HC potentially alters C5 motoneurons. Although both models led to decreased diaphragmatic EMG activity in the injured hemidiaphragm compared to the intact one (-46% and -26% in C3HC and C6HC, respectively, both p = 0.02), only C3HC led to a significant reduction in tidal volume and minute ventilation compared to sham surgery (-25% and -20% vs. baseline). Moreover, changes in EMG amplitude between respiratory bursts were observed post-C3HC, reflecting a change in phrenic motoneuronal excitability. Hence, C3HC and C6HC models induced alteration in respiratory function proportionally to injury level, and the C3HC model is a more appropriate model for interventional studies aiming to restore respiratory function in cSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf Bajjig
- Inserm, UMR_S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France; (A.B.); (T.M.); (F.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Pauline Michel-Flutot
- Inserm, END-ICAP, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78000 Versailles, France; (P.M.-F.); (S.V.)
| | - Tiffany Migevent
- Inserm, UMR_S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France; (A.B.); (T.M.); (F.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Florence Cayetanot
- Inserm, UMR_S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France; (A.B.); (T.M.); (F.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Laurence Bodineau
- Inserm, UMR_S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France; (A.B.); (T.M.); (F.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Stéphane Vinit
- Inserm, END-ICAP, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78000 Versailles, France; (P.M.-F.); (S.V.)
| | - Isabelle Vivodtzev
- Inserm, UMR_S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Sorbonne Université, 75013 Paris, France; (A.B.); (T.M.); (F.C.); (L.B.)
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8
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Allen LL, Nichols NL, Asa ZA, Emery AT, Ciesla MC, Santiago JV, Holland AE, Mitchell GS, Gonzalez-Rothi EJ. Phrenic motor neuron survival below cervical spinal cord hemisection. Exp Neurol 2021; 346:113832. [PMID: 34363808 PMCID: PMC9065093 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) severs bulbospinal projections to respiratory motor neurons, paralyzing respiratory muscles below the injury. C2 spinal hemisection (C2Hx) is a model of cSCI often used to study spontaneous and induced plasticity and breathing recovery post-injury. One key assumption is that C2Hx dennervates motor neurons below the injury, but does not affect their survival. However, a recent study reported substantial bilateral motor neuron death caudal to C2Hx. Since phrenic motor neuron (PMN) death following C2Hx would have profound implications for therapeutic strategies designed to target spared neural circuits, we tested the hypothesis that C2Hx minimally impacts PMN survival. Using improved retrograde tracing methods, we observed no loss of PMNs at 2- or 8-weeks post-C2Hx. We also observed no injury-related differences in ChAT or NeuN immunolabeling within labelled PMNs. Although we found no evidence of PMN loss following C2Hx, we cannot rule out neuronal loss in other motor pools. These findings address an essential prerequisite for studies that utilize C2Hx as a model to explore strategies for inducing plasticity and/or regeneration within the phrenic motor system, as they provide important insights into the viability of phrenic motor neurons as therapeutic targets after high cervical injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latoya L Allen
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Department of Physical Therapy and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nicole L Nichols
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Zachary A Asa
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Department of Physical Therapy and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Marissa C Ciesla
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Department of Physical Therapy and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Juliet V Santiago
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Department of Physical Therapy and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ashley E Holland
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Department of Physical Therapy and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Gordon S Mitchell
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Department of Physical Therapy and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Elisa J Gonzalez-Rothi
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, Department of Physical Therapy and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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9
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Assunção Silva RC, Pinto L, Salgado AJ. Cell transplantation and secretome based approaches in spinal cord injury regenerative medicine. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:850-896. [PMID: 34783046 DOI: 10.1002/med.21865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The axonal growth-restrictive character of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) makes finding a therapeutic strategy a very demanding task, due to the postinjury events impeditive to spontaneous axonal outgrowth and regeneration. Considering SCI pathophysiology complexity, it has been suggested that an effective therapy should tackle all the SCI-related aspects and provide sensory and motor improvement to SCI patients. Thus, the current aim of any therapeutic approach for SCI relies in providing neuroprotection and support neuroregeneration. Acknowledging the current SCI treatment paradigm, cell transplantation is one of the most explored approaches for SCI with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) being in the forefront of many of these. Studies showing the beneficial effects of MSC transplantation after SCI have been proposing a paracrine action of these cells on the injured tissues, through the secretion of protective and trophic factors, rather than attributing it to the action of cells itself. This manuscript provides detailed information on the most recent data regarding the neuroregenerative effect of the secretome of MSCs as a cell-free based therapy for SCI. The main challenge of any strategy proposed for SCI treatment relies in obtaining robust preclinical evidence from in vitro and in vivo models, before moving to the clinics, so we have specifically focused on the available vertebrate and mammal models of SCI currently used in research and how can SCI field benefit from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita C Assunção Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's e PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,BnML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal
| | - Luísa Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's e PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.,BnML, Behavioral and Molecular Lab, Braga, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's e PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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10
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Randelman M, Zholudeva LV, Vinit S, Lane MA. Respiratory Training and Plasticity After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:700821. [PMID: 34621156 PMCID: PMC8490715 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.700821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
While spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result in a vast array of functional deficits, many of which are life threatening, the majority of SCIs are anatomically incomplete. Spared neural pathways contribute to functional and anatomical neuroplasticity that can occur spontaneously, or can be harnessed using rehabilitative, electrophysiological, or pharmacological strategies. With a focus on respiratory networks that are affected by cervical level SCI, the present review summarizes how non-invasive respiratory treatments can be used to harness this neuroplastic potential and enhance long-term recovery. Specific attention is given to "respiratory training" strategies currently used clinically (e.g., strength training) and those being developed through pre-clinical and early clinical testing [e.g., intermittent chemical stimulation via altering inhaled oxygen (hypoxia) or carbon dioxide stimulation]. Consideration is also given to the effect of training on non-respiratory (e.g., locomotor) networks. This review highlights advances in this area of pre-clinical and translational research, with insight into future directions for enhancing plasticity and improving functional outcomes after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo Randelman
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lyandysha V Zholudeva
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stéphane Vinit
- INSERM, END-ICAP, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Versailles, France
| | - Michael A Lane
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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11
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Goel SA, Varghese V, Demir T. Animal models of spinal injury for studying back pain and SCI. J Clin Orthop Trauma 2020; 11:816-821. [PMID: 32904094 PMCID: PMC7452356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Back pain is a common ailment affecting individuals around the globe. Animal models to understand the back pain mechanism, treatment modalities, and spinal cord injury are widely researched topics worldwide. Despite the presence of several animal models on disc degeneration and Spinal Cord Injury, there is a lack of a comprehensive review. MATERIAL AND METHOD A methodological narrative literature review was carried out for the study. A total of 1273 publications were found, out of which 763 were related to spine surgery in animals. The literature with full-text availability was selected for the review. Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines was used to assess the studies. Only English language publications were included which were listed on PubMed. A total of 113 studies were shortlisted (1976-2019) after internal validation scoring. RESULT The animal models for spine surgery ranged from rodents to primates. These are used to study the mechanisms of back pain as well as spinal cord injuries. The models could either be created surgically or through various means like use of electric cautery, chemicals or trauma. Genetic spine models have also been documented in which the injuries are created by genetic alterations and knock outs. Though the dorsal approach is the most common, the literature also mentions the anterior and lateral approach for spine surgery animal experiments. CONCLUSION There are no single perfect animal models to represent and study human models. The selection is based on the application and the methodology. Careful selection is needed to give optimum and appropriate results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakti A. Goel
- Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, 110070, India
- Corresponding author.
| | - Vicky Varghese
- TOBB Economics, and Technology University Mechanical Engineering Department.Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tyfik Demir
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, WI, USA
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12
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Warren PM, Alilain WJ. Plasticity Induced Recovery of Breathing Occurs at Chronic Stages after Cervical Contusion. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:1985-1999. [PMID: 30565484 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe midcervical contusion injury causes profound deficits throughout the respiratory motor system that last from acute to chronic time points post-injury. We use chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) to digest chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans within the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding the respiratory system at both acute and chronic time points post-injury to explore whether augmentation of plasticity can recover normal motor function. We demonstrate that, regardless of time post-injury or treatment application, the lesion cavity remains consistent, showing little regeneration or neuroprotection within our model. Through electromyography (EMG) recordings of multiple inspiratory muscles, however, we show that application of the enzyme at chronic time points post-injury initiates the recovery of normal breathing in previously paralyzed respiratory muscles. This reduced the need for compensatory activity throughout the motor system. Application of ChABC at acute time points recovered only modest amounts of respiratory function. To further understand this effect, we assessed the anatomical mechanism of this recovery. Increased EMG activity in previously paralyzed muscles was brought about by activation of spared bulbospinal pathways through the site of injury and/or sprouting of spared serotonergic fibers from the contralateral side of the cord. Accordingly, we demonstrate that alterations to the ECM and augmentation of plasticity at chronic time points post-cervical contusion can cause functional recovery of the respiratory motor system and reveal mechanistic evidence of the pathways that govern this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa Mary Warren
- 1 Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Centre, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,2 King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London, United Kingdom
| | - Warren Joseph Alilain
- 1 Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Centre, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,3 Department of Neuroscience, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Centre, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Stamegna JC, Sadelli K, Escoffier G, Girard SD, Veron AD, Bonnet A, Khrestchatisky M, Gauthier P, Roman FS. Grafts of Olfactory Stem Cells Restore Breathing and Motor Functions after Rat Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:1765-1780. [PMID: 29357739 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transplantation of olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cells (OEMSCs) could be a helpful therapeutic strategy for spinal cord repair. Using an acute rat model of high cervical contusion that provokes a persistent hemidiaphragmatic and foreleg paralysis, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of a delayed syngeneic transplantation (two days post-contusion) of OEMSCs within the injured spinal cord. Respiratory function was assessed using diaphragmatic electromyography and neuroelectrophysiological recordings of phrenic nerves (innervating the diaphragm). Locomotor function was evaluated using the ladder-walking locomotor test. Cellular reorganization in the injured area was also studied using immunohistochemical and microscopic techniques. We report a substantial improvement in breathing movements, in activities of the ipsilateral phrenic nerve and ipsilateral diaphragm, and also in locomotor abilities four months post-transplantation with nasal OEMSCs. Moreover, in the grafted spinal cord, axonal disorganization and inflammation were reduced. Some grafted stem cells adopted a neuronal phenotype, and axonal sparing was observed in the injury site. The therapeutic effect on the supraspinal command is presumably because of both neuronal replacements and beneficial paracrine effects on the injury area. Our study provides evidence that nasal OEMSCs could be a first step in clinical application, particularly in patients with reduced breathing/locomotor movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Stamegna
- 1 Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France
| | - Kevin Sadelli
- 1 Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France
| | - Guy Escoffier
- 1 Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane D Girard
- 1 Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France
| | - Antoine D Veron
- 1 Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France .,2 IRSEA, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology , Apt, France
| | - Amandine Bonnet
- 1 Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France
| | | | - Patrick Gauthier
- 3 Laboratoire de Neurosciences et Cognitives, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France
| | - François S Roman
- 1 Institut de Neurophysiopathologie, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille, France
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Warren PM, Campanaro C, Jacono FJ, Alilain WJ. Mid-cervical spinal cord contusion causes robust deficits in respiratory parameters and pattern variability. Exp Neurol 2018; 306:122-131. [PMID: 29653187 PMCID: PMC6333202 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mid-cervical spinal cord contusion disrupts both the pathways and motoneurons vital to the activity of inspiratory muscles. The present study was designed to determine if a rat contusion model could result in a measurable deficit to both ventilatory and respiratory motor function under “normal” breathing conditions at acute to chronic stages post trauma. Through whole body plethysmography and electromyography we assessed respiratory output from three days to twelve weeks after a cervical level 3 (C3) contusion. Contused animals showed significant deficits in both tidal and minute volumes which were sustained from acute to chronic time points. We also examined the degree to which the contusion injury impacted ventilatory pattern variability through assessment of Mutual Information and Sample Entropy. Mid-cervical contusion significantly and robustly decreased the variability of ventilatory patterns. The enduring deficit to the respiratory motor system caused by contusion was further confirmed through electromyography recordings in multiple respiratory muscles. When isolated via a lesion, these contused pathways were insufficient to maintain respiratory activity at all time points post injury. Collectively these data illustrate that, counter to the prevailing literature, a profound and lasting ventilatory and respiratory motor deficit may be modelled and measured through multiple physiological assessments at all time points after cervical contusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa M Warren
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Cara Campanaro
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Frank J Jacono
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Louis Stokes VA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Warren J Alilain
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Centre, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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Walker CL, Zhang YP, Liu Y, Li Y, Walker MJ, Liu NK, Shields CB, Xu XM. Anatomical and functional effects of lateral cervical hemicontusion in adult rats. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2018; 34:389-400. [PMID: 27163248 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-150597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cervical injuries are the most common form of spinal cord injury (SCI), and are often complicated by pathological secondary damage. Therefore, cervical SCI is of great clinical importance for understanding pathology and potential therapies. Here we utilize a weight drop cervical hemi-contusion injury model using a NYU/MASCIS impactor that produced graded anatomical and functional deficits. METHODS Three groups of rats were established: 1) Sham (laminectomy only) (n = 6), 12.5 mm weight drop (n = 10), and 25 mm weight drop (n = 10) SCI groups. Forelimb functional assessments of grooming ability, cereal manipulation, and forepaw adhesive removal were performed weekly after injury. Using transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials (tcMMEPs), supraspinal motor stimulations were recorded in both forelimbs and hindlimbs at 5 and 28d post-injury. Lesion volume and myelinated tissue area were assessed through histological analysis. RESULTS A 12.5 mm weight drop height produced considerable tissue damage compared to Sham animals, while a 25 mm drop induced even greater damage than the 12.5 mm drop (p < 0.05). Forelimb functional assessments showed that increased injury severity and tissue damage was correlated to the degree of forelimb functional deficits. Interestingly, the hindlimbs showed little to no motor function loss. Upon tcMMEP stimulation, surprisingly little motor signal was recorded in the hindlimbs despite outward evidence of hindlimb motor recovery. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight a correlation between anatomical damage and functional outcome in a graded cervical hemi-contusion model, and support a loss of descending motor control from supraspinal inputs and intraspinal plasticity that promote spontaneous hindlimb functional recovery in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandler L Walker
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Yucheng Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yiping Li
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Melissa J Walker
- Medical Neuroscience Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Medical Neuroscience Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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16
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Animal models of spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Spinal Cord 2017; 55:714-721. [PMID: 28117332 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2016.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN PRISMA-guided systematic review. OBJECTIVES To provide a comprehensive framework of the current animal models for investigating spinal cord injury (SCI) and categorize them based on the aims, patterns and levels of injury, and outcome measurements as well as animal species. SETTING Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. METHODS An electronic search of the Medline database for literature describing animal models of SCI was performed on 1 January 2016 using the following keywords: 'spinal cord injuries' and 'animal models'. The search retrieved 2870 articles. Reviews and non-original articles were excluded. Data extraction was independently performed by two reviewers. RESULTS Among the 2209 included studies, testing the effects of drug's or growth factor's interventions was the most common aim (36.6%) followed by surveying pathophysiologic changes (30.2%). The most common spinal region involved was thoracic (81%). Contusion was the most common pattern of injury (41%) followed by transection (32.5%) and compression (19.4%). The most common species involved in animal models of SCI was the rat (72.4%). Two or more types of outcome assessments were used in the majority of the studies, and the most common assessment method was biological plus behavioral (50.8%). CONCLUSIONS Prior to choosing an animal model, the objectives of the proposed study must precisely be defined. Contusion and compression models better simulate the biomechanics and neuropathology of human injury, whereas transection models are valuable to study anatomic regeneration. Rodents are the most common and probably best-suited species for preliminary SCI studies.
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17
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Hormigo KM, Zholudeva LV, Spruance VM, Marchenko V, Cote MP, Vinit S, Giszter S, Bezdudnaya T, Lane MA. Enhancing neural activity to drive respiratory plasticity following cervical spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2017; 287:276-287. [PMID: 27582085 PMCID: PMC5121051 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent life-altering sensorimotor deficits, among which impaired breathing is one of the most devastating and life-threatening. While clinical and experimental research has revealed that some spontaneous respiratory improvement (functional plasticity) can occur post-SCI, the extent of the recovery is limited and significant deficits persist. Thus, increasing effort is being made to develop therapies that harness and enhance this neuroplastic potential to optimize long-term recovery of breathing in injured individuals. One strategy with demonstrated therapeutic potential is the use of treatments that increase neural and muscular activity (e.g. locomotor training, neural and muscular stimulation) and promote plasticity. With a focus on respiratory function post-SCI, this review will discuss advances in the use of neural interfacing strategies and activity-based treatments, and highlights some recent results from our own research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina M Hormigo
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lyandysha V Zholudeva
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Victoria M Spruance
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vitaliy Marchenko
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marie-Pascale Cote
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephane Vinit
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, INSERM U1179 End:icap, UFR des Sciences de la Santé - Simone Veil, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Simon Giszter
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tatiana Bezdudnaya
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael A Lane
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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18
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Abstract
The cervical spine is the most common site of traumatic vertebral column injuries. Respiratory insufficiency constitutes a significant proportion of the morbidity burden and is the most common cause of mortality in these patients. In seeking to enhance our capacity to treat specifically the respiratory dysfunction following spinal cord injury, investigators have studied the "crossed phrenic phenomenon", wherein contraction of a hemidiaphragm paralyzed by a complete hemisection of the ipsilateral cervical spinal cord above the phrenic nucleus can be induced by respiratory stressors and recovers spontaneously over time. Strengthening of latent contralateral projections to the phrenic nucleus and sprouting of new descending axons have been proposed as mechanisms contributing to the observed recovery. We have recently demonstrated recovery of spontaneous crossed phrenic activity occurring over minutes to hours in C1-hemisected unanesthetized decerebrate rats. The specific neurochemical and molecular pathways underlying crossed phrenic activity following injury require further clarification. A thorough understanding of these is necessary in order to develop targeted therapies for respiratory neurorehabilitation following spinal trauma. Animal studies provide preliminary evidence for the utility of neuropharmacological manipulation of serotonergic and adenosinergic pathways, nerve grafts, olfactory ensheathing cells, intraspinal microstimulation and a possible role for dorsal rhizotomy in recovering phrenic activity following spinal cord injury.
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Neuroprotective and Neurorestorative Processes after Spinal Cord Injury: The Case of the Bulbospinal Respiratory Neurons. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:7692602. [PMID: 27563469 PMCID: PMC4987469 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7692602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
High cervical spinal cord injuries interrupt the bulbospinal respiratory pathways projecting to the cervical phrenic motoneurons resulting in important respiratory defects. In the case of a lateralized injury that maintains the respiratory drive on the opposite side, a partial recovery of the ipsilateral respiratory function occurs spontaneously over time, as observed in animal models. The rodent respiratory system is therefore a relevant model to investigate the neuroplastic and neuroprotective mechanisms that will trigger such phrenic motoneurons reactivation by supraspinal pathways. Since part of this recovery is dependent on the damaged side of the spinal cord, the present review highlights our current understanding of the anatomical neuroplasticity processes that are developed by the surviving damaged bulbospinal neurons, notably axonal sprouting and rerouting. Such anatomical neuroplasticity relies also on coordinated molecular mechanisms at the level of the axotomized bulbospinal neurons that will promote both neuroprotection and axon growth.
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20
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Gill LC, Gransee HM, Sieck GC, Mantilla CB. Functional recovery after cervical spinal cord injury: Role of neurotrophin and glutamatergic signaling in phrenic motoneurons. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2015; 226:128-36. [PMID: 26506253 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) interrupts descending neural drive to phrenic motoneurons causing diaphragm muscle (DIAm) paralysis. Recent studies using a well-established model of SCI, unilateral spinal hemisection of the C2 segment of the cervical spinal cord (SH), provide novel information regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of functional recovery after SCI. Over time post-SH, gradual recovery of rhythmic ipsilateral DIAm activity occurs. Recovery of ipsilateral DIAm electromyogram (EMG) activity following SH is enhanced by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the region of the phrenic motoneuron pool. Delivery of exogenous BDNF either via intrathecal infusion or via mesenchymal stem cells engineered to release BDNF similarly enhance recovery. Conversely, recovery after SH is blunted by quenching endogenous BDNF with the fusion-protein TrkB-Fc in the region of the phrenic motoneuron pool or by selective inhibition of TrkB kinase activity using a chemical-genetic approach in TrkB(F616A) mice. Furthermore, the importance of BDNF signaling via TrkB receptors at phrenic motoneurons is highlighted by the blunting of recovery by siRNA-mediated downregulation of TrkB receptor expression in phrenic motoneurons and by the enhancement of recovery evident following virally-induced increases in TrkB expression specifically in phrenic motoneurons. BDNF/TrkB signaling regulates synaptic plasticity in various neuronal systems, including glutamatergic pathways. Glutamatergic neurotransmission constitutes the main inspiratory-related, excitatory drive to motoneurons, and following SH, spontaneous neuroplasticity is associated with increased expression of ionotropic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in phrenic motoneurons. Evidence for the role of BDNF/TrkB and glutamatergic signaling in recovery of DIAm activity following cervical SCI is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luther C Gill
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55906, United States
| | - Heather M Gransee
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55906, United States
| | - Gary C Sieck
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55906, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55906, United States
| | - Carlos B Mantilla
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55906, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55906, United States.
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21
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Ghali MGZ, Marchenko V. Dynamic changes in phrenic motor output following high cervical hemisection in the decerebrate rat. Exp Neurol 2015; 271:379-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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22
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Hoy KC, Alilain WJ. Acute theophylline exposure modulates breathing activity through a cervical contusion. Exp Neurol 2015; 271:72-6. [PMID: 25979115 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cervical spinal contusion injuries are the most common form of spinal cord injury (>50%) observed in humans. These injuries can result in the impaired ability to breathe. In this study we examine the role of theophylline in the rescue of breathing behavior after a cervical spinal contusion. Previous research in the C2 hemisection model has shown that acute administration of theophylline can rescue phrenic nerve activity and diaphragmatic EMG on the side ipsilateral to injury. However, this effect is dependent on intact and uninjured pathways. In this study we utilized a cervical contusion injury model that more closely mimics the human condition. This injury model can determine the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, in this case theophylline, on the isolated contused pathways of the spinal cord. Three weeks after a 150 kD C3/4 unilateral contusion subjects received a 15 mg/kg dose of theophylline prior to a contralateral C2 hemisection. Subjects that received theophylline were able to effectively utilize damaged pathways to breathe for up to 2 min, while subjects treated with saline were unable to support ventilation. Through these experiments, we demonstrate that theophylline can make injured pathways that mediate breathing more effective and therefore, suggest a potential therapeutic role in the critical time points immediately after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Hoy
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
| | - Warren J Alilain
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.
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Activation of Akt/FKHR in the medulla oblongata contributes to spontaneous respiratory recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury in adult rats. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 69:93-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Keomani E, Deramaudt TB, Petitjean M, Bonay M, Lofaso F, Vinit S. A murine model of cervical spinal cord injury to study post-lesional respiratory neuroplasticity. J Vis Exp 2014. [PMID: 24894020 DOI: 10.3791/51235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A cervical spinal cord injury induces permanent paralysis, and often leads to respiratory distress. To date, no efficient therapeutics have been developed to improve/ameliorate the respiratory failure following high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Here we propose a murine pre-clinical model of high SCI at the cervical 2 (C2) metameric level to study diverse post-lesional respiratory neuroplasticity. The technique consists of a surgical partial injury at the C2 level, which will induce a hemiparalysis of the diaphragm due to a deafferentation of the phrenic motoneurons from the respiratory centers located in the brainstem. The contralateral side of the injury remains intact and allows the animal recovery. Unlike other SCIs which affect the locomotor function (at the thoracic and lumbar level), the respiratory function does not require animal motivation and the quantification of the deficit/recovery can be easily performed (diaphragm and phrenic nerve recordings, whole body ventilation). This pre-clinical C2 SCI model is a powerful, useful, and reliable pre-clinical model to study various respiratory and non-respiratory neuroplasticity events at different levels (molecular to physiology) and to test diverse putative therapeutic strategies which might improve the respiration in SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Keomani
- UFR des sciences de la santé - Simone Veil, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
| | - Thérèse B Deramaudt
- UFR des sciences de la santé - Simone Veil, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
| | - Michel Petitjean
- UFR des sciences de la santé - Simone Veil, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines; Service de Physiologie - Explorations fonctionnelles, Hôpital Ambroise Paré
| | - Marcel Bonay
- UFR des sciences de la santé - Simone Veil, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines; Service de Physiologie - Explorations fonctionnelles, Hôpital Ambroise Paré
| | - Frédéric Lofaso
- UFR des sciences de la santé - Simone Veil, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines; Services de Physiologie, Explorations Fonctionnelles, Réanimation Médicale et Centre d'Investigation Clinique et d'Innovation Technologique (Unité Inserm 805), Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
| | - Stéphane Vinit
- UFR des sciences de la santé - Simone Veil, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines;
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Streeter KA, Baker-Herman TL. Decreased spinal synaptic inputs to phrenic motor neurons elicit localized inactivity-induced phrenic motor facilitation. Exp Neurol 2014; 256:46-56. [PMID: 24681155 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Phrenic motor neurons receive rhythmic synaptic inputs throughout life. Since even brief disruption in phrenic neural activity is detrimental to life, on-going neural activity may play a key role in shaping phrenic motor output. To test the hypothesis that spinal mechanisms sense and respond to reduced phrenic activity, anesthetized, ventilated rats received micro-injections of procaine in the C2 ventrolateral funiculus (VLF) to transiently (~30min) block axon conduction in bulbospinal axons from medullary respiratory neurons that innervate one phrenic motor pool; during procaine injections, contralateral phrenic neural activity was maintained. Once axon conduction resumed, a prolonged increase in phrenic burst amplitude was observed in the ipsilateral phrenic nerve, demonstrating inactivity-induced phrenic motor facilitation (iPMF). Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and atypical PKC (aPKC) activity in spinal segments containing the phrenic motor nucleus impaired ipsilateral iPMF, suggesting a key role for spinal TNFα and aPKC in iPMF following unilateral axon conduction block. A small phrenic burst amplitude facilitation was also observed contralateral to axon conduction block, indicating crossed spinal phrenic motor facilitation (csPMF). csPMF was independent of spinal TNFα and aPKC. Ipsilateral iPMF and csPMF following unilateral withdrawal of phrenic synaptic inputs were associated with proportional increases in phrenic responses to chemoreceptor stimulation (hypercapnia), suggesting iPMF and csPMF increase phrenic dynamic range. These data suggest that local, spinal mechanisms sense and respond to reduced synaptic inputs to phrenic motor neurons. We hypothesize that iPMF and csPMF may represent compensatory mechanisms that assure adequate motor output is maintained in a physiological system in which prolonged inactivity ends life.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Streeter
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - T L Baker-Herman
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Warren PM, Alilain WJ. The challenges of respiratory motor system recovery following cervical spinal cord injury. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 212:173-220. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63488-7.00010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Hoh DJ, Mercier LM, Hussey SP, Lane MA. Respiration following spinal cord injury: evidence for human neuroplasticity. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2013; 189:450-64. [PMID: 23891679 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory dysfunction is one of the most devastating consequences of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) with impaired breathing being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. However, there is mounting experimental and clinical evidence for moderate spontaneous respiratory recovery, or "plasticity", after some spinal cord injuries. Pre-clinical models of respiratory dysfunction following SCI have demonstrated plasticity at neural and behavioral levels that result in progressive recovery of function. Temporal changes in respiration after human SCI have revealed some functional improvements suggesting plasticity paralleling that seen in experimental models-a concept that has been previously under-appreciated. While the extent of spontaneous recovery remains limited, it is possible that enhancing or facilitating neuroplastic mechanisms may have significant therapeutic potential. The next generation of treatment strategies for SCI and related respiratory dysfunction should aim to optimize these recovery processes of the injured spinal cord for lasting functional restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hoh
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Neurological Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, McKnight Brain Institute, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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28
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Awad BI, Warren PM, Steinmetz MP, Alilain WJ. The role of the crossed phrenic pathway after cervical contusion injury and a new model to evaluate therapeutic interventions. Exp Neurol 2013; 248:398-405. [PMID: 23886671 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
More than 50% of all spinal cord injury (SCI) cases are at the cervical level and usually result in the impaired ability to breathe. This is caused by damage to descending bulbospinal inspiratory tracts and the phrenic motor neurons which innervate the diaphragm. Most investigations have utilized a lateral C2 hemisection model of cervical SCI to study the resulting respiratory motor deficits and potential therapies. However, recent studies have emerged which incorporate experimental contusion injuries at the cervical level of the spinal cord to more closely reflect the type of trauma encountered in humans. Nonetheless, a common deficit observed in these contused animals is the inability to increase diaphragm motor activity in the face of respiratory challenge. In this report we tested the hypothesis that, following cervical contusion, all remaining tracts to the phrenic nucleus are active, including the crossed phrenic pathway (CPP). Additionally, we investigated the potential function these spared tracts might possess after injury. We find that, following a lateral C3/4 contusion injury, not all remaining pathways are actively exciting downstream phrenic motor neurons. However, removing some of these pathways through contralateral hemisection results in a cessation of all activity ipsilateral to the contusion. This suggests an important modulatory role for these pathways. Additionally, we conclude that this dual injury, hemi-contusion and post contra-hemisection, is a more effective and relevant model of cervical SCI as it results in a more direct compromise of diaphragmatic motor activity. This model can thus be used to test potential therapies with greater accuracy and clinical relevance than cervical contusion models currently allow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basem I Awad
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Mansoura University School of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
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Strey KA, Baertsch NA, Baker-Herman TL. Inactivity-induced respiratory plasticity: protecting the drive to breathe in disorders that reduce respiratory neural activity. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2013; 189:384-94. [PMID: 23816599 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2013.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Multiple forms of plasticity are activated following reduced respiratory neural activity. For example, in ventilated rats, a central neural apnea elicits a rebound increase in phrenic and hypoglossal burst amplitude upon resumption of respiratory neural activity, forms of plasticity called inactivity-induced phrenic and hypoglossal motor facilitation (iPMF and iHMF), respectively. Here, we provide a conceptual framework for plasticity following reduced respiratory neural activity to guide future investigations. We review mechanisms giving rise to iPMF and iHMF, present new data suggesting that inactivity-induced plasticity is observed in inspiratory intercostals (iIMF) and point out gaps in our knowledge. We then survey conditions relevant to human health characterized by reduced respiratory neural activity and discuss evidence that inactivity-induced plasticity is elicited during these conditions. Understanding the physiological impact and circumstances in which inactivity-induced respiratory plasticity is elicited may yield novel insights into the treatment of disorders characterized by reductions in respiratory neural activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Strey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Nicaise C, Putatunda R, Hala TJ, Regan KA, Frank DM, Brion JP, Leroy K, Pochet R, Wright MC, Lepore AC. Degeneration of phrenic motor neurons induces long-term diaphragm deficits following mid-cervical spinal contusion in mice. J Neurotrauma 2012; 29:2748-60. [PMID: 23176637 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2012.2467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A primary cause of morbidity and mortality following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is respiratory compromise, regardless of the level of trauma. In particular, SCI at mid-cervical regions targets degeneration of both descending bulbospinal respiratory axons and cell bodies of phrenic motor neurons, resulting in deficits in the function of the diaphragm, the primary muscle of inspiration. Contusion-type trauma to the cervical spinal cord is one of the most common forms of human SCI; however, few studies have evaluated mid-cervical contusion in animal models or characterized consequent histopathological and functional effects of degeneration of phrenic motor neuron-diaphragm circuitry. We have generated a mouse model of cervical contusion SCI that unilaterally targets both C4 and C5 levels, the location of the phrenic motor neuron pool, and have examined histological and functional outcomes for up to 6 weeks post-injury. We report that phrenic motor neuron loss in cervical spinal cord, phrenic nerve axonal degeneration, and denervation at diaphragm neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) resulted in compromised ipsilateral diaphragm function, as demonstrated by persistent reduction in diaphragm compound muscle action potential amplitudes following phrenic nerve stimulation and abnormalities in spontaneous diaphragm electromyography (EMG) recordings. This injury paradigm is reproducible, does not require ventilatory assistance, and provides proof-of-principle that generation of unilateral cervical contusion is a feasible strategy for modeling diaphragmatic/respiratory deficits in mice. This study and its accompanying analyses pave the way for using transgenic mouse technology to explore the function of specific genes in the pathophysiology of phrenic motor neuron degeneration and respiratory dysfunction following cervical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nicaise
- Department of Neuroscience, Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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31
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Nicaise C, Hala TJ, Frank DM, Parker JL, Authelet M, Leroy K, Brion JP, Wright MC, Lepore AC. Phrenic motor neuron degeneration compromises phrenic axonal circuitry and diaphragm activity in a unilateral cervical contusion model of spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2012; 235:539-52. [PMID: 22465264 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory dysfunction is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Injuries targeting mid-cervical spinal cord regions affect the phrenic motor neuron pool that innervates the diaphragm, the primary respiratory muscle of inspiration. Contusion-type injury in the cervical spinal cord is one of the most common forms of human SCI; however, few studies have evaluated mid-cervical contusion in animal models or characterized consequent histopathological and functional effects of degeneration of phrenic motor neuron-diaphragm circuitry. In an attempt to target the phrenic motor neuron pool, two unilateral contusion injury paradigms were tested, a single injury at level C4 and a double injury both at levels C3 and C4, and animals were followed for up to 6 weeks post-injury. Both unilateral cervical injury paradigms are reproducible with no mortality or need for breathing assistance, and are accompanied by phrenic motor neuron loss, phrenic nerve axon degeneration, diaphragm atrophy, denervation and subsequent partial reinnervation at the diaphragm neuromuscular junction, changes in spontaneous diaphragm EMG recordings, and reduction in phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential amplitude. These findings demonstrate significant and chronically persistent respiratory compromise following mid-cervical SCI due to phrenic motor neuron degeneration. These injury paradigms and accompanying analyses provide important tools both for understanding mechanisms of phrenic motor neuron and diaphragm pathology following SCI and for evaluating therapeutic strategies in clinically relevant cervical SCI models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nicaise
- Department of Neuroscience, Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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32
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Lane MA. Spinal respiratory motoneurons and interneurons. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2011; 179:3-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2011.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 07/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Respiratory function following bilateral mid-cervical contusion injury in the adult rat. Exp Neurol 2011; 235:197-210. [PMID: 21963673 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) are often viewed as the result of white matter damage. However, injuries occurring at any spinal level, especially in cervical and lumbar enlargement regions, also entail segmental neuronal loss. Yet, the contributions of gray matter injury and plasticity to functional outcomes are poorly understood. The present study addressed this issue by investigating changes in respiratory function following bilateral C(3)/C(4) contusion injuries at the level of the phrenic motoneuron (PhMN) pool which in the adult rat extends from C(3) to C(5/6) and provides innervation to the diaphragm. Despite extensive white and gray matter pathology associated with two magnitudes of injury severity, ventilation was relatively unaffected during both quiet breathing and respiratory challenge (hypercapnia). On the other hand, bilateral diaphragm EMG recordings revealed that the ability to increase diaphragm activity during respiratory challenge was substantially, and chronically, impaired. This deficit has not been seen following predominantly white matter lesions at higher cervical levels. Thus, the impact of gray matter damage relative to PhMNs and/or interneurons becomes evident during conditions associated with increased respiratory drive. Unaltered ventilatory behavior, despite significant deficits in diaphragm function, suggests compensatory neuroplasticity involving recruitment of other spinal respiratory networks which may entail remodeling of connections. Transynaptic tracing, using pseudorabies virus (PRV), revealed changes in PhMN-related interneuronal labeling rostral to the site of injury, thus offering insight into the potential anatomical reorganization and spinal plasticity following cervical contusion.
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Golder FJ, Fuller DD, Lovett-Barr MR, Vinit S, Resnick DK, Mitchell GS. Breathing patterns after mid-cervical spinal contusion in rats. Exp Neurol 2011; 231:97-103. [PMID: 21683697 PMCID: PMC3172815 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death after cervical spinal injury. We hypothesized that incomplete cervical spinal injuries would alter respiratory pattern and initiate plasticity in the neural control of breathing. Further, we hypothesized that the severity of cervical spinal contusion would correlate with changes in breathing pattern. Fourteen days after C4-C5 contusions, respiratory frequency and tidal volume were measured in unanesthetized Sprague Dawley rats in a whole body plethysmograph. Phrenic motor output was monitored in the same rats which were anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and ventilated to eliminate and/or control sensory feedback that could alter breathing patterns. The extent of spinal injury was approximated histologically by measurements of the injury-induced cyst area in transverse sections; cysts ranged from 2 to 28% of spinal cross-sectional area, and had a unilateral bias. In unanesthetized rats, the severity of spinal injury correlated negatively with tidal volume (R(2)=0.85; p<0.001) and positively with breathing frequency (R(2)=0.65; p<0.05). Thus, the severity of C4-C5 spinal contusion dictates post-injury breathing pattern. In anesthetized rats, phrenic burst amplitude was decreased on the side of injury, and burst frequency correlated negatively with contusion size (R(2)=0.51; p<0.05). A strong correlation between unanesthetized breathing pattern and the pattern of phrenic bursts in anesthetized, vagotomized and ventilated rats suggests that changes in respiratory motor output after spinal injury reflect, at least in part, intrinsic neural mechanisms of CNS plasticity initiated by injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- FJ Golder
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - DD Fuller
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - MR Lovett-Barr
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - S Vinit
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - DK Resnick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - GS Mitchell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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35
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Dunham KA, Siriphorn A, Chompoopong S, Floyd CL. Characterization of a graded cervical hemicontusion spinal cord injury model in adult male rats. J Neurotrauma 2011; 27:2091-106. [PMID: 21087156 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2010.1424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI) in rodents induce damage in the thoracic cord and subsequently examine hindlimb function as an indicator of recovery. In these models, functional recovery is most attributable to white-matter preservation and is less influenced by grey-matter sparing. In contrast, most clinical cases of SCI occur at the lower cervical levels, a region in which both grey-matter and white-matter sparing contribute to functional motor recovery. Thus experimental cervical SCI models are beginning to be developed and used to assess protective and pharmacological interventions following SCI. The objective of this study was to characterize a model of graded cervical hemicontusion SCI with regard to several histological and behavioral outcome measures, including novel forelimb behavioral tasks. Using a commercially available rodent spinal cord impactor, adult male rats received hemicontusion SCI at vertebral level C5 at 100, 200, or 300 kdyn force, to produce mild, moderate, or severe injury severities. Tests of skilled and unskilled forelimb and locomotor function were employed to assess functional recovery, and spinal cord tissue was collected to assess lesion severity. Deficits in skilled and unskilled forelimb function and locomotion relating to injury severity were observed, as well as decreases in neuronal numbers, white-matter area, and white-matter gliosis. Significant correlations were observed between behavioral and histological data. Taken together, these data suggest that the forelimb functional and locomotor assessments employed here are sensitive enough to measure functional changes, and that this hemicontusion model can be used to evaluate potential protective and regenerative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Dunham
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35249, USA
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36
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Stamegna JC, Felix MS, Roux-Peyronnet J, Rossi V, Féron F, Gauthier P, Matarazzo V. Nasal OEC transplantation promotes respiratory recovery in a subchronic rat model of cervical spinal cord contusion. Exp Neurol 2010; 229:120-31. [PMID: 20633558 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Revised: 07/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Engraftment of nasal olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) is considered as a promising therapeutic strategy for spinal cord repair and one clinical trial has already been initiated. However, while the vast majority of fundamental studies were focused on the recovery of locomotor function, the efficiency of this cellular tool for repairing respiratory motor dysfunction, which affects more than half of paraplegic/tetraplegic patients, remains unknown. Using a rat model that mimics the mechanisms encountered after a cervical contusion that induces a persistent hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis, we assessed the therapeutic efficiency of a delayed transplantation (2 weeks post-contusion) of nasal OECs within the injured spinal cord. Functional recovery was quantified with respiratory behavior tests, diaphragmatic electromyography and neuro-electrophysiological recording of the phrenic motoneurons while axogenesis was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. We show that 3 months post-transplantation, nasal OECs improve i) breathing movements, ii) activities of the ipsilateral diaphragm and corresponding phrenic nerve, and iii) axonal sprouting in the injury site. We also demonstrate that this functional partial recovery is mediated by the restoration of ipsilateral supraspinal command. Our study brings further evidence that olfactory ensheathing cells could have clinical application especially in tetraplegic patients with impaired breathing movements. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Understanding olfactory ensheathing glia and their prospect for nervous system repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Stamegna
- Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, CRN2M, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/UMR6231, Marseille, France
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37
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Anderson KD, Sharp KG, Hofstadter M, Irvine KA, Murray M, Steward O. Forelimb locomotor assessment scale (FLAS): novel assessment of forelimb dysfunction after cervical spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2009; 220:23-33. [PMID: 19733168 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Revised: 08/04/2009] [Accepted: 08/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We describe here a novel forelimb locomotor assessment scale (FLAS) that assesses forelimb use during locomotion in rats injured at the cervical level. A quantitative scale was developed that measures movements of shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints, forepaw position and digit placement, forelimb-hindlimb coordination, compensatory behaviors adopted while walking, and balance. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received graded cervical contusions ranging from 200 to 230 ("mild," n=11) and 250-290 kdyn ("moderate," n=13) between C5 and C8. Rats were videotaped post-injury as they walked along an alley to determine deficits and recovery of forelimb function. Recovery of shoulder and elbow joint movement occurred rapidly (within 1-7 days post-injury), whereas recovery of wrist joint movement was slower and more variable. Most rats in all groups displayed persistent deficits in forepaw and digit movement, but developed compensatory behaviors to allow functional forward locomotion within 1-2 weeks post-injury. Recovery of forelimb function as measured by the FLAS reached a plateau by 3 weeks post-injury in all groups. Rats with mild contusions displayed greater locomotor recovery than rats with moderate contusions, but exhibited persistent deficits compared to sham controls. Reliability was tested by having seven raters (three internal, four external) from different laboratories, independently and blindly score videos of all rats. The multivariate correlation between all raters, all animals, and all time points ranged from r(2)=0.88-0.96 (p<0.0001), indicating a high inter-rater reliability. Thus, the FLAS is a simple, inexpensive, sensitive, and reliable measure of forelimb function during locomotion following cervical SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim D Anderson
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California at Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, 1113 Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-1385, USA.
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38
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Vinit S, Kastner A. Descending bulbospinal pathways and recovery of respiratory motor function following spinal cord injury. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 169:115-22. [PMID: 19682608 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The rodent respiratory system is a relevant model for study of the intrinsic post-lesion mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and resulting recovery after high cervical spinal cord injury. An unilateral cervical injury (hemisection, lateral section or contusion) interrupts unilaterally bulbospinal respiratory pathways to phrenic motor neurons innervating the diaphragm and leads to important respiratory defects on the injured side. However, the ipsilateral phrenic nerve exhibits a spontaneous and progressive recovery with post-lesion time. Shortly after a lateral injury, this partial recovery depends on the activation of contralateral pathways that cross the spinal midline caudal to the injury. Activation of these crossed phrenic pathways after the injury depends on the integrity of phrenic sensory afferents. These pathways are located principally in the lateral part of the spinal cord and involve 30% of the medullary respiratory neurons. By contrast, in chronic post-lesion conditions, the medial part of the spinal cord becomes sufficient to trigger substantial ipsilateral respiratory drive. Thus, after unilateral cervical spinal cord injury, respiratory reactivation is associated with a time-dependent anatomo-functional reorganization of the bulbospinal respiratory descending pathways, which represents an adaptative strategy for functional compensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Vinit
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1102, USA.
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39
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Nantwi KD. Recovery of respiratory activity after C2 hemisection (C2HS): involvement of adenosinergic mechanisms. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 169:102-14. [PMID: 19651244 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2009.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) depend on the level and extent of injury. Cervical SCI often results in a compromised respiratory system. Primary treatment of SCI patients with respiratory insufficiency continues to be with mechanical ventilatory support. In an animal model of SCI, an upper cervical spinal cord hemisection paralyzes the hemidiaphragm ipsilateral to the side of injury. However, a latent respiratory motor pathway can be activated to restore respiratory function after injury. In this review, restoration of respiratory activity following systemic administration of theophylline, a respiratory stimulant will be discussed. Pharmacologically, theophylline is a non-specific adenosine receptor antagonist, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and a bronchodilator. It has been used in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in treatment of apnea in premature infants. However, the clinical use of theophylline to improve respiration in SCI patients with respiratory deficits is a more recent approach. This review will focus on the use of theophylline to restore respiratory activity in an animal model of SCI. In this model, a C2 hemisection (C2HS) interrupts the major descending respiratory pathways and paralyzes the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. The review also highlights involvement of central and peripheral adenosine receptors in functional restitution. Biochemical binding assays that highlight changes in adenosine receptors after chronic theophylline administration are discussed as they pertain to understanding adenosine receptor-mediation in functional recovery. Finally, the clinical application of theophylline in SCI patients with respiratory deficits in particular is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwaku D Nantwi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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40
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Anderson KD, Sharp KG, Steward O. Bilateral cervical contusion spinal cord injury in rats. Exp Neurol 2009; 220:9-22. [PMID: 19559699 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2008] [Revised: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing motivation to develop clinically relevant experimental models for cervical SCI in rodents and techniques to assess deficits in forelimb function. Here we describe a bilateral cervical contusion model in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received mild or moderate cervical contusion injuries (using the Infinite Horizons device) at C5, C6, or C7/8. Forelimb motor function was assessed using a grip strength meter (GSM); sensory function was assessed by the von Frey hair test; the integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST) was assessed by biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) tract tracing. Mild contusions caused primarily dorsal column (DC) and gray matter (GM) damage while moderate contusions produced additional damage to lateral and ventral tissue. Forelimb and hindlimb function was severely impaired immediately post-injury, but all rats regained the ability to use their hindlimbs for locomotion. Gripping ability was abolished immediately after injury but recovered partially, depending upon the spinal level and severity of the injury. Rats exhibited a loss of sensation in both fore- and hindlimbs that partially recovered, and did not exhibit allodynia. Tract tracing revealed that the main contingent of CST axons in the DC was completely interrupted in all but one animal whereas the dorsolateral CST (dlCST) was partially spared, and dlCST axons gave rise to axons that arborized in the GM caudal to the injury. Our data demonstrate that rats can survive significant bilateral cervical contusion injuries at or below C5 and that forepaw gripping function recovers after mild injuries even when the main component of CST axons in the dorsal column is completely interrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim D Anderson
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California, Irvine College of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697-1385, USA.
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41
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Goshgarian HG. The crossed phrenic phenomenon and recovery of function following spinal cord injury. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 169:85-93. [PMID: 19539790 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2009.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This review will focus on neural plasticity and recovery of respiratory function after spinal cord injury and feature the "crossed phrenic phenomenon" (CPP) as a model for demonstrating such plasticity and recovery. A very brief summary of the earlier literature on the CPP will be followed by a more detailed review of the more recent studies. Two aspects of plasticity associated with the CPP that have been introduced in the literature recently have been spontaneous recovery of ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic function following chronic spinal cord injury and drug-induced persistent recovery of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm lasting long after animals have been weaned from drug treatment. The underlying mechanisms for this plasticity and resultant recovery will be discussed in this review. Moreover, two new models involving the CPP have been introduced: a mouse model which now provides for an opportunity to study CPP plasticity at a molecular level using a genetic approach and light-stimulated induction of the CPP accomplished by transfecting mammalian cells with channelrhodopsin. Both models provide an opportunity to sort out the intracellular signaling cascades that may be involved in motor recovery in the respiratory system after spinal cord injury. Finally, the review will examine developmental plasticity of the CPP and discuss how the expression of the CPP changes in neonatal rats as they mature to adults. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind the spontaneous expression of the crossed phrenic pathway either in the developing animal or after chronic spinal cord injury in the adult animal may provide clues to initiating respiratory recovery sooner to alleviate human suffering and eventually eliminate the leading cause of death in human cases of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry G Goshgarian
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States.
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42
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Choo AMT, Liu J, Liu Z, Dvorak M, Tetzlaff W, Oxland TR. Modeling spinal cord contusion, dislocation, and distraction: characterization of vertebral clamps, injury severities, and node of Ranvier deformations. J Neurosci Methods 2009; 181:6-17. [PMID: 19383514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2009.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 04/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord contusion and transection models are widely used for studying spinal cord injury (SCI). Clinically, however, other biomechanical injury mechanisms such as vertebral dislocation and distraction frequently occur, but these injuries are difficult to produce in animals. We mechanically characterize a vertebral clamping strategy that enables the modeling of vertebral dislocation and distraction injuries--in addition to the standard contusion paradigm--in the rat cervical spine. These vertebral clamps have a stiffness of 83.6+/-18.9 N/mm and clamping strength 64.7+/-10.2N which allows injuries to be modeled at high-speed (approximately 100 cm/s). Logistic regression indicated that a moderate-to-severe injury, with an acute mortality rate of 10%, occurs at 2.6 mm of C4/5 dorso-ventral dislocation and 4.1 mm of rostro-caudal distraction between C4 and C5. Injuries produced by dislocation and distraction exhibited features of axonal damage that were absent in contusion injuries. We conducted morphometric analysis at the nodes of Ranvier using immunohistochemistry for potassium channels (Kv1.2) in the juxtaparanodal region. Following distraction injuries, elongated nodes of Ranvier were observed up to 4mm rostral to the lesion. In contrast, contusion injuries produced distortions in nodal geometry which were restricted to the vicinity of the lesion. The greatest deformations in node of Ranvier geometry occurred at the dislocation epicenter. Given the importance of white matter damage in SCI pathology, the distinctiveness of these injury patterns demonstrate that the dislocation and distraction injury models complement existing contusion models. Together, these three animal models span a broader clinical spectrum for more reliably gauging the potential human efficacy of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Min-Te Choo
- Division of Orthopaedic Engineering Research, Department of Orthopaedics, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Fuller DD, Sandhu MS, Doperalski NJ, Lane MA, White TE, Bishop MD, Reier PJ. Graded unilateral cervical spinal cord injury and respiratory motor recovery. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2008; 165:245-53. [PMID: 19150658 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2008.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 12/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We examined the potential contribution of ventromedial (VM) tissue sparing to respiratory recovery following chronic (1 mo) unilateral C2 spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Preserved white matter ipsilateral to the injury was quantitatively expressed relative to contralateral white matter. The ipsilateral-to-contralateral white matter ratio was 0 after complete C2 hemisection (C2HS) and 0.23+/-0.04 with minimal VM sparing. Inspiratory (breath min(-1)) and phrenic frequency (burst min(-1)), measured by plethysmography (conscious rats) and phrenic neurograms (anesthetized rats) respectively, were both lower with minimal VM sparing (p<0.05 vs. C2HS). Tidal volume also was greater in minimal VM sparing rats during a hypercapnic challenge (p<0.05 vs. C2HS). In other C2 hemilesioned rats with more extensive VM matter sparing (ipsilateral-to-contralateral white matter ratio=0.55+/-0.05), respiratory deficits were indicated at 1 mo post-injury by reduced ventilation during hypercapnic challenge (p<0.05 vs. uninjured). Anterograde (ventral respiratory column-to-spinal cord) neuroanatomical tracing studies showed that descending respiratory projections from the brainstem are present in VM tissue. We conclude that even relatively minimal sparing of VM tissue after C2 hemilesion can alter respiratory outcomes. In addition, respiratory deficits can emerge in the adult rat after high cervical SCI even when relatively extensive VM sparing occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Fuller
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100154, 100 S. Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Respiratory neuroplasticity and cervical spinal cord injury: translational perspectives. Trends Neurosci 2008; 31:538-47. [PMID: 18775573 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2008.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 07/10/2008] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Paralysis of the diaphragm is a severe consequence of cervical spinal cord injury. This condition can be experimentally modeled by lateralized, high cervical lesions that interrupt descending inspiratory drive to the corresponding phrenic nucleus. Although partial recovery of ipsilateral diaphragm function occurs over time, recent findings show persisting chronic deficits in ventilation and phrenic motoneuron activity. Some evidence suggests, however, that spontaneous recovery can be enhanced by modulating neural pathways to phrenic motoneurons via synaptic circuitries which appear more complex than previously envisioned. The present review highlights these and other recent experimental multidisciplinary findings pertaining to respiratory neuroplasticity in the rat. Translational considerations are also emphasized, with specific attention directed at the clinical and interpretational strengths of different lesion models and outcome measures.
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Kastner A, Gauthier P. Are rodents an appropriate pre-clinical model for treating spinal cord injury? Examples from the respiratory system. Exp Neurol 2008; 213:249-56. [PMID: 18675802 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2008] [Revised: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Because most studies of the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) and resulting repair and treatments use rodent models, it is important to determine if these models are relevant to humans. In this review, we focus on alterations in respiratory function as a result of SCI. Several injury paradigms have been used in the rat to examine restoration of post-lesion respiratory function and potential benefits from repair strategies designed for humans. Unlike the corticospinal locomotor system, respiratory neural organization is well preserved between rodents and humans, and resembles the general organization of motor pathways in primates. These similarities justify the use of the rodent respiratory system as a model to analyze SCI and putative repair strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kastner
- Université Paul Cézanne Aix-Marseille III, UMR CNRS 6231 - CRN2M, Centre de Recherches en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Equipe MP3-Respiration, Marseille Cedex 20, France
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Inskip JA, Ramer LM, Ramer MS, Krassioukov AV. Autonomic assessment of animals with spinal cord injury: tools, techniques and translation. Spinal Cord 2008; 47:2-35. [DOI: 10.1038/sc.2008.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Zimmer MB, Nantwi K, Goshgarian HG. Effect of spinal cord injury on the neural regulation of respiratory function. Exp Neurol 2008; 209:399-406. [PMID: 17603041 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2007.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2007] [Revised: 05/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Injury at any level of the spinal cord can impair respiratory motor function. Indeed, complications associated with respiratory function are the number one cause of mortality in humans following spinal cord injury (SCI) at any level of the cord. This review is aimed at describing the effect of SCI on respiratory function while highlighting the recent advances made by basic science research regarding the neural regulation of respiratory function following injury. Models of SCI that include upper cervical hemisection and contusion injury have been utilized to examine the underlying neural mechanisms of respiratory control following injury. The approaches used to induce motor recovery in the respiratory system are similar to other studies that examine recovery of locomotor function after SCI. These include strategies to initiate regeneration of damaged axons, to reinnervate paralyzed muscles with peripheral nerve grafts, to use spared neural pathways to induce motor function, and finally, to initiate mechanisms of neural plasticity within the spinal cord to increase motoneuron firing. The ultimate goals of this research are to restore motor function to previously paralyzed respiratory muscles and improve ventilation in patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Beth Zimmer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Zimmer MB, Nantwi K, Goshgarian HG. Effect of spinal cord injury on the respiratory system: basic research and current clinical treatment options. J Spinal Cord Med 2007; 203:98-108. [PMID: 17853653 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to an impairment of the respiratory system. The more rostral the level of injury, the more likely the injury will affect ventilation. In fact, respiratory insufficiency is the number one cause of mortality and morbidity after SCI. This review highlights the progress that has been made in basic and clinical research, while noting the gaps in our knowledge. Basic research has focused on a hemisection injury model to examine methods aimed at improving respiratory function after SCI, but contusion injury models have also been used. Increasing synaptic plasticity, strengthening spared axonal pathways, and the disinhibition of phrenic motor neurons all result in the activation of a latent respiratory motor pathway that restores function to a previously paralyzed hemidiaphragm in animal models. Human clinical studies have revealed that respiratory function is negatively impacted by SCI. Respiratory muscle training regimens may improve inspiratory function after SCI, but more thorough and carefully designed studies are needed to adequately address this issue. Phrenic nerve and diaphragm pacing are options available to wean patients from standard mechanical ventilation. The techniques aimed at improving respiratory function in humans with SCI have both pros and cons, but having more options available to the clinician allows for more individualized treatment, resulting in better patient care. Despite significant progress in both basic and clinical research, there is still a significant gap in our understanding of the effect of SCI on the respiratory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Beth Zimmer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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Zimmer MB, Nantwi K, Goshgarian HG. Effect of spinal cord injury on the respiratory system: basic research and current clinical treatment options. J Spinal Cord Med 2007; 30:319-30. [PMID: 17853653 PMCID: PMC2031930 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2007.11753947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2006] [Accepted: 02/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to an impairment of the respiratory system. The more rostral the level of injury, the more likely the injury will affect ventilation. In fact, respiratory insufficiency is the number one cause of mortality and morbidity after SCI. This review highlights the progress that has been made in basic and clinical research, while noting the gaps in our knowledge. Basic research has focused on a hemisection injury model to examine methods aimed at improving respiratory function after SCI, but contusion injury models have also been used. Increasing synaptic plasticity, strengthening spared axonal pathways, and the disinhibition of phrenic motor neurons all result in the activation of a latent respiratory motor pathway that restores function to a previously paralyzed hemidiaphragm in animal models. Human clinical studies have revealed that respiratory function is negatively impacted by SCI. Respiratory muscle training regimens may improve inspiratory function after SCI, but more thorough and carefully designed studies are needed to adequately address this issue. Phrenic nerve and diaphragm pacing are options available to wean patients from standard mechanical ventilation. The techniques aimed at improving respiratory function in humans with SCI have both pros and cons, but having more options available to the clinician allows for more individualized treatment, resulting in better patient care. Despite significant progress in both basic and clinical research, there is still a significant gap in our understanding of the effect of SCI on the respiratory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Beth Zimmer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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