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Moura MM, Monteiro A, Salgado AJ, Silva NA, Monteiro S. Disrupted autonomic pathways in spinal cord injury: Implications for the immune regulation. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106500. [PMID: 38614275 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) disrupts critical autonomic pathways responsible for the regulation of the immune function. Consequently, individuals with SCI often exhibit a spectrum of immune dysfunctions ranging from the development of damaging pro-inflammatory responses to severe immunosuppression. Thus, it is imperative to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and mechanisms through which SCI-induced autonomic dysfunction influences the immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of the anatomical organization and physiology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), elucidating how SCI impacts its function, with a particular focus on lymphoid organs and immune activity. We highlight recent advances in understanding how intraspinal plasticity that follows SCI may contribute to aberrant autonomic activity in lymphoid organs. Additionally, we discuss how sympathetic mediators released by these neuron terminals affect immune cell function. Finally, we discuss emerging innovative technologies and potential clinical interventions targeting the ANS as a strategy to restore the normal regulation of the immune response in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Moura
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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Askarifirouzjaei H, Khajoueinejad L, Wei E, Cheruvu S, Ayala C, Chiang N, Theis T, Sun D, Fazeli M, Young W. Sex Differences in Immune Cell Infiltration and Hematuria in SCI-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:275-295. [PMID: 37489403 PMCID: PMC10366728 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats manifest a condition called hemorrhagic cystitis after spinal cord injury (SCI). The mechanism of this condition is unknown, but it is more severe in male rats than in female rats. We assessed the role of sex regarding hemorrhagic cystitis and pathological chronic changes in the bladder. We analyzed the urine of male and female Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats after experimental spinal cord contusion, including unstained microscopic inspections of the urine, differential white blood cell counts colored by the Wright stain, and total leukocyte counts using fluorescent nuclear stains. We examined bladder histological changes in acute and chronic phases of SCI, using principal component analysis (PCA) and clustered heatmaps of Pearson correlation coefficients to interpret how measured variables correlated with each other. Male rats showed a distinct pattern of macroscopic hematuria after spinal cord injury. They had higher numbers of red blood cells with significantly more leukocytes and neutrophils than female rats, particularly hypersegmented neutrophils. The histological examination of the bladders revealed a distinct line of apoptotic umbrella cells and disrupted bladder vessels early after SCI and progressive pathological changes in multiple bladder layers in the chronic phase. Multivariate analyses indicated immune cell infiltration in the bladder, especially hypersegmented neutrophils, that correlated with red blood cell counts in male rats. Our study highlights a hitherto unreported sex difference of hematuria and pathological changes in males and females' bladders after SCI, suggesting an important role of immune cell infiltration, especially neutrophils, in SCI-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Askarifirouzjaei
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Leila Khajoueinejad
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71345, Iran
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elena Wei
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Sruti Cheruvu
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Carlos Ayala
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Ning Chiang
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Thomas Theis
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Dongming Sun
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Mehdi Fazeli
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71345, Iran
| | - Wise Young
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
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Spungen AM, Bauman WA, Biswas K, Jones KM, Snodgrass AJ, Goetz LL, Gorman PH, Kirshblum S, Sabharwal S, White KT, Asselin PK, Morin KG, Cirnigliaro CM, Huang GD. The design of a randomized control trial of exoskeletal-assisted walking in the home and community on quality of life in persons with chronic spinal cord injury. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 96:106102. [PMID: 32800962 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are more than 300,000 estimated cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States, and approximately 27,000 of these are Veterans. Immobilization from SCI results in adverse secondary medical conditions and reduced quality of life. Veterans with SCI who have completed rehabilitation after injury and are unable to ambulate receive a wheelchair as standard of care. Powered exoskeletons are a technology that offers an alternative form of limited mobility by enabling over-ground walking through an external framework for support and computer-controlled motorized hip and knee joints. Few studies have reported the safety and efficacy for use of these devices in the home and community environments, and none evaluated their impact on patient-centered outcomes through a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Absence of reported RCTs for powered exoskeletons may be due to a range of challenges, including designing, statistically powering, and conducting such a trial within an appropriate experimental framework. An RCT for the study of exoskeletal-assisted walking in the home and community environments also requires the need to address key factors such as: avoiding selection bias, participant recruitment and retention, training, and safety concerns, particularly in the home environment. These points are described here in the context of a national, multisite Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program-sponsored trial. The rationale and methods for the study design were focused on providing a template for future studies that use powered exoskeletons or other strategies for walking and mobility in people with immobilization due to SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Spungen
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States of America; Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America.
| | - William A Bauman
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States of America; Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America.
| | - Kousick Biswas
- Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Perry Point, MD 21902, United States of America.
| | - Karen M Jones
- Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, VA Maryland Health Care System, Perry Point, MD 21902, United States of America.
| | - Amanda J Snodgrass
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Clinical Research Pharmacy Coordinating Center, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States of America; University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States of America.
| | - Lance L Goetz
- Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, United States of America; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States of America.
| | - Peter H Gorman
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America; VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America.
| | - Steven Kirshblum
- Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, NJ 07052, United States of America; Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America; Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ 07052, United States of America.
| | - Sunil Sabharwal
- VA Boston Health Care System, Boston, MA 02130, United States of America; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America.
| | - Kevin T White
- James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, United States of America; University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States of America.
| | - Pierre K Asselin
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States of America; Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States of America.
| | - Kel G Morin
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States of America.
| | - Christopher M Cirnigliaro
- National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, United States of America.
| | - Grant D Huang
- Cooperative Studies Program Central Office, VA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC 20420, United States of America.
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Anatomical Feasibility of Extradural Transferring S2 and S3 Ventral Roots to S1 Ventral Root for Restoring Neurogenic Bladder in Spinal Cord Injury. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018; 43:E1046-E1052. [PMID: 29470276 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000002613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Anatomic study in six formalin-fixed cadavers. OBJECTIVE To determine the anatomical feasibility of transferring the S2 and S3 ventral roots (VRs) to S1 VR as a method for restoring bladder dysfunction in spinal cord injury. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA A large quantity of researches of neuroanastomosis methods have been used for treating the bladder dysfunction in spinal cord injury. However, some limitations retard the development of those studies. METHODS In this study, six formalin-fixed cadavers (four males, two females) were dissected. The feasibility of exposing the S1, S2, and S3 extradural nerve roots by the limited laminectomy, isolating the VR and dorsal roots from each extradural nerve root and transferring the S2,S3 VRs to the S1 VR were assessed. The pertinent distances and the nerve cross-sectional areas in each specimen were measured. The morphology of each nerve root was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS The limited laminectomy was performed to expose the S1 to S3 extradural nerve roots. The VRs could be isolated from each extradural nerve root at the location of the dorsal root ganglion and the hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that there were some connective tissues separating the VRs from the corresponding dorsal root ganglion. The S2 and S3 VRs have sufficient lengths to be transferred to S1 VR without grafting. The mean cross-sectional area of the S1 VR was 2.60 ± 0.17 mm, and that was 1.02 ± 0.32 mm and 0.51 ± 0.21 mm of the S2 and S3 VRs, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that use of the S2 and S3 VRs for extradural transfer to S1 VR for restoring bladder dysfunction is surgically feasible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5.
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Rink S, Arnold D, Wöhler A, Bendella H, Meyer C, Manthou M, Papamitsou T, Sarikcioglu L, Angelov DN. Recovery after spinal cord injury by modulation of the proteoglycan receptor PTPσ. Exp Neurol 2018; 309:148-159. [PMID: 30118740 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
SCI is followed by dramatic upregulation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) which limit axonal regeneration, oligodendrocyte replacement and remyelination. The recent discovery of the specific CSPGs signaling receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (RPTPσ) provided an opportunity to refine the therapeutic approach to overcome CSPGs inhibitory actions. In previously published work, subcutaneous (s.c.) delivery of 44 μg/day of a peptide mimetic of PTPσ called intracellular sigma peptide (ISP), which binds to PTPσ and blocks CSPG-mediated inhibition, facilitated recovery after contusive SCI. Since this result could be of great interest for clinical trials, we independently repeated this study, but modified the method of injury as well as peptide application and the dosage. Following SCI at the Th10-segment, 40 rats were distributed in 3 groups. Animals in group 1 (20 rats) were subjected to SCI, but received no treatment. Rats in group 2 were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 44 μg/day ISP (SCI + ISP44) and animals of group 3 with s.c. injections of 500 μg/day ISP (SCI + ISP500) for 7 weeks after lesioning. Recovery was analyzed at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks after SCI by determining (i) BBB-score, (ii) foot-stepping angle, (iii) rump-height index, (iv) number of correct ladder steps, (v) bladder score and (vi) sensitivity (withdrawal latency after thermal stimulus). Finally, we determined the amount of serotonergic fibers in the preserved neural tissue bridges (PNTB) around the lesion site. Our results show that, systemic therapy with ISP improved locomotor, sensory and vegetative recovery which correlated with more spared serotonergic fibers in PNTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Rink
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, School of Dental and Oral Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Habib Bendella
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Witten/Herdecke, Cologne Merheim Medical Center (CMMC), Cologne, Germany.
| | - Carolin Meyer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany.
| | - Marilena Manthou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodora Papamitsou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Levent Sarikcioglu
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
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Bartus K, Galino J, James ND, Hernandez-Miranda LR, Dawes JM, Fricker FR, Garratt AN, McMahon SB, Ramer MS, Birchmeier C, Bennett DLH, Bradbury EJ. Neuregulin-1 controls an endogenous repair mechanism after spinal cord injury. Brain 2016; 139:1394-416. [PMID: 26993800 PMCID: PMC5477508 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aww039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous remyelination after spinal cord injury is mediated largely by Schwann cells
of unknown origin. Bartus et al. show that neuregulin-1 promotes
differentiation of spinal cord-resident precursor cells into PNS-like Schwann cells, which
remyelinate central axons and promote functional recovery. Targeting the neuregulin-1
system could enhance endogenous regenerative processes. Following traumatic spinal cord injury, acute demyelination of spinal axons is followed
by a period of spontaneous remyelination. However, this endogenous repair response is
suboptimal and may account for the persistently compromised function of surviving axons.
Spontaneous remyelination is largely mediated by Schwann cells, where demyelinated central
axons, particularly in the dorsal columns, become associated with peripheral myelin. The
molecular control, functional role and origin of these central remyelinating Schwann cells
is currently unknown. The growth factor neuregulin-1 (Nrg1, encoded by
NRG1) is a key signalling factor controlling myelination in the
peripheral nervous system, via signalling through ErbB tyrosine kinase receptors. Here we
examined whether Nrg1 is required for Schwann cell-mediated remyelination of central
dorsal column axons and whether Nrg1 ablation influences the degree of spontaneous
remyelination and functional recovery following spinal cord injury. In contused adult mice
with conditional ablation of Nrg1, we found an absence of Schwann cells within the spinal
cord and profound demyelination of dorsal column axons. There was no compensatory increase
in oligodendrocyte remyelination. Removal of peripheral input to the spinal cord and
proliferation studies demonstrated that the majority of remyelinating Schwann cells
originated within the injured spinal cord. We also examined the role of specific Nrg1
isoforms, using mutant mice in which only the immunoglobulin-containing isoforms of Nrg1
(types I and II) were conditionally ablated, leaving the type III Nrg1 intact. We found
that the immunoglobulin Nrg1 isoforms were dispensable for Schwann cell-mediated
remyelination of central axons after spinal cord injury. When functional effects were
examined, both global Nrg1 and immunoglobulin-specific Nrg1 mutants demonstrated reduced
spontaneous locomotor recovery compared to injured controls, although global Nrg1 mutants
were more impaired in tests requiring co-ordination, balance and proprioception.
Furthermore, electrophysiological assessments revealed severely impaired axonal conduction
in the dorsal columns of global Nrg1 mutants (where Schwann cell-mediated remyelination is
prevented), but not immunoglobulin-specific mutants (where Schwann cell-mediated
remyelination remains intact), providing robust evidence that the profound demyelinating
phenotype observed in the dorsal columns of Nrg1 mutant mice is related to conduction
failure. Our data provide novel mechanistic insight into endogenous regenerative processes
after spinal cord injury, demonstrating that Nrg1 signalling regulates central axon
remyelination and functional repair and drives the trans-differentiation of central
precursor cells into peripheral nervous system-like Schwann cells that remyelinate spinal
axons after injury. Manipulation of the Nrg1 system could therefore be exploited to
enhance spontaneous repair after spinal cord injury and other central nervous system
disorders with a demyelinating pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Bartus
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Regeneration Group, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London, UK
| | - Jorge Galino
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas D James
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Regeneration Group, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London, UK
| | | | - John M Dawes
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Florence R Fricker
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Alistair N Garratt
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Regeneration Group, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London, UK
| | - Matt S Ramer
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - David L H Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Bradbury
- The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Regeneration Group, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London, UK
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Abstract
During the past century, diverse studies have focused on the development of surgical strategies to restore function of a decentralized bladder after spinal cord or spinal root injury via repair of the original roots or by transferring new axonal sources. The techniques included end-to-end sacral root repairs, transfer of roots from other spinal segments to sacral roots, transfer of intercostal nerves to sacral roots, transfer of various somatic nerves to the pelvic or pudendal nerve, direct reinnervation of the detrusor muscle, or creation of an artificial reflex pathway between the skin and the bladder via the central nervous system. All of these surgical techniques have demonstrated specific strengths and limitations. The findings made to date already indicate appropriate patient populations for each procedure, but a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of each technique to restore urinary function after bladder decentralization is required to guide future research and potential clinical application.
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results not only in motor and sensory deficits but also in autonomic dysfunctions. The disruption of connections between higher brain centers and the spinal cord, or the impaired autonomic nervous system itself, manifests a broad range of autonomic abnormalities. This includes compromised cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, thermoregulatory, and sexual activities. These disabilities evoke potentially life-threatening symptoms that severely interfere with the daily living of those with SCI. In particular, high thoracic or cervical SCI often causes disordered hemodynamics due to deregulated sympathetic outflow. Episodic hypertension associated with autonomic dysreflexia develops as a result of massive sympathetic discharge often triggered by unpleasant visceral or sensory stimuli below the injury level. In the pelvic floor, bladder and urethral dysfunctions are classified according to upper motor neuron versus lower motor neuron injuries; this is dependent on the level of lesion. Most impairments of the lower urinary tract manifest in two interrelated complications: bladder storage and emptying. Inadequate or excessive detrusor and sphincter functions as well as detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia are examples of micturition abnormalities stemming from SCI. Gastrointestinal motility disorders in spinal cord injured-individuals are comprised of gastric dilation, delayed gastric emptying, and diminished propulsive transit along the entire gastrointestinal tract. As a critical consequence of SCI, neurogenic bowel dysfunction exhibits constipation and/or incontinence. Thus, it is essential to recognize neural mechanisms and pathophysiology underlying various complications of autonomic dysfunctions after SCI. This overview provides both vital information for better understanding these disorders and guides to pursue novel therapeutic approaches to alleviate secondary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Hou
- Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
Several physiopathologic conditions lead to the manifestation of overactive bladder (OAB). These conditions include ageing, diabetes mellitus, bladder outlet obstruction, spinal cord injury, stroke and brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, interstitial cystitis, stress and depression. This review has discussed research findings in human and animal studies conducted on the above conditions. Several structural and functional changes under these conditions have not only been observed in the lower urinary tract, but also in the brain and spinal cord. Significant changes were observed in the following areas: neurotransmitters, prostaglandins, nerve growth factor, Rho-kinase, interstitial cells of Cajal, and ion and transient receptor potential channels. Interestingly, alterations in these areas showed great variation in each of the conditions of the OAB, suggesting that the pathophysiology of the OAB might be different in each condition of the disease. It is anticipated that this review will be helpful for further research on new and specific drug development against OAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phani B Patra
- King of Prussia, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., USA
| | - Sayani Patra
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., USA
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10
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Gad PN, Roy RR, Zhong H, Lu DC, Gerasimenko YP, Edgerton VR. Initiation of bladder voiding with epidural stimulation in paralyzed, step trained rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108184. [PMID: 25264607 PMCID: PMC4180450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability to control timely bladder emptying is one of the most serious challenges among the several functional deficits that occur after a complete spinal cord injury. Having demonstrated that electrodes placed epidurally on the dorsum of the spinal cord can be used in animals and humans to recover postural and locomotor function after complete paralysis, we hypothesized that a similar approach could be used to recover bladder function after paralysis. Also knowing that posture and locomotion can be initiated immediately with a specific frequency-dependent stimulation pattern and that with repeated stimulation-training sessions these functions can improve even further, we reasoned that the same two strategies could be used to regain bladder function. Recent evidence suggests that rats with severe paralysis can be rehabilitated with a multisystem neuroprosthetic training regime that counteracts the development of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. No data regarding the acute effects of locomotion on bladder function, however, were reported. In this study we show that enabling of locomotor-related spinal neuronal circuits by epidural stimulation also influences neural networks controlling bladder function and can play a vital role in recovering bladder function after complete paralysis. We have identified specific spinal cord stimulation parameters that initiate bladder emptying within seconds of the initiation of epidural stimulation. The clinical implications of these results are substantial in that this strategy could have a major impact in improving the quality of life and longevity of patients while simultaneously dramatically reducing ongoing health maintenance after a spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag N. Gad
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Roland R. Roy
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Hui Zhong
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel C. Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yury P. Gerasimenko
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V. Reggie Edgerton
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Brain Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Shen L, Zheng X, Zhang C, Zeng B, Hou C. Influence of different urination methods on the urinary systems of patients with spinal cord injury. J Int Med Res 2013. [PMID: 23206478 DOI: 10.1177/030006051204000536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the influence of different urination methods on the urinary systems of patients with spinal cord injury. METHODS Patients with spinal cord injury were grouped according to their usual voiding method: clean intermittent catheterization (CIC); Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding; indwelling catheterization; normal voiding. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) were monitored and type B-ultra-sonography (B-USG) scans, renal function tests and urodynamic studies were performed in all patients over a 2-year period. RESULTS Compared with the normal voiding group (n = 14), incidence rates of UTIs were significantly different in the Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding (n = 26) and indwelling catheterization (n = 12) groups but not in the CIC group (n = 15). All intervention groups had a significantly higher rate of positive findings on B-USG scan and a significantly increased residual urine volume, compared with the normal voiding group. In addition, residual urine volume was significantly lower in the CIC group compared with the Credé manoeuvre/reflex voiding and indwelling catheterization groups. CONCLUSION CIC was shown to be the optimal method for assisted bladder voiding after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Watson RA, Yeung TM. What is the potential of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to successfully treat human spinal cord injury? BMC Neurol 2011; 11:113. [PMID: 21943254 PMCID: PMC3189870 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-11-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spinal cord injury is a serious and debilitating condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. Long seen as a permanent injury, recent advances in stem cell research have brought closer the possibility of repairing the spinal cord. One such approach involves injecting oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, derived from human embryonic stem cells, into the injured spinal cord in the hope that they will initiate repair. A phase I clinical trial of this therapy was started in mid 2010 and is currently underway. Discussion The theory underlying this approach is that these myelinating progenitors will phenotypically replace myelin lost during injury whilst helping to promote a repair environment in the lesion. However, the importance of demyelination in the pathogenesis of human spinal cord injury is a contentious issue and a body of literature suggests that it is only a minor factor in the overall injury process. Summary This review examines the validity of the theory underpinning the on-going clinical trial as well as analysing published data from animal models and finally discussing issues surrounding safety and purity in order to assess the potential of this approach to successfully treat acute human spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Watson
- Green Templeton College, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HG, UK.
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Reinnervation of atonic bladder after conus medullaris injury using a modified nerve crossover technique in canines. World Neurosurg 2010; 73:582-6. [PMID: 20920947 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2010.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic bladder represents a major cause of morbidity in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Herein, we evaluated a novel reconstructive surgical technique designed to restore afferent and efferent nerve function in atonic bladder caused by conus medullaris injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS A new reflex pathway was established by extradural transfer of the left L5 ventral root (VR) to the left S2 VR root together with extradural postganglionic spinal nerve transfer of the L5 dorsal root (DR) to the S2 DR with a nerve graft in a canine model. The corresponding nerves on the right side were kept intact and served as a control. After the new reflex pathway was reestablished, the early function of the reflex arc was evaluated by electrophysiologic study, intravesical pressure, and histologic examination. RESULTS Action potential (AP) curves were recorded with single focal stimulation of the left S2 DR before and after the spinal cord was destroyed horizontally between the L6 and S3 levels. Bladder contraction was successfully initiated by trains of stimuli targeting the left L5-S2 DR anastomosis. Achievable bladder pressures and the amplitude of bladder smooth muscle complex action potentials were unchanged before and after induced paraplegia and were comparable to those of the control. Prominent axonal sprouting was observed in the distal region of the nerve graft. CONCLUSION Both afferent and efferent nerve pathways in the atonic bladder were reconstructed by suprasacral motor-to-motor and sensory-to-sensory extradural nerve transfer in canines. Taken together, these findings suggest a new potential clinical approach for restoring bladder function in individuals with paraplegia.
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The dysfunctional bladder following spinal cord injury: From concept to clinic. CURRENT BLADDER DYSFUNCTION REPORTS 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s11884-009-0028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Zheng XY, Hou CL, Zhong HB, Xu RS, Chen AM, Xu Z, Wang JH. Reconstructed bladder innervation below the level of spinal cord injury: the knee-tendon to bladder artificial reflex arc. J Spinal Cord Med 2009; 32:79-85. [PMID: 19264053 PMCID: PMC2647505 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2009.11760756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE To study the effectiveness of knee-tendon to bladder artificial reflex arc in dogs. METHODS In 6 beagles, the proximal end of the right L5 anterior motor root and the distal end of the right S2 anterior root were anastomosed to build a knee-tendon to bladder reflex, whereas the right L5 posterior sensory root was kept intact. Action potential (AP) curves and electromyograms (EMGs) of the detrusor muscle, the intravesical pressure, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled neurons, and the passing rates of myelinic nerve fibers were calculated to evaluate its feasibility. RESULTS AP curves and EMG detected in all 6 dogs were similar to those of the control. Six and 18 months after surgery, the means for bladder contraction induced by percussion of the right knee-tendon were 38 +/- 27% and 62 +/- 5% that of the normal control, respectively. The mean duration times induced by percussion of the right knee-tendon at 6 and 18 months after surgery were 51 +/- 37% and 84 +/- 12% that of the normal control, respectively. HRP retrograde tracing and neurohistologic observation indicated the feasibility of the artificial reflex arc. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed the effectiveness of bladder innervation below the level of spinal cord injury producing urination by knee-tendon to bladder reflex contractions, and therefore, might provide a new clinical approach for restoring bladder function in individuals with paraplegia.
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Abstract
Paralysis is a major consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). After cervical SCI, respiratory deficits can result through interruption of descending presynaptic inputs to respiratory motor neurons in the spinal cord. Expression of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and photostimulation in neurons affects neuronal excitability and produces action potentials without any kind of presynaptic inputs. We hypothesized that after transducing spinal neurons in and around the phrenic motor pool to express ChR2, photostimulation would restore respiratory motor function in cervical SCI adult animals. Here we show that light activation of ChR2-expressing animals was sufficient to bring about recovery of respiratory diaphragmatic motor activity. Furthermore, robust rhythmic activity persisted long after photostimulation had ceased. This recovery was accomplished through a form of respiratory plasticity and spinal adaptation which is NMDA receptor dependent. These data suggest a novel, minimally invasive therapeutic avenue to exercise denervated circuitry and/or restore motor function after SCI.
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Yuen HK, Shotwell MS, Magruder KM, Slate EH, Salinas CF. Factors associated with oral problems among adults with spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2009; 32:408-15. [PMID: 19777862 PMCID: PMC2830680 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2009.11753207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2008] [Accepted: 02/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore factors associated with self-reported current oral (tooth and gum) problems and oral pain in the past 12 months among adults with spinal cord injury. METHODS An online oral health survey on the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association website. Respondents were 192 adult residents of the US who identified themselves as having spinal cord injury at least 1 year before the survey date. RESULTS Approximately 47% of respondents reported having oral problems at the time of the survey, and 42% reported experiencing oral pain in the 12 months before the survey date. Multiple predictor analyses (controlling for age, gender, income, and dental insurance) indicated that current oral problems were positively associated with dry mouth symptoms, financial barriers to dental care access, smoking, and paraplegia. Oral pain experienced in the past 12 months was positively associated with dry mouth symptoms, financial barriers to dental care access, minority race, and paraplegia. CONCLUSIONS Adults with spinal cord injury reported a high prevalence of oral problems and oral pain. Those with paraplegia were more likely to report problems than those with tetraplegia. Because dry mouth and smoking were significantly associated with these problems, patient education from both dental and medical providers should emphasize awareness of the side effects of xerostomia-causing medications, dry mouth management, and smoking cessation. Findings also indicate unmet needs for low-cost preventive and treatment dental services for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon K Yuen
- Medical University of South Carolina, CHP Complex Bldg B, 151 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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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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Sakakibara R, Yamazaki M, Mannouji C, Yamaguchi C, Uchiyama T, Ito T, Liu Z, Yamamoto T, Awa Y, Yamanishi T, Hattori T. Urinary retention without tetraparesis as a sequel to spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. Intern Med 2008; 47:655-7. [PMID: 18379155 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.0765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 55-year-old man suddenly developed neck pain, tetraplegia and decreased sensation below the neck. He was diagnosed with SSEH. Surgical removal of the hematoma, and laminoplasty were performed. At 2 months after the onset of the disease, the patient regained the ability to walk. However, at 5 months after the onset of the disease, the patient remained in a state of urinary retention even though his neurological findings were normal, except for mildly brisk reflexes in the lower extremities and decreased superficial sensation below the level of T4 including the perineal area. A urodynamic study showed normal bladder sensation, despite an acontractile detrusor and an unrelaxing external sphincter upon voiding. It is postulated that the descending micturition pathways (just inside the pyramidal tracts) were selectively affected, while the ascending micturition pathways (the dorsal columns) were preserved in the present case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Sakakibara
- Neurology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Japan.
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Llewellyn-Smith IJ, Martin CL, Fenwick NM, Dicarlo SE, Lujan HL, Schreihofer AM. VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 innervation in autonomic regions of intact and transected rat spinal cord. J Comp Neurol 2007; 503:741-67. [PMID: 17570127 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fast excitatory neurotransmission to sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN and PPN) is glutamatergic. To characterize this innervation in spinal autonomic regions, we localized immunoreactivity for vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) 1 and 2 in intact cords and after upper thoracic complete transections. Preganglionic neurons were retrogradely labeled by intraperitoneal Fluoro-Gold or with cholera toxin B (CTB) from superior cervical, celiac, or major pelvic ganglia or adrenal medulla. Glutamatergic somata were localized with in situ hybridization for VGLUT mRNA. In intact cords, all autonomic areas contained abundant VGLUT2-immunoreactive axons and synapses. CTB-immunoreactive SPN and PPN received many close appositions from VGLUT2-immunoreactive axons. VGLUT2-immunoreactive synapses occurred on Fluoro-Gold-labeled SPN. Somata with VGLUT2 mRNA occurred throughout the spinal gray matter. VGLUT2 immunoreactivity was not noticeably affected caudal to a transection. In contrast, in intact cords, VGLUT1-immunoreactive axons were sparse in the intermediolateral cell column (IML) and lumbosacral parasympathetic nucleus but moderately dense above the central canal. VGLUT1-immunoreactive close appositions were rare on SPN in the IML and the central autonomic area and on PPN. Transection reduced the density of VGLUT1-immunoreactive axons in sympathetic subnuclei but increased their density in the parasympathetic nucleus. Neuronal cell bodies with VGLUT1 mRNA occurred only in Clarke's column. These data indicate that SPN and PPN are densely innervated by VGLUT2-immunoreactive axons, some of which arise from spinal neurons. In contrast, the VGLUT1-immunoreactive innervation of spinal preganglionic neurons is sparse, and some may arise from supraspinal sources. Increased VGLUT1 immunoreactivity after transection may correlate with increased glutamatergic transmission to PPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida J Llewellyn-Smith
- Cardiovascular Medicine and Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia.
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Hoang TX, Pikov V, Havton LA. Functional reinnervation of the rat lower urinary tract after cauda equina injury and repair. J Neurosci 2006; 26:8672-9. [PMID: 16928855 PMCID: PMC6674366 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1259-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Conus medullaris and/or cauda equina forms of spinal cord injury commonly result in a permanent loss of bladder function. Here, we developed a cauda equina injury and repair rodent model to investigate whether surgical implantation of avulsed lumbosacral ventral roots into the spinal cord can promote functional recovery of the lower urinary tract. Adult female rats underwent sham surgery (n = 6), bilateral L5-S2 ventral root avulsion (VRA) injury (n = 5), or bilateral L5-S2 VRA followed by an acute implantation of the avulsed L6 and S1 ventral roots into the conus medullaris (n = 6). At 12 weeks after operation, the avulsed group demonstrated urinary retention, absence of bladder contractions and external urethral sphincter (EUS) electromyographic (EMG) activation during urodynamic recordings, increased bladder size, and retrograde death of autonomic and motoneurons in the spinal cord. In contrast, the implanted group showed reduced urinary retention, return of reflexive bladder voiding contractions coincident with EUS EMG activation, anatomical reinnervation of the EUS demonstrated by retrograde neuronal labeling, normalization of bladder size, and a significant neuroprotection of both autonomic and motoneurons. In addition, a positive correlation between motoneuronal survival and voiding efficiency was observed in the implanted group. Our results show that implantation of avulsed lumbosacral ventral roots into the spinal cord promotes reinnervation of the urinary tract and return of functional micturition reflexes, suggesting that this surgical repair strategy may also be of clinical interest after conus medullaris and cauda equina injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao X. Hoang
- Department of Neurology and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, and
| | - Victor Pikov
- Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, California 91105
| | - Leif A. Havton
- Department of Neurology and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, and
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Abstract
There are now numerous preclinical reports of various experimental treatments promoting some functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Surprisingly, perhaps, the mechanisms that underlie recovery have rarely been definitively established. Here, we critically evaluate the evidence that regeneration of damaged pathways or compensatory collateral sprouting can promote recovery. We also discuss several more speculative mechanisms that might putatively explain or confound some of the reported outcomes of experimental interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Bradbury
- Neurorestoration Group, Wolfson Wing, Hodgkin Building, Guy's Campus, King's College London, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
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