1
|
Khan AF, Muhammad F, Mohammadi E, O'Neal C, Haynes G, Hameed S, Walker B, Rohan ML, Yabluchanskiy A, Smith ZA. Beyond the aging spine - a systematic review of functional changes in the human brain in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. GeroScience 2024; 46:1421-1450. [PMID: 37801201 PMCID: PMC10828266 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00954-8] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative condition that leads to loss of cervical spinal cord integrity, typically affecting the aged population. Emerging fMRI-based evidence suggests that the brain is also affected by CSM. This systematic review aimed to understand the usefulness of brain fMRI in CSM. A comprehensive literature search was conducted until March 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria included original research articles in English, primarily studying the human brain's functional changes in CSM using fMRI with at least 5 participants. The extracted data from each study included demographics, disease severity, MRI machine characteristics, affected brain areas, functional changes, and clinical utilities. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the fMRI methods, resting-state fMRI was the most widely used experimental paradigm, followed by motor tasks. The brain areas associated with motor control were most affected in CSM, followed by the superior frontal gyrus and occipital cortex. Functional changes in the brain were correlated to clinical metrics showing clinical utility. However, the evidence that a specific fMRI metric correlating with a clinical metric was "very low" to "insufficient" due to a low number of studies and negative results. In conclusion, fMRI can potentially facilitate the diagnosis of CSM by quantitatively interrogating the functional changes of the brain, particularly areas of the brain associated with motor control. However, this field is in its early stages, and more studies are needed to establish the usefulness of brain fMRI in CSM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fahim Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
| | - Fauziyya Muhammad
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Esmaeil Mohammadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Christen O'Neal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Grace Haynes
- Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Sanaa Hameed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Brynden Walker
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | | | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zachary Adam Smith
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1000 N Lincoln Blvd, Suite 4000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Scheuber MI, Guidolin C, Martins S, Sartori AM, Hofer AS, Schwab ME. Electrical stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus enhances the effects of rehabilitative training on locomotor recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1352742. [PMID: 38595973 PMCID: PMC11002271 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1352742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Most human spinal cord injuries are anatomically incomplete, leaving some fibers still connecting the brain with the sublesional spinal cord. Spared descending fibers of the brainstem motor control system can be activated by deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the cuneiform nucleus (CnF), a subnucleus of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR). The MLR is an evolutionarily highly conserved structure which initiates and controls locomotion in all vertebrates. Acute electrical stimulation experiments in female adult rats with incomplete spinal cord injury conducted in our lab showed that CnF-DBS was able to re-establish a high degree of locomotion five weeks after injury, even in animals with initially very severe functional deficits and white matter lesions up to 80-95%. Here, we analyzed whether CnF-DBS can be used to support medium-intensity locomotor training and long-term recovery in rats with large but incomplete spinal cord injuries. Rats underwent rehabilitative training sessions three times per week in an enriched environment, either with or without CnF-DBS supported hindlimb stepping. After 4 weeks, animals that trained under CnF-DBS showed a higher level of locomotor performance than rats that trained comparable distances under non-stimulated conditions. The MLR does not project to the spinal cord directly; one of its main output targets is the gigantocellular reticular nucleus in the medulla oblongata. Long-term electrical stimulation of spared reticulospinal fibers after incomplete spinal cord injury via the CnF could enhance reticulospinal anatomical rearrangement and in this way lead to persistent improvement of motor function. By analyzing the spared, BDA-labeled giganto-spinal fibers we found that their gray matter arborization density after discontinuation of CnF-DBS enhanced training was lower in the lumbar L2 and L5 spinal cord in stimulated as compared to unstimulated animals, suggesting improved pruning with stimulation-enhanced training. An on-going clinical study in chronic paraplegic patients investigates the effects of CnF-DBS on locomotor capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam I. Scheuber
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- ETH Phenomics Center, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carolina Guidolin
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- ETH Phenomics Center, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suzi Martins
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- ETH Phenomics Center, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea M. Sartori
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- ETH Phenomics Center, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Sophie Hofer
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- ETH Phenomics Center, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin E. Schwab
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
- ETH Phenomics Center, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Naddaf M. Mind-reading devices are revealing the brain's secrets. Nature 2024; 626:706-708. [PMID: 38378830 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00481-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
|
4
|
Fisher KM, Garner JP, Darian-Smith C. Chronic Adaptations in the Dorsal Horn Following a Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in Primates. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0877232023. [PMID: 38233220 PMCID: PMC10860610 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0877-23.2023] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is devastating, with limited treatment options and variable outcomes. Most in vivo SCI research has focused on the acute and early post-injury periods, and the promotion of axonal growth, so little is understood about the clinically stable chronic state, axonal growth over time, and what plasticity endures. Here, we followed animals into the chronic phase following SCI, to address this gap. Male macaques received targeted deafferentation, affecting three digits of one hand, and were divided into short (4-6 months) or long-term (11-12 months) groups, based on post-injury survival times. Monkeys were assessed behaviorally, where possible, and all exhibited an initial post-injury deficit in manual dexterity, with gradual functional recovery over 2 months. We previously reported extensive sprouting of somatosensory corticospinal (S1 CST) fibers in the dorsal horn in the first five post-injury months. Here, we show that by 1 year, the S1 CST sprouting is pruned, with the terminal territory resembling control animals. This was reflected in the number of putatively "functional" synapses observed, which increased over the first 4-5 months, and then returned to baseline by 1 year. Microglia density also increased in the affected dorsal horn at 4-6 months and then decreased, but did not return to baseline by 1 year, suggesting refinement continues beyond this time. Overall, there is a long period of reorganization and consolidation of adaptive circuitry in the dorsal horn, extending well beyond the initial behavioral recovery. This provides a potential window to target therapeutic opportunities during the chronic phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Fisher
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford 94305-5342, California
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford 94305-5342, California
| | - Corinna Darian-Smith
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford 94305-5342, California
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alonso-Calviño E, Fernández-López E, Zaforas M, Rosa JM, Aguilar J. Increased excitability and reduced GABAergic levels in somatosensory cortex under chronic spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 369:114504. [PMID: 37591355 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The complete or partial damage of ascending somatosensory pathways produced by a spinal cord injury triggers changes in the somatosensory cortex consisting in a functional expansion of activity from intact cortical regions towards deafferented ones, a process known as cortical reorganization. However, it is still unclear whether cortical reorganization depends on the severity of the spinal cord damage or if a spinal cord injury always leads to a similar cortical reorganization process in the somatosensory cortex. To answer these open questions in the field, we obtained longitudinal somatosensory evoked responses from bilateral hindlimb and forelimb cortex from animals with chronic full-transection or contusive spinal cord injury at thoracic level (T9-T10) to induce sensory deprivation of hindlimb cortex while preserving intact the forelimb cortex. Electrophysiological recordings from the four locations were obtained before lesion and weekly for up to 4 weeks. Our results show that cortical reorganization depends on the type of spinal cord injury, which tends to be more bilateral in full transection while is more unilateral in the model of contusive spinal cord injury. Moreover, in full transection of spinal cord, the deafferented and intact cortex exhibited similar increments of somatosensory evoked responses in both models of spinal cord injury - a feature observed in about 80% of subjects. The other 20% were unaffected by the injury indicating that cortical reorganization does not undergo in all subjects. In addition, we demonstrated an increased probability of triggered up-states in animals with spinal cord injury. This data indicates increased cortical excitability that could be proposed as a new feature of cortical reorganization. Finally, decreased levels of GABA marker GAD67 across cortical layers were only found in those animals with increased somatosensory evoked responses, but not in the unaffected population. In conclusion, cortical reorganization depends on the types of spinal cord injuries, and suggest that the phenomenon is strongly determined by cortical circuits. Moreover, changes in GABAergic transmission at the deprived cortex may be considered one of the mechanisms underlying the process of cortical reorganization and increased excitability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Alonso-Calviño
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Elena Fernández-López
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Marta Zaforas
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Juliana M Rosa
- Neuronal Circuits and Behaviour Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain
| | - Juan Aguilar
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Toledo, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deng J, Meng F, Gao J, Zhang K, Liu Z, Li M, Liu X, Li J, Wang Y, Zhang L, Tang P. Early-phase rotator training impairs tissue repair and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18158. [PMID: 37519672 PMCID: PMC10372239 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disorder that often results in severe sensorimotor function impairment with limited recovery of function. In recent years, rehabilitation training for spinal cord injury has gradually emerged, and some of them play an important role in the repair of spinal cord injury However, the optimal training regimen for SCI remains to be determined. In this study, we explore the effects of rotarod training (began at 7 days post-injury) on the recovery of motor function after SCI, as well as its possible repair mechanism from the aspects of function and histopathological changes, the behaviors of specific trophic factors and cytokines, and the expression profile of specific genes. Multiple functional assessments showed that rotarod training initiated at 7 days post-injury is unsuitable for promoting neuro-electrophysiological improvement and trunk stability, but impaired functional coordination and motor recovery. In addition, rotarod training has negative effects on spinal cord repair after SCI, which is manifested as an increase of lesion area, a decrease in neuronal viability, a deterioration in immuno-microenvironment and remyelination, a significant reduction in the expression of trophic factors and an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. RNA sequencing suggested that the genes associated with angiogenesis and synaptogenesis were significantly downregulated and the PI3K-AKT pathway was inhibited, which was detrimental to spinal cord repair and impeded nerve regeneration. These results indicate that immediate rotarod training after SCI is currently unsuitable for rehabilitation in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Deng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fanqi Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jianpeng Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Kexue Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zhongyang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Beijing Key Lab of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopaedics, Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Trauma and War Injuries PLA, Institue of Orthopaedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Licheng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peifu Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
D’hondt N, Marcial KM, Mittal N, Costanzi M, Hoydonckx Y, Kumar P, Englesakis MF, Burns A, Bhatia A. A Scoping Review of Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation for Improving Motor and Voiding Function Following Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 2023; 29:12-30. [PMID: 37235192 PMCID: PMC10208259 DOI: 10.46292/sci22-00061] [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] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To identify and synthesize the existing evidence on the effectiveness and safety of epidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for improving motor and voiding function and reducing spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods This scoping review was performed according to the framework of Arksey and O'Malley. Comprehensive serial searches in multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were performed to identify relevant publications that focused on epidural SCS for improving motor function, including spasticity, and voiding deficits in individuals with SCI. Results Data from 13 case series including 88 individuals with complete or incomplete SCI (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A to D) were included. In 12 studies of individuals with SCI, the majority (83 out of 88) demonstrated a variable degree of improvement in volitional motor function with epidural SCS. Two studies, incorporating 27 participants, demonstrated a significant reduction in spasticity with SCS. Two small studies consisting of five and two participants, respectively, demonstrated improved supraspinal control of volitional micturition with SCS. Conclusion Epidural SCS can enhance central pattern generator activity and lower motor neuron excitability in individuals with SCI. The observed effects of epidural SCS following SCI suggest that the preservation of supraspinal transmission is sufficient for the recovery of volitional motor and voiding function, even in patients with complete SCI. Further research is warranted to evaluate and optimize the parameters for epidural SCS and their impact on individuals with differing degrees of severity of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina D’hondt
- Department of Pain Medicine, Multidisciplinary Pain Center, VITAZ, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Karmi Margaret Marcial
- Department of Anesthesiology, Philippine General Hospital, University of Philippines, Philippines
| | - Nimish Mittal
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matteo Costanzi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Yasmine Hoydonckx
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pranab Kumar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marina F. Englesakis
- MLIS Library & Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Burns
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anuj Bhatia
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Audet J, Yassine S, Lecomte CG, Mari S, Félix S, Caroline M, Merlet AN, Harnie J, Beaulieu C, Gendron L, Rybak IA, Prilutsky BI, Frigon A. Spinal sensorimotor circuits play a prominent role in hindlimb locomotor recovery after staggered thoracic lateral hemisections but cannot restore posture and interlimb coordination during quadrupedal locomotion in adult cats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.533936. [PMID: 36993268 PMCID: PMC10055434 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.533936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Spinal sensorimotor circuits interact with supraspinal and peripheral inputs to generate quadrupedal locomotion. Ascending and descending spinal pathways ensure coordination between the fore-and hindlimbs. Spinal cord injury disrupts these pathways. To investigate the control of interlimb coordination and hindlimb locomotor recovery, we performed two lateral thoracic hemisections placed on opposite sides of the cord (right T5-T6 and left T10-T11) at an interval of approximately two months in eight adult cats. In three cats, we then made a complete spinal transection caudal to the second hemisection at T12-T13. We collected electromyography and kinematic data during quadrupedal and hindlimb-only locomotion before and after spinal lesions. We show that 1) cats spontaneously recover quadrupedal locomotion following staggered hemisections but require balance assistance after the second one, 2) coordination between the fore-and hindlimbs displays 2:1 patterns and becomes weaker and more variable after both hemisections, 3) left-right asymmetries in hindlimb stance and swing durations appear after the first hemisection and reverse after the second, and 4) support periods reorganize after staggered hemisections to favor support involving both forelimbs and diagonal limbs. Cats expressed hindlimb locomotion the day following spinal transection, indicating that lumbar sensorimotor circuits play a prominent role in hindlimb locomotor recovery after staggered hemisections. These results reflect a series of changes in spinal sensorimotor circuits that allow cats to maintain and recover some level of quadrupedal locomotor functionality with diminished motor commands from the brain and cervical cord, although the control of posture and interlimb coordination remains impaired. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Coordinating the limbs during locomotion depends on pathways in the spinal cord. We used a spinal cord injury model that disrupts communication between the brain and spinal cord by sectioning half of the spinal cord on one side and then about two months later, half the spinal cord on the other side at different levels of the thoracic cord in cats. We show that despite a strong contribution from neural circuits located below the second spinal cord injury in the recovery of hindlimb locomotion, the coordination between the forelimbs and hindlimbs weakens and postural control is impaired. We can use our model to test approaches to restore the control of interlimb coordination and posture during locomotion after spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannie Audet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sirine Yassine
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Charly G Lecomte
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Stephen Mari
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Soucy Félix
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Morency Caroline
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Angèle N Merlet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jonathan Harnie
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Claudie Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Louis Gendron
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Ilya A. Rybak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
| | - Boris I. Prilutsky
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Alain Frigon
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Itoh Y, Sahni V, Shnider SJ, McKee H, Macklis JD. Inter-axonal molecular crosstalk via Lumican proteoglycan sculpts murine cervical corticospinal innervation by distinct subpopulations. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112182. [PMID: 36934325 PMCID: PMC10167627 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
How CNS circuits sculpt their axonal arbors into spatially and functionally organized domains is not well understood. Segmental specificity of corticospinal connectivity is an exemplar for such regional specificity of many axon projections. Corticospinal neurons (CSN) innervate spinal and brainstem targets with segmental precision, controlling voluntary movement. Multiple molecularly distinct CSN subpopulations innervate the cervical cord for evolutionarily enhanced precision of forelimb movement. Evolutionarily newer CSNBC-lat exclusively innervate bulbar-cervical targets, while CSNmedial are heterogeneous; distinct subpopulations extend axons to either bulbar-cervical or thoraco-lumbar segments. We identify that Lumican controls balance of cervical innervation between CSNBC-lat and CSNmedial axons during development, which is maintained into maturity. Lumican, an extracellular proteoglycan expressed by CSNBC-lat, non-cell-autonomously suppresses cervical collateralization by multiple CSNmedial subpopulations. This inter-axonal molecular crosstalk between CSN subpopulations controls murine corticospinal circuitry refinement and forelimb dexterity. Such crosstalk is generalizable beyond the corticospinal system for evolutionary incorporation of new neuron populations into preexisting circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Itoh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Vibhu Sahni
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sara J Shnider
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Holly McKee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rossitto CP, Kellner CP. Update from WORLD NEUROSURGERY's News Section. World Neurosurg 2023:S1878-8750(23)00441-2. [PMID: 37087378 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.03.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
|
11
|
Event-related potentials during mental rotation of body-related stimuli in spinal cord injury population. Neuropsychologia 2023; 179:108447. [PMID: 36521630 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2022.108447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mental rotations of body-related stimuli are known to engage the motor system and activate body schema. Sensorimotor deficits following spinal cord injury (SCI) alter the representation of the body with a negative impact on the performance during motor-related tasks, such as mental rotation of body parts. Here we investigated the relationship between event-related potentials in SCI participants and the difficulty in mentally rotating a body-part. Participants with SCI and healthy control subjects performed a laterality judgment task, in which left or right images of hands, feet or animals (as a control stimulus) were presented in two different orientation angles (75° and 150°), and participants reported the laterality of the stimulus. We found that reaction times of participants with SCI were slower for the rotation of body-related stimuli compared to non-body-related stimuli and healthy controls. At the brain level, we found that relative to healthy controls SCI participants show: 1) reduced amplitudes of the posterior P100 and anterior N100 and larger amplitudes of the anterior P200 for overall stimuli; 2) an absence of the modulation of the rotation related negativity by stimulus type and rotation angles. Our results show that body representation changes after SCI affecting both components of early stimulus processing and late components that process high-order cognitive aspects of body-representation and task complexity.
Collapse
|
12
|
Schading S, David G, Max Emmenegger T, Achim C, Thompson A, Weiskopf N, Curt A, Freund P. Dynamics of progressive degeneration of major spinal pathways following spinal cord injury: A longitudinal study. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 37:103339. [PMID: 36758456 PMCID: PMC9939725 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following spinal cord injury (SCI), disease processes spread gradually along the spinal cord forming a spatial gradient with most pronounced changes located at the lesion site. However, the dynamics of this gradient in SCI patients is not established. OBJECTIVE This study tracks the spatiotemporal dynamics of remote anterograde and retrograde spinal tract degeneration in the upper cervical cord following SCI over two years utilizing quantitative MRI. METHODS Twenty-three acute SCI patients (11 paraplegics, 12 tetraplegics) and 21 healthy controls were scanned with a T1-weighted sequence for volumetry and a FLASH sequence for myelin-sensitive magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat) of the upper cervical cord. We estimated myelin content from MTsat maps within the corticospinal tracts (CST) and dorsal columns (DC) and measured spinal cord atrophy by means of left-right width (LRW) and anterior-posterior width (APW) on the T1-weighted images across cervical levels C1-C3. MTsat in the CST and LRW were considered proxies for retrograde degeneration, while MTsat in the DC and APW provided evidence for anterograde degeneration, respectively. Using regression models, we compared the temporal and spatial trajectories of these MRI readouts between tetraplegics, paraplegics, and controls over a 2-year period and assessed their associations with clinical improvement. RESULTS Linear rates and absolute differences in myelin-sensitive MTsat indicated retrograde and anterograde neurodegeneration in the CST and DC, respectively. Changes in MTsat within the CST and in LRW progressively developed over time forming a gradient towards lower cervical levels by 2 years after injury, especially in tetraplegics (change per cervical level in MTsat: -0.247 p.u./level, p = 0.034; in LRW: -0.323 mm/level, p = 0.024). MTsat within the DC was already decreased at cervical levels C1-C3 at baseline (1.5 months after injury) in both tetra- and paraplegics, while linear decreases in APW over time were similar across C1-C3, preserving the spatial gradient. The relative improvement in light touch score was associated with MTsat within the DC at baseline (rs = 0.575, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION Rostral and remote to the injury, the CST and DC show ongoing structural changes, indicative of myelin reductions and atrophy within 2 years after SCI. While anterograde degeneration in the DC was already detectable uniformly at C1-C3 early following SCI, retrograde degeneration in the CST developed over time revealing specific spatial and temporal neurodegenerative gradients. Disentangling and quantifying such dynamic pathological processes may provide biomarkers for regenerative and remyelinating therapies along entire spinal pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schading
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gergely David
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Max Emmenegger
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cristian Achim
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alan Thompson
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vastano R, Costantini M, Alexander WH, Widerstrom-Noga E. Multisensory integration in humans with spinal cord injury. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22156. [PMID: 36550184 PMCID: PMC9780239 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26678-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although multisensory integration (MSI) has been extensively studied, the underlying mechanisms remain a topic of ongoing debate. Here we investigate these mechanisms by comparing MSI in healthy controls to a clinical population with spinal cord injury (SCI). Deafferentation following SCI induces sensorimotor impairment, which may alter the ability to synthesize cross-modal information. We applied mathematical and computational modeling to reaction time data recorded in response to temporally congruent cross-modal stimuli. We found that MSI in both SCI and healthy controls is best explained by cross-modal perceptual competition, highlighting a common competition mechanism. Relative to controls, MSI impairments in SCI participants were better explained by reduced stimulus salience leading to increased cross-modal competition. By combining traditional analyses with model-based approaches, we examine how MSI is realized during normal function, and how it is compromised in a clinical population. Our findings support future investigations identifying and rehabilitating MSI deficits in clinical disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vastano
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Marcello Costantini
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy ,grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, ITAB, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - William H. Alexander
- grid.255951.fCenter for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA ,grid.255951.fDepartment of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA ,grid.255951.fThe Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA
| | - Eva Widerstrom-Noga
- grid.26790.3a0000 0004 1936 8606Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Anderson MA, Squair JW, Gautier M, Hutson TH, Kathe C, Barraud Q, Bloch J, Courtine G. Natural and targeted circuit reorganization after spinal cord injury. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1584-1596. [PMID: 36396975 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and the circuits in the spinal cord that regulate neurological functions. The consequences are permanent paralysis, loss of sensation and debilitating dysautonomia. However, the majority of circuits located above and below the injury remain anatomically intact, and these circuits can reorganize naturally to improve function. In addition, various neuromodulation therapies have tapped into these processes to further augment recovery. Emerging research is illuminating the requirements to reconstitute damaged circuits. Here, we summarize these natural and targeted reorganizations of circuits after a spinal cord injury. We also advocate for new concepts of reorganizing circuits informed by multi-omic single-cell atlases of recovery from injury. These atlases will uncover the molecular logic that governs the selection of 'recovery-organizing' neuronal subpopulations, and are poised to herald a new era in spinal cord medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Anderson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jordan W Squair
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Gautier
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas H Hutson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Kathe
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Barraud
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyne Bloch
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Courtine
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rao JS, Zhao C, Wei RH, Feng T, Bao SS, Zhao W, Tian Z, Liu Z, Yang ZY, Li XG. Neural regeneration therapy after spinal cord injury induces unique brain functional reorganizations in rhesus monkeys. Ann Med 2022; 54:1867-1883. [PMID: 35792748 PMCID: PMC9272921 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2089728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Spinal cord injury (SCI) destroys the sensorimotor pathway and induces brain plasticity. However, the effect of treatment-induced spinal cord tissue regeneration on brain functional reorganization remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the large-scale functional interactions in the brains of adult female Rhesus monkeys with injured and regenerated thoracic spinal cord. MATERIALS AND METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) combined with Granger Causality analysis (GCA) and motor behaviour analysis were used to assess the causal interaction between sensorimotor cortices, and calculate the relationship between causal interaction and hindlimb stepping in nine Rhesus monkeys undergoing lesion-induced spontaneous recovery (injured, n = 4) and neurotrophin-3/chitosan transplantation-induced regeneration (NT3-chitosan, n = 5) after SCI. RESULTS The results showed that the injured and NT3-chitosan-treated animals had distinct spatiotemporal features of brain functional reorganization. The spontaneous recovery followed the model of "early intra-hemispheric reorganization dominant, late inter-hemispheric reorganization dominant", whereas regenerative therapy animals showed the opposite trend. Although the variation degree of information flow intensity was consistent, the tendency and the relationship between local neuronal activity properties and coupling strength were different between the two groups. In addition, the injured and NT3-chitosan-treated animals had similar motor adjustments but various relationship modes between motor performance and information flow intensity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that brain functional reorganization induced by regeneration therapy differed from spontaneous recovery after SCI. The influence of unique changes in brain plasticity on the therapeutic effects of future regeneration therapy strategies should be considered. Key messagesNeural regeneration elicited a unique spatiotemporal mode of brain functional reorganization in the spinal cord injured monkeys, and that regeneration does not simply reverse the process of brain plasticity induced by spinal cord injury (SCI).Independent "properties of local activity - intensity of information flow" relationships between the injured and treated animals indicating that spontaneous recovery and regenerative therapy exerted different effects on the reorganization of the motor network after SCI.A specific information flow from the left thalamus to the right insular can serve as an indicator to reflect a heterogeneous "information flow - motor performance" relationship between injured and treated animals at similar motor adjustments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Sheng Rao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, PR China
| | - Rui-Han Wei
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ting Feng
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhaolong Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zuxiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.,Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei, PR China.,Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhao-Yang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gao Z, Pang Z, Lei G, Chen Y, Cai Z, Zhu S, Lin W, Qiu Z, Wang Y, Shen Y, Xu W. Crossing nerve transfer drives sensory input-dependent plasticity for motor recovery after brain injury. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn5899. [PMID: 36044580 PMCID: PMC9432844 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn5899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Restoring limb movements after central nervous system injury remains a substantial challenge. Recent studies proved that crossing nerve transfer surgery could rebuild physiological connectivity between the contralesional cortex and the paralyzed arm to compensate for the lost function after brain injury. However, the neural mechanism by which this surgery mediates motor recovery remains still unclear. Here, using a clinical mouse model, we showed that this surgery can restore skilled forelimb function in adult mice with unilateral cortical lesion by inducing cortical remapping and promoting corticospinal tract sprouting. After reestablishing the ipsilateral descending pathway, resecting of the artificially rebuilt peripheral nerve did not affect motor improvements. Furthermore, retaining the sensory afferent, but not the motor efferent, of the transferred nerve was sufficient for inducing brain remapping and facilitating motor restoration. Thus, our results demonstrate that surgically rebuilt sensory input triggers neural plasticity for accelerating motor recovery, which provides an approach for treating central nervous system injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrun Gao
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Pang
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaowei Lei
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Cai
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weishan Lin
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizheng Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yundong Shen
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing‘an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wendong Xu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- The National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Jing‘an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226000 Nantong, China
- Research Unit of Synergistic Reconstruction of Upper and Lower Limbs After Brain Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen M, Chen Z, Xiao X, Zhou L, Fu R, Jiang X, Pang M, Xia J. Corticospinal circuit neuroplasticity may involve silent synapses: Implications for functional recovery facilitated by neuromodulation after spinal cord injury. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 14:185-194. [PMID: 36824667 PMCID: PMC9941655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to devastating physical consequences, such as severe sensorimotor dysfunction even lifetime disability, by damaging the corticospinal system. The conventional opinion that SCI is intractable due to the poor regeneration of neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS) needs to be revisited as the CNS is capable of considerable plasticity, which underlie recovery from neural injury. Substantial spontaneous neuroplasticity has been demonstrated in the corticospinal motor circuitry following SCI. Some of these plastic changes appear to be beneficial while others are detrimental toward locomotor function recovery after SCI. The beneficial corticospinal plasticity in the spared corticospinal circuits can be harnessed therapeutically by multiple contemporary neuromodulatory approaches, especially the electrical stimulation-based modalities, in an activity-dependent manner to improve functional outcomes in post-SCI rehabilitation. Silent synapse generation and unsilencing contribute to profound neuroplasticity that is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, thus they may be involved in the corticospinal motor circuit neuroplasticity following SCI. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of silent synapse-mediated neuroplasticity in the corticospinal motor circuitry that may be exploited by neuromodulation will inform a novel direction for optimizing therapeutic repair strategies and rehabilitative interventions in SCI patients.
Collapse
Key Words
- AMPARs, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- BMIs, brain-machine interfaces
- CPG, central pattern generator
- CST, corticospinal tract
- Corticospinal motor circuitry
- DBS, deep brain stimulation
- ESS, epidural spinal stimulation
- MEPs, motor-evoked potentials
- NHPs, non-human primates
- NMDARs, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors
- Neuromodulation
- Neuroplasticity
- PSNs, propriospinal neurons
- Rehabilitation
- SCI, spinal cord injury
- STDP, spike timing-dependent plasticity
- Silent synapses
- Spinal cord injury
- TBS, theta burst stimulation
- TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation
- TrkB, tropomyosin-related kinase B
- cTBS, continuous TBS
- iTBS, intermittent TBS
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- rTMS, repetitive TMS
- tDCS, transcranial direct current stimulation
- tcSCS, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingcong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zuxin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence; MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorder, Shenzhen Bay laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Mao Pang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Jianxun Xia
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunkang School of Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510970, China,Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wu W, Nguyen T, Ordaz JD, Zhang Y, Liu NK, Hu X, Liu Y, Ping X, Han Q, Wu X, Qu W, Gao S, Shields CB, Jin X, Xu XM. Transhemispheric cortex remodeling promotes forelimb recovery after spinal cord injury. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e158150. [PMID: 35552276 PMCID: PMC9309060 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the reorganization of neural circuits spared after spinal cord injury in the motor cortex and spinal cord would provide insights for developing therapeutics. Using optogenetic mapping, we demonstrated a transhemispheric recruitment of neural circuits in the contralateral cortical M1/M2 area to improve the impaired forelimb function after a cervical 5 right-sided hemisection in mice, a model mimicking the human Brown-Séquard syndrome. This cortical reorganization can be elicited by a selective cortical optogenetic neuromodulation paradigm. Areas of whisker, jaw, and neck, together with the rostral forelimb area, on the motor cortex ipsilateral to the lesion were engaged to control the ipsilesional forelimb in both stimulation and nonstimulation groups 8 weeks following injury. However, significant functional benefits were only seen in the stimulation group. Using anterograde tracing, we further revealed a robust sprouting of the intact corticospinal tract in the spinal cord of those animals receiving optogenetic stimulation. The intraspinal corticospinal axonal sprouting correlated with the forelimb functional recovery. Thus, specific neuromodulation of the cortical neural circuits induced massive neural reorganization both in the motor cortex and spinal cord, constructing an alternative motor pathway in restoring impaired forelimb function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tyler Nguyen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Josue D. Ordaz
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yiping Zhang
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, Kentucky, 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, Indiana, USA
| | - Xinhua Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xingjie Ping
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiangbing Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Wenrui Qu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Xiaoming Jin
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 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, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lu T, Shinozaki M, Nagoshi N, Nakamura M, Okano H. 3D imaging of supraspinal inputs to the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord mapped by retrograde tracing and light-sheet microscopy. J Neurochem 2022; 162:352-370. [PMID: 35674500 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15653] [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] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The supraspinal inputs play a major role in tuning the hindlimb locomotion function. While most research on spinal cord injury (SCI) with rodents is based on thoracic segments, the difference in connectivity of the supraspinal centers to the thoracic and lumbar cord is still unknown. Here, we combined retrograde tracing and 3D imaging to map the connectivity of supraspinal neurons projecting to thoracic (T9-vertebral) and lumbar (T13-vertebral) spinal levels in adult female mice. We dissected the difference in connections of corticospinal neurons (CSNs), rubrospinal neurons, and reticulospinal neurons projecting to thoracic and lumbar cords. The ratio of double-labeled neurons is higher in T13-vertebral projection CSNs and parvocellular part of the red nucleus (RPC) than in T9-vertebral projection. Using the Cre-DIO system, we precisely targeted CSNs projecting to T9-vertebral or T13-vertebral. We found that abundant axon branches communicated with the red nucleus and reticular formation and distributed from cervical gray matter to the lumbar cord. Their collateral branches showed a distinct innervation pattern in thoracic and lumbar gray matters and a similar distribution pattern in the cervical spinal cord. These results revealed the difference in connectivity between the thoracic and lumbar projection supraspinal centers and clarified the collateralization of thoracic/lumbar projection CSNs throughout the brain and spinal cord. This study highlights brain-spinal cord neural networks and the complexity of the axon terminals of spinal projection CSNs, which could contribute to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies connecting CST fibers and hindlimb function recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lu
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yang QH, Zhang YH, Du SH, Wang YC, Fang Y, Wang XQ. Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Central Neuropathic Pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:879909. [PMID: 35663263 PMCID: PMC9162797 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.879909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The research and clinical application of the noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique in the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) are increasing. In this review article, we outline the effectiveness and limitations of the NIBS approach in treating common central neuropathic pain (CNP). This article summarizes the research progress of NIBS in the treatment of different CNPs and describes the effects and mechanisms of these methods on different CNPs. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) analgesic research has been relatively mature and applied to a variety of CNP treatments. But the optimal stimulation targets, stimulation intensity, and stimulation time of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for each type of CNP are still difficult to identify. The analgesic mechanism of rTMS is similar to that of tDCS, both of which change cortical excitability and synaptic plasticity, regulate the release of related neurotransmitters and affect the structural and functional connections of brain regions associated with pain processing and regulation. Some deficiencies are found in current NIBS relevant studies, such as small sample size, difficulty to avoid placebo effect, and insufficient research on analgesia mechanism. Future research should gradually carry out large-scale, multicenter studies to test the stability and reliability of the analgesic effects of NIBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Hao Yang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hui Zhang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hao Du
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Fang
- School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Fang,
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai Shangti Orthopaedic Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Xue-Qiang Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Differences in sensorimotor and functional recovery between the dominant and non-dominant upper extremity following cervical spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2022; 60:422-427. [PMID: 35273373 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-022-00782-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Post hoc analysis of prospective multi-national, multi-centre cohort study. OBJECTIVE Determine whether cerebral dominance influences upper extremity recovery following cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING A multi-national subset of the longitudinal GRASSP dataset (n = 127). METHODS Secondary analysis of prospective, longitudinal multicenter study of individuals with cervical SCI (n = 73). Study participants were followed for up to 12 months after a cervical SCI, and the following outcome measures were serially assessed - the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP) and the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI), including upper extremity motor and sensory scores. Observed recovery and relative (percent) recovery were then determined for both the GRASSP and ISNCSCI, based on change from initial to last available assessment. RESULTS With the exception of prehension performance (quantitative grasping) following complete cervical SCI, there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) for observed and relative (percent) recovery, between the dominant and non-dominant upper extremities, as measured using GRASSP subtests, ISNCSCI motor scores and ISNCSCI sensory scores. CONCLUSION Despite well documented differences between the cerebral hemispheres, cerebral dominance appears to play a limited role in upper extremity recovery following acute cervical SCI.
Collapse
|
22
|
In vivo imaging in experimental spinal cord injury – Techniques and trends. BRAIN AND SPINE 2022; 2:100859. [PMID: 36248104 PMCID: PMC9560701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2021.100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. Treatment is limited to supportive care and no curative therapy exists. Experimental research to understand the complex pathophysiology and potential mediators of spinal cord regeneration is essential to develop innovative translational therapies. A multitude of experimental imaging methods to monitor spinal cord regeneration in vivo have developed over the last years. However, little literature exists to deal with advanced imaging methods specifically available in SCI research. Research Question This systematic literature review examines the current standards in experimental imaging in SCI allowing for in vivo imaging of spinal cord regeneration on a neuronal, vascular, and cellular basis. Material and Methods Articles were included meeting the following criteria: experimental research, original studies, rodent subjects, and intravital imaging. Reviewed in detail are microstructural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Micro-Computed Tomography, Laser Speckle Imaging, Very High Resolution Ultrasound, and in vivo microscopy techniques. Results Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, 689 articles were identified for review, of which 492 were sorted out after screening and an additional 104 after detailed review. For qualitative synthesis 93 articles were included in this publication. Discussion and Conclusion With this study we give an up-to-date overview about modern experimental imaging techniques with the potential to advance the knowledge on spinal cord regeneration following SCI. A thorough knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the reviewed techniques will help to optimally exploit our current experimental armamentarium in the field. In vivo imaging is essential to enhance the understanding of SCI pathophysiology. Multiple experimental imaging methods have evolved over the past years. Detailed review of in vivo (f)MRI, μCT, VHRUS, and Microcopy in experimental SCI. Experimental imaging allows for longitudinal examination to the cellular level. Knowledge of the strengths and limitations is essential for future research.
Collapse
|
23
|
All AH, Al-Nashash H. Comparative analysis of functional assessment for contusion and transection models of spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2021; 59:1206-1209. [PMID: 34493803 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-021-00698-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Descriptive secondary analysis of two spinal cord injury (SCI) animal models. OBJECTIVES To compare the somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and motor behavioral (BBB) assessments of the two most used rodent SCI models (contusion and transection), to elucidate their functional similarity and differences over the acute phase of 3 weeks. SETTING Neuro-electrophysiology SSEP and motor behavioral BBB assessments are used to provide a comparative analysis of the functional changes among various severities of contusion and transection SCI. METHODS Adult male and female rats randomly grouped (n = 5) as following: mild (6.25 mm), moderate (12.5 mm), severe (25 mm), and very severe (50 mm) contusion as well as right T10 hemi-transection (RxI), left T8 and right T10 double hemi-transection (DxI), and T8 complete transection (CxI) injuries, plus the control group (laminectomy with no injury). Animal weight, body temperature, anesthesia, surgical procedures, electrophysiological SSEP monitoring, locomotion BBB scoring, and statistical analysis were identical among all animal groups. RESULTS Statistical analysis of the SSEP and BBB data from both contusion and transection injury models indicate significant differences (P < 0.05). The results also show remarkable similarity for the severe and very severe contusion injuries to the complete transection, the moderate contusion injury to the double hemi-transection, and the mild contusion injury to the T10 hemi-transection injury. CONCLUSION Although contusion and transection spinal cord injuries have two completely different pathophysiologies, their injury progress during acute phase follow a similar trend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo H All
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
| | - Hasan Al-Nashash
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, UAE.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang L, Wang L, Xia H, Tan Y, Li C, Fang C. Connectomic mapping of brain-spinal cord neural networks: future directions in assessing spinal cord injury at rest. Neurosci Res 2021; 176:9-17. [PMID: 34699861 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Following spinal cord injury (SCI), the central nervous system undergoes significant reconstruction. The dynamic change in the interaction of the brain-spinal cord axis as well as in structure-function relations plays a vital role in the determination of neurological functions, which might have important clinical implications for the treatment and its efficacy evaluation of patients with SCI. Brain connectomes based on neuroimaging data is a relatively new field of research that maps the brain's large-scale structural and functional networks at rest. Importantly, increasing evidence shows that such resting-state signals can also be seen in the spinal cord. In the present review, we focus on the reconstruction of multi-level neural circuits after SCI. We also describe how the connectome concept could further our understanding of neuroplasticity after SCI. We propose that mapping the cortical-subcortical-spinal cord networks can provide novel insights into the pathologies of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijian Zhang
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Glioma in Hebei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China
| | - Luxuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China
| | - Hechun Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, China
| | - Yanli Tan
- Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Glioma in Hebei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China; Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China.
| | - Chunhui Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China.
| | - Chuan Fang
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China; Key Laboratory of Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Glioma in Hebei Province, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sahni V, Itoh Y, Shnider SJ, Macklis JD. Crim1 and Kelch-like 14 exert complementary dual-directional developmental control over segmentally specific corticospinal axon projection targeting. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109842. [PMID: 34686337 PMCID: PMC8697027 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex executes highly skilled movement, necessitating that it connects accurately with specific brainstem and spinal motor circuitry. Corticospinal neurons (CSN) must correctly target specific spinal segments, but the basis for this targeting remains unknown. In the accompanying report, we show that segmentally distinct CSN subpopulations are molecularly distinct from early development, identifying candidate molecular controls over segmentally specific axon targeting. Here, we functionally investigate two of these candidate molecular controls, Crim1 and Kelch-like 14 (Klhl14), identifying their critical roles in directing CSN axons to appropriate spinal segmental levels in the white matter prior to axon collateralization. Crim1 and Klhl14 are specifically expressed by distinct CSN subpopulations and regulate their differental white matter projection targeting-Crim1 directs thoracolumbar axon extension, while Klhl14 limits axon extension to bulbar-cervical segments. These molecular regulators of descending spinal projections constitute the first stages of a dual-directional set of complementary controls over CSN diversity for segmentally and functionally distinct circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vibhu Sahni
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Itoh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sara J Shnider
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, and Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Vastano R, Costantini M, Widerstrom-Noga E. Maladaptive reorganization following SCI: The role of body representation and multisensory integration. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 208:102179. [PMID: 34600947 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this review we focus on maladaptive brain reorganization after spinal cord injury (SCI), including the development of neuropathic pain, and its relationship with impairments in body representation and multisensory integration. We will discuss the implications of altered sensorimotor interactions after SCI with and without neuropathic pain and possible deficits in multisensory integration and body representation. Within this framework we will examine published research findings focused on the use of bodily illusions to manipulate multisensory body representation to induce analgesic effects in heterogeneous chronic pain populations and in SCI-related neuropathic pain. We propose that the development and intensification of neuropathic pain after SCI is partly dependent on brain reorganization associated with dysfunctional multisensory integration processes and distorted body representation. We conclude this review by suggesting future research avenues that may lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the sense of the body after SCI, with a focus on cortical changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vastano
- University of Miami, Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Marcello Costantini
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, ITAB, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Eva Widerstrom-Noga
- University of Miami, Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zaforas M, Rosa JM, Alonso-Calviño E, Fernández-López E, Miguel-Quesada C, Oliviero A, Aguilar J. Cortical layer-specific modulation of neuronal activity after sensory deprivation due to spinal cord injury. J Physiol 2021; 599:4643-4669. [PMID: 34418097 PMCID: PMC9292026 DOI: 10.1113/jp281901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Cortical areas have the capacity of large‐scale reorganization following sensory deafferentation. However, it remains unclear whether this phenomenon is a unique process that homogeneously affects the entire deprived cortical region or whether it is susceptible to changes depending on neuronal networks across distinct cortical layers. Here, we studied how the local circuitry within each layer of the deafferented cortex forms the basis for neuroplastic changes after immediate thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) in anaesthetized rats. In vivo electrophysiological recordings from deafferented hindlimb somatosensory cortex showed that SCI induces layer‐specific changes mediating evoked and spontaneous activity. In supragranular layer 2/3, SCI increased gamma oscillations and the ability of these neurons to initiate up‐states during spontaneous activity, suggesting an altered corticocortical network and/or intrinsic properties that may serve to maintain the excitability of the cortical column after deafferentation. On the other hand, SCI enhanced the infragranular layers’ ability to integrate evoked sensory inputs leading to increased and faster neuronal responses. Delayed evoked response onsets were also observed in layer 5/6, suggesting alterations in thalamocortical connectivity. Altogether, our data indicate that SCI immediately modifies the local circuitry within the deafferented cortex allowing supragranular layers to better integrate spontaneous corticocortical information, thus modifying column excitability, and infragranular layers to better integrate evoked sensory inputs to preserve subcortical outputs. These layer‐specific neuronal changes may guide the long‐term alterations in neuronal excitability and plasticity associated with the rearrangements of somatosensory networks and the appearance of central sensory pathologies usually associated with spinal cord injury. Key points Sensory stimulation of forelimb produces cortical evoked responses in the somatosensory hindlimb cortex in a layer‐dependent manner. Spinal cord injury favours the input statistics of corticocortical connections between intact and deafferented cortices. After spinal cord injury supragranular layers exhibit better integration of spontaneous corticocortical information while infragranular layers exhibit better integration of evoked sensory stimulation. Cortical reorganization is a layer‐specific phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zaforas
- Experimental Neurophysiology and Neuronal Circuits Group, Research Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Toledo, 45071, Spain.,FENNSI Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Research Unit, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| | - Juliana M Rosa
- Experimental Neurophysiology and Neuronal Circuits Group, Research Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| | - Elena Alonso-Calviño
- Experimental Neurophysiology and Neuronal Circuits Group, Research Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| | - Elena Fernández-López
- Experimental Neurophysiology and Neuronal Circuits Group, Research Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| | - Claudia Miguel-Quesada
- Experimental Neurophysiology and Neuronal Circuits Group, Research Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| | - Antonio Oliviero
- FENNSI Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Research Unit, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| | - Juan Aguilar
- Experimental Neurophysiology and Neuronal Circuits Group, Research Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos - SESCAM, Toledo, 45071, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Corticospinal Motor Circuit Plasticity After Spinal Cord Injury: Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Improve Functional Outcomes. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5494-5516. [PMID: 34341881 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02484-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that affects approximately 294,000 people in the USA and several millions worldwide. The corticospinal motor circuitry plays a major role in controlling skilled movements and in planning and coordinating movements in mammals and can be damaged by SCI. While axonal regeneration of injured fibers over long distances is scarce in the adult CNS, substantial spontaneous neural reorganization and plasticity in the spared corticospinal motor circuitry has been shown in experimental SCI models, associated with functional recovery. Beneficially harnessing this neuroplasticity of the corticospinal motor circuitry represents a highly promising therapeutic approach for improving locomotor outcomes after SCI. Several different strategies have been used to date for this purpose including neuromodulation (spinal cord/brain stimulation strategies and brain-machine interfaces), rehabilitative training (targeting activity-dependent plasticity), stem cells and biological scaffolds, neuroregenerative/neuroprotective pharmacotherapies, and light-based therapies like photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation (PMBT). This review provides an overview of the spontaneous reorganization and neuroplasticity in the corticospinal motor circuitry after SCI and summarizes the various therapeutic approaches used to beneficially harness this neuroplasticity for functional recovery after SCI in preclinical animal model and clinical human patients' studies.
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) destroys the sensorimotor pathway and blocks the information flow between the peripheral nerve and the brain, resulting in autonomic function loss. Numerous studies have explored the effects of obstructed information flow on brain structure and function and proved the extensive plasticity of the brain after SCI. Great progress has also been achieved in therapeutic strategies for SCI to restore the "re-innervation" of the cerebral cortex to the limbs to some extent. Although no thorough research has been conducted, the changes of brain structure and function caused by "re-domination" have been reported. This article is a review of the recent research progress on local structure, functional changes, and circuit reorganization of the cerebral cortex after SCI. Alterations of structure and electrical activity characteristics of brain neurons, features of brain functional reorganization, and regulation of brain functions by reconfigured information flow were also explored. The integration of brain function is the basis for the human body to exercise complex/fine movements and is intricately and widely regulated by information flow. Hence, its changes after SCI and treatments should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, China
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Rao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cronin AE, Detombe SA, Duggal CA, Duggal N, Bartha R. Spinal cord compression is associated with brain plasticity in degenerative cervical myelopathy. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab131. [PMID: 34396102 PMCID: PMC8361426 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of spinal cord compression severity on brain plasticity and prognostic determinates is not yet fully understood. We investigated the association between the severity of spinal cord compression in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy, a progressive disease of the spine, and functional plasticity in the motor cortex and subcortical areas using functional magnetic resonance imaging. A 3.0 T MRI scanner was used to acquire functional images of the brain in 23 degenerative cervical myelopathy patients. Patients were instructed to perform a structured finger-tapping task to activate the motor cortex to assess the extent of cortical activation. T2-weighted images of the brain and spine were also acquired to quantify the severity of spinal cord compression. The observed blood oxygen level-dependent signal increase in the contralateral primary motor cortex was associated with spinal cord compression severity when patients tapped with their left hand (r = 0.49, P = 0.02) and right hand (r = 0.56, P = 0.005). The volume of activation in the contralateral primary motor cortex also increased with spinal cord compression severity when patients tapped with their left hand (r = 0.55, P = 0.006) and right hand (r = 0.45, P = 0.03). The subcortical areas (cerebellum, putamen, caudate and thalamus) also demonstrated a significant relationship with compression severity. It was concluded that degenerative cervical myelopathy patients with severe spinal cord compression recruit larger regions of the motor cortex to perform finger-tapping tasks, which suggests that this adaptation is a compensatory response to neurological injury and tissue damage in the spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia E Cronin
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada.,Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Sarah A Detombe
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Camille A Duggal
- Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Neil Duggal
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Robert Bartha
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada.,Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
All AH, Luo S, Liu X, Al-Nashash H. Effect of thoracic spinal cord injury on forelimb somatosensory evoked potential. Brain Res Bull 2021; 173:22-27. [PMID: 33991605 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the forelimbs somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) signals, which are representative of the integrity of ascending sensory pathways and their stability as well as function, recorded from corresponding cortices, post thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). We designed a series of distinctive transection SCI to investigate whether forelimbs SSEPs change after right T10 hemi-transection, T8 and T10 double hemi-transection and T8 complete transection in rat model of SCI. We used electrical stimuli to stimulate median nerves and recorded SSEPs from left and right somatosensory areas of both cortices. We monitored pre-injury baseline and verified changes in forelimbs SSEP signals on Days 4, 7, 14, and 21 post-injury. We previously characterized hindlimb SSEP changes for the abovementioned transection injuries. The focus of this article is to investigate the quality and quantity of changes that may occur in the forelimb somatosensory pathways post-thoracic transection SCI. It is important to test the stability of forelimb SSEPs following thoracic SCI because of their potential utility as a proxy baseline for the traumatic SCIs in clinical cases wherein there is no opportunity to gather baseline of the lower extremities. We observed that the forelimb SSEP amplitudes increased following thoracic SCI but gradually returned to the baseline. Despite changes found in the raw signals, statistical analysis found forelimb SSEP signals become stable relatively soon. In summary, though there are changes in value (with p > 0.05), they are not statistically significant. Therefore, the null hypothesis that the mean of the forelimb SSEP signals are the same across multiple days after injury onset cannot be rejected during the acute phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo H All
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Room RRS844, Sir Run Run Shaw Building, Ho Sin Hang Campus, Hong Kong.
| | - Shiyu Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Traylor Building, 720 Rutland Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Hasan Al-Nashash
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, ESB-2018, Engineering Science Building, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, 26666, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li X, Chen Q, Zheng W, Chen X, Wang L, Qin W, Li K, Lu J, Chen N. Inconsistency between cortical reorganization and functional connectivity alteration in the sensorimotor cortex following incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 14:2367-2377. [PMID: 31444779 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore whether there will be any alterations in sensorimotor-related cortex and the possible causes of sensorimotor dysfunction after incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (ICSCI). Structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) of nineteen ICSCI patients and nineteen healthy controls (HCs) was acquired. Voxel based morphometry (VBM) and tract-based spatial statistics were performed to assess differences in gray matter volume (GMV) and white matter integrity between ICSCI patients and HCs. Whole brain functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using the results of VBM as seeds. Associations between the clinical variables and the brain changes were studied. Compared with HCs, ICSCI patients demonstrated reduced GMV in the right fusiform gyrus (FG) and left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) but no changes in areas directly related to sensorimotor function. There were no significant differences in brain white matter. Additionally, the FC in the left primary sensorimotor cortex and cerebellum decreased when the FG and OFC, respectively, were used as seeds. Subsequent relevance analysis suggests a weak positive correlation between the left OFC's GMV and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. In conclusion, brain structural changes following ICSCI occur mainly in certain higher cognitive regions, such as the FG and OFC, rather than in the brain areas directly related to sensation or motor control. The functional areas of the brain that are related to cognitive processing may play an important role in sensorimotor dysfunction through the decreased FC with sensorimotor areas after ICSCI. Therefore, cognition-related functional training may play an important role in rehabilitation of sensorimotor function after ICSCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Li
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yongan Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Weimin Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Aerospace Central Hospital, No. 15 Yuquan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Qin
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Kuncheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, No. 45 Chang-chun St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Combination of Defined CatWalk Gait Parameters for Predictive Locomotion Recovery in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury Rat Models. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0497-20.2021. [PMID: 33593735 PMCID: PMC7986542 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0497-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In many preclinical spinal cord injury (SCI) studies, assessment of locomotion recovery is key to understanding the effectiveness of the experimental intervention. In such rat SCI studies, the most basic locomotor recovery scoring system is a subjective observation of animals freely roaming in an open field, the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score. In comparison, CatWalk is an automated gait analysis system, providing further parameter specifications. Although together the CatWalk parameters encompass gait, studies consistently report single parameters, which differ in significance from other behavioral assessments. Therefore, we believe no single parameter produced by the CatWalk can represent the fully-coordinated motion of gait. Typically, other locomotor assessments, such as the BBB score, combine several locomotor characteristics into a representative score. For this reason, we ranked the most distinctive CatWalk parameters between uninjured and SC injured rats. Subsequently, we combined nine of the topmost parameters into an SCI gait index score based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The resulting combination was applied to assess gait recovery in SCI experiments comprising of three thoracic contusions, a thoracic dorsal hemisection, and a cervical dorsal column lesion model. For thoracic lesions, our unbiased machine learning model revealed gait differences in lesion type and severity. In some instances, our LDA was found to be more sensitive in differentiating recovery than the BBB score alone. We believe the newly developed gait parameter combination presented here should be used in CatWalk gait recovery work with preclinical thoracic rat SCI models.
Collapse
|
34
|
Zou Y. Targeting axon guidance cues for neural circuit repair after spinal cord injury. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:197-205. [PMID: 33167744 PMCID: PMC7812507 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20961852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
At least two-thirds of spinal cord injury cases are anatomically incomplete, without complete spinal cord transection, although the initial injuries cause complete loss of sensory and motor functions. The malleability of neural circuits and networks allows varied extend of functional restoration in some individuals after successful rehabilitative training. However, in most cases, the efficiency and extent are both limited and uncertain, largely due to the many obstacles of repair. The restoration of function after anatomically incomplete injury is in part made possible by the growth of new axons or new axon branches through the spared spinal cord tissue and the new synaptic connections they make, either along the areas they grow through or in the areas they terminate. This review will discuss new progress on the understanding of the role of axon guidance molecules, particularly the Wnt family proteins, in spinal cord injury and how the knowledge and tools of axon guidance can be applied to increase the potential of recovery. These strategies, combined with others, such as neuroprotection and rehabilitation, may bring new promises. The recovery strategies for anatomically incomplete spinal cord injuries are relevant and may be applicable to traumatic brain injury and stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Zou
- Neurobiology Section, Biological Sciences
Division, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Sugeno A, Piao W, Yamazaki M, Takahashi K, Arikawa K, Matsunaga H, Hosokawa M, Tominaga D, Goshima Y, Takeyama H, Ohshima T. Cortical transcriptome analysis after spinal cord injury reveals the regenerative mechanism of central nervous system in CRMP2 knock-in mice. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1258-1265. [PMID: 33318403 PMCID: PMC8284262 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.301035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that mutation at Ser522 causes inhibition of collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) phosphorylation and induces axon elongation and partial recovery of the lost sensorimotor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). We aimed to reveal the intracellular mechanism in axotomized neurons in the CRMP2 knock-in (CRMP2KI) mouse model by performing transcriptome analysis in mouse sensorimotor cortex using micro-dissection punching system. Prior to that, we analyzed the structural pathophysiology in axotomized or neighboring neurons after SCI and found that somatic atrophy and dendritic spine reduction in sensorimotor cortex were suppressed in CRMP2KI mice. Further analysis of the transcriptome has aided in the identification of four hemoglobin genes Hba-a1, Hba-a2, Hbb-bs, and Hbb-bt that are significantly upregulated in wild-type mice with concomitant upregulation of genes involved in the oxidative phosphorylation and ribosomal pathways after SCI. However, we observed substantial upregulation in channel activity genes and downregulation of genes regulating vesicles, synaptic function, glial cell differentiation in CRMP2KI mice. Moreover, the transcriptome profile of CRMP2KI mice has been discussed wherein energy metabolism and neuronal pathways were found to be differentially regulated. Our results showed that CRMP2KI mice displayed improved SCI pathophysiology not only via microtubule stabilization in neurons, but also possibly via the whole metabolic system in the central nervous system, response changes in glial cells, and synapses. Taken together, we reveal new insights on SCI pathophysiology and the regenerative mechanism of central nervous system by the inhibition of CRMP2 phosphorylation at Ser522. All these experiments were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Waseda University, Japan (2017-A027 approved on March 21, 2017; 2018-A003 approved on March 25, 2018; 2019-A026 approved on March 25, 2019).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Sugeno
- Laboratory for Molecular Brain Science, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University; Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wenhui Piao
- Laboratory for Molecular Brain Science, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miki Yamazaki
- Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University; Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Takahashi
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Arikawa
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Matsunaga
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahito Hosokawa
- Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering; Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation; Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tominaga
- Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo; Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yoshio Goshima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Haruko Takeyama
- Biomolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University; Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST); Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovation; Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Ohshima
- Laboratory for Molecular Brain Science, Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience; Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Salimi O, Zangbar HS, Shadiabad SH, Ghorbani M, Ghadiri T, Kalan AE, Kheyrkhah H, Shahabi P. Forelimb Motor Skills Deficits Following Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: Underlying Dopaminergic and Neural Oscillatory Changes in Rat Primary Motor Cortex. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:17590914211044000. [PMID: 34596443 PMCID: PMC8495518 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211044000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of spinal sensorimotor pathways following spinal cord injury (SCI) can induce retrograde neurodegeneration in the primary motor cortex (M1). However, the effect of thoracic SCI on forelimb motor skills has not been studied clearly. So, herein we aimed to examine the effects of the thoracic SCI model on forelimb motor skills learning, parallel with dopaminergic and oscillatory changes in hindlimb and forelimb areas (HLA and FLA) of M1 in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly subjected to laminectomy (Control) or contusion SCI at the thoracic (T10) level. Oscillatory activity and motor skills performance were evaluated for six consecutive days using local field potential (LFP) recording and skilled forelimb reaching task, respectively. Dopamine (DA) levels and expression of dopamine receptors (D1R and D2R) were determined in HLA and FLA by ELISA and western blotting. LFP recording results showed a sustained increase of LFP power in SCI rats compared with uninjured rats through skilled reaching training. Also, the SCI group had a lower reaching performance and learning rate in contrast to the Control group. Biochemical analysis of HLA and FLA showed a reduction in DA levels and expression of D1R and D2R after SCI. According to these findings, thoracic SCI causes aberrant changes in the oscillatory activity and dopaminergic system of M1, which are not restricted to HLA but also found in FLA accompanied by a deficit in forelimb motor skills performance.Summary statement: The reorganization of the primary motor cortex, following spinal cord injury, is not restricted to the hind limb area, and interestingly extends to the forelimb limb area, which appears as a dysfunctional change in oscillations and dopaminergic system, associated with a deficit in motor skills learning of forelimb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omid Salimi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Soltani Zangbar
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Meysam Ghorbani
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Ghadiri
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ebrahimi Kalan
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hasan Kheyrkhah
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Krupa P, Siddiqui AM, Grahn PJ, Islam R, Chen BK, Madigan NN, Windebank AJ, Lavrov IA. The Translesional Spinal Network and Its Reorganization after Spinal Cord Injury. Neuroscientist 2020; 28:163-179. [PMID: 33089762 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420966276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from preclinical and clinical research suggest that neuromodulation technologies can facilitate the sublesional spinal networks, isolated from supraspinal commands after spinal cord injury (SCI), by reestablishing the levels of excitability and enabling descending motor signals via residual connections. Herein, we evaluate available evidence that sublesional and supralesional spinal circuits could form a translesional spinal network after SCI. We further discuss evidence of translesional network reorganization after SCI in the presence of sensory inputs during motor training. In this review, we evaluate potential mechanisms that underlie translesional circuitry reorganization during neuromodulation and rehabilitation in order to enable motor functions after SCI. We discuss the potential of neuromodulation technologies to engage various components that comprise the translesional network, their functional recovery after SCI, and the implications of the concept of translesional network in development of future neuromodulation, rehabilitation, and neuroprosthetics technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petr Krupa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Peter J Grahn
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Riazul Islam
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bingkun K Chen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Igor A Lavrov
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Huber E, Patel R, Hupp M, Weiskopf N, Chakravarty MM, Freund P. Extrapyramidal plasticity predicts recovery after spinal cord injury. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14102. [PMID: 32839540 PMCID: PMC7445170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70805-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to wide-spread neurodegeneration across the neuroaxis. We explored trajectories of surface morphology, demyelination and iron concentration within the basal ganglia-thalamic circuit over 2 years post-SCI. This allowed us to explore the predictive value of neuroimaging biomarkers and determine their suitability as surrogate markers for interventional trials. Changes in markers of surface morphology, myelin and iron concentration of the basal ganglia and thalamus were estimated from 182 MRI datasets acquired in 17 SCI patients and 21 healthy controls at baseline (1-month post injury for patients), after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Using regression models, we investigated group difference in linear and non-linear trajectories of these markers. Baseline quantitative MRI parameters were used to predict 24-month clinical outcome. Surface area contracted in the motor (i.e. lower extremity) and pulvinar thalamus, and striatum; and expanded in the motor thalamus and striatum in patients compared to controls over 2-years. In parallel, myelin-sensitive markers decreased in the thalamus, striatum, and globus pallidus, while iron-sensitive markers decreased within the left caudate. Baseline surface area expansions within the striatum (i.e. motor caudate) predicted better lower extremity motor score at 2-years. Extensive extrapyramidal neurodegenerative and reorganizational changes across the basal ganglia-thalamic circuitry occur early after SCI and progress over time; their magnitude being predictive of functional recovery. These results demonstrate a potential role of extrapyramidal plasticity during functional recovery after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Huber
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Patel
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory (CoBrA Lab), Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - M Hupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - N Weiskopf
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M M Chakravarty
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory (CoBrA Lab), Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - P Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center Balgrist, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK. .,Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK. .,Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Jara JS, Agger S, Hollis ER. Functional Electrical Stimulation and the Modulation of the Axon Regeneration Program. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:736. [PMID: 33015031 PMCID: PMC7462022 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural injury in mammals often leads to persistent functional deficits as spontaneous repair in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is often incomplete, while endogenous repair mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS) are negligible. Peripheral axotomy elicits growth-associated gene programs in sensory and motor neurons that can support reinnervation of peripheral targets given sufficient levels of debris clearance and proximity to nerve targets. In contrast, while damaged CNS circuitry can undergo a limited amount of sprouting and reorganization, this innate plasticity does not re-establish the original connectivity. The utility of novel CNS circuitry will depend on effective connectivity and appropriate training to strengthen these circuits. One method of enhancing novel circuit connectivity is through the use of electrical stimulation, which supports axon growth in both central and peripheral neurons. This review will focus on the effects of CNS and PNS electrical stimulation in activating axon growth-associated gene programs and supporting the recovery of motor and sensory circuits. Electrical stimulation-mediated neuroplasticity represents a therapeutically viable approach to support neural repair and recovery. Development of appropriate clinical strategies employing electrical stimulation will depend upon determining the underlying mechanisms of activity-dependent axon regeneration and the heterogeneity of neuronal subtype responses to stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sydney Agger
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, United States
| | - Edmund R Hollis
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, United States.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Granier C, Schwarting J, Fourli E, Laage-Gaupp F, Hennrich AA, Schmalz A, Jacobi A, Wesolowski M, Conzelmann KK, Bareyre FM. Formation of somatosensory detour circuits mediates functional recovery following dorsal column injury. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10953. [PMID: 32616790 PMCID: PMC7331809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67866-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anatomically incomplete spinal cord injuries can be followed by functional recovery mediated, in part, by the formation of intraspinal detour circuits. Here, we show that adult mice recover tactile and proprioceptive function following a unilateral dorsal column lesion. We therefore investigated the basis of this recovery and focused on the plasticity of the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway. We show that ascending dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axons branch in the spinal grey matter and substantially increase the number of these collaterals following injury. These sensory fibers exhibit synapsin-positive varicosities, indicating their integration into spinal networks. Using a monosynaptic circuit tracing with rabies viruses injected into the cuneate nucleus, we show the presence of spinal cord neurons that provide a detour pathway to the original target area of DRG axons. Notably the number of contacts between DRG collaterals and those spinal neurons increases by more than 300% after injury. We then characterized these interneurons and showed that the lesion triggers a remodeling of the connectivity pattern. Finally, using re-lesion experiments after initial remodeling of connections, we show that these detour circuits are responsible for the recovery of tactile and proprioceptive function. Taken together our study reveals that detour circuits represent a common blueprint for axonal rewiring after injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Granier
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Julian Schwarting
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Evangelia Fourli
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Fabian Laage-Gaupp
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alexandru A Hennrich
- Max Von Pettenkofer-Institute, Virology, Faculty of Medicine, and Gene Center, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Schmalz
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Anne Jacobi
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marta Wesolowski
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Karl Klaus Conzelmann
- Max Von Pettenkofer-Institute, Virology, Faculty of Medicine, and Gene Center, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Florence M Bareyre
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. .,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Michael FM, Patel SP, Rabchevsky AG. Intraspinal Plasticity Associated With the Development of Autonomic Dysreflexia After Complete Spinal Cord Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:505. [PMID: 31780900 PMCID: PMC6856770 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to disruption of sensory, motor and autonomic function, and triggers structural, physiological and biochemical changes that cause reorganization of existing circuits that affect functional recovery. Propriospinal neurons (PN) appear to be very plastic within the inhibitory microenvironment of the injured spinal cord by forming compensatory circuits that aid in relaying information across the lesion site and, thus, are being investigated for their potential to promote locomotor recovery after experimental SCI. Yet the role of PN plasticity in autonomic dysfunction is not well characterized, notably, the disruption of supraspinal modulatory signals to spinal sympathetic neurons after SCI at the sixth thoracic spinal segment or above resulting in autonomic dysreflexia (AD). This condition is characterized by unmodulated sympathetic reflexes triggering sporadic hypertension associated with baroreflex mediated bradycardia in response to noxious yet unperceived stimuli below the injury to reduce blood pressure. AD is frequently triggered by pelvic visceral distension (bowel and bladder), and there are documented structural relationships between injury-induced sprouting of pelvic visceral afferent C-fibers. Their excitation of lumbosacral PN, in turn, sprout and relay noxious visceral sensory stimuli to rostral disinhibited thoracic sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN) that manifest hypertension. Herein, we review evidence for maladaptive plasticity of PN in neural circuits mediating heightened sympathetic reflexes after complete high thoracic SCI that manifest cardiovascular dysfunction, as well as contemporary research methodologies being employed to unveil the precise contribution of PN plasticity to the pathophysiology underlying AD development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia M Michael
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Samir P Patel
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Alexander G Rabchevsky
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Pfyffer D, Huber E, Sutter R, Curt A, Freund P. Tissue bridges predict recovery after traumatic and ischemic thoracic spinal cord injury. Neurology 2019; 93:e1550-e1560. [PMID: 31541012 PMCID: PMC6815206 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000008318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the spatiotemporal evolution and predictive properties of intramedullary damage and midsagittal tissue bridges at the epicenter of a thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) using MRI. Methods We retrospectively assessed midsagittal T2-weighted scans from 25 patients with thoracic SCI (14 traumatic, 11 ischemic) at 1 month post-SCI. In 12 patients with SCI, linear mixed-effects models on serial MRI explored temporal trajectories of quantifiable lesion markers (area, length, and width) and tissue bridges. Using partial correlation analysis, we assessed associations between structural lesion characteristics at 1 month post-SCI and recovery at 1 year postinjury, adjusting for baseline clinical status, age, and sex. Results Lesion area decreased by 5.68 mm2 (p = 0.005), lesion length by 2.14 mm (p = 0.004), and lesion width by 0.13 mm (p = 0.004) per month. Width of tissue bridges increased by 0.06 mm (p = 0.019) per month, being similar in traumatic and ischemic SCI (p = 0.576). Smaller lesion area, length, width, and wider tissue bridges at 1 month post-SCI predicted better recovery at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions Over time, the immediate area of cord damage shrunk while the cystic cavity became demarcated. Adjacent to the cyst, midsagittal tissue bridges became visible. The width of tissue bridges at 1 month post-SCI predicted recovery at 1 year follow-up. Measures of lesion area and tissue bridges early after traumatic and ischemic thoracic SCI therefore allow characterizing the evolution of focal cord damage and are predictive of recovery in thoracic SCI. Thus, lesion extent and tissue bridges hold potential to improve diagnosis and patient stratification in interventional trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Pfyffer
- From the Spinal Cord Injury Center (D.P., E.H., A.C., P.F.) and Radiology (R.S.), Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging (P.F.), UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK; Department of Neurophysics (P.F.), Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (P.F.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Huber
- From the Spinal Cord Injury Center (D.P., E.H., A.C., P.F.) and Radiology (R.S.), Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging (P.F.), UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK; Department of Neurophysics (P.F.), Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (P.F.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reto Sutter
- From the Spinal Cord Injury Center (D.P., E.H., A.C., P.F.) and Radiology (R.S.), Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging (P.F.), UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK; Department of Neurophysics (P.F.), Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (P.F.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- From the Spinal Cord Injury Center (D.P., E.H., A.C., P.F.) and Radiology (R.S.), Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging (P.F.), UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK; Department of Neurophysics (P.F.), Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (P.F.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- From the Spinal Cord Injury Center (D.P., E.H., A.C., P.F.) and Radiology (R.S.), Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland; Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging (P.F.), UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK; Department of Neurophysics (P.F.), Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; and Department of Neurology (P.F.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Imbalanced Corticospinal and Reticulospinal Contributions to Spasticity in Humans with Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurosci 2019; 39:7872-7881. [PMID: 31413076 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1106-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to the corticospinal and reticulospinal tract has been associated with spasticity in humans with upper motor neuron lesions. We hypothesized that these descending motor pathways distinctly contribute to the control of a spastic muscle in humans with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). To test this hypothesis, we examined motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the leg representation of the primary motor cortex, maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), and the StartReact response (shortening in reaction time evoked by a startling stimulus) in the quadriceps femoris muscle in male and females with and without incomplete SCI. A total of 66.7% of the SCI participants showed symptoms of spasticity, whereas the other 33.3% showed no or low levels of spasticity. We found that participants with spasticity had smaller MEPs and MVCs and larger StartReact compared with participants with no or low spasticity and control subjects. These results were consistently present in spastic subjects but not in the other populations. Clinical scores of spasticity were negatively correlated with MEP-max and MVC values and positively correlated with shortening in reaction time. These findings provide evidence for lesser corticospinal and larger reticulospinal influences to spastic muscles in humans with SCI and suggest that these imbalanced contributions are important for motor recovery.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although spasticity is one of the most common symptoms manifested in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI) to date, its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We provide evidence, for the first time, of imbalanced contributions of the corticospinal and reticulospinal tract to control a spastic muscle in humans with chronic incomplete SCI. We found that participants with SCI with spasticity showed small corticospinal responses and maximal voluntary contractions and larger reticulospinal gain compared with participants with no or low spasticity and control subjects. These results were consistently present in spastic subjects but not in the other populations. We showed that imbalanced corticospinal and reticulospinal tract contributions are more pronounced in participants with chronic incomplete SCI with lesser recovery.
Collapse
|
44
|
Krishnan VS, Shin SS, Belegu V, Celnik P, Reimers M, Smith KR, Pelled G. Multimodal Evaluation of TMS - Induced Somatosensory Plasticity and Behavioral Recovery in Rats With Contusion Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:387. [PMID: 31068784 PMCID: PMC6491761 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes partial or complete damage to sensory and motor pathways and induces immediate changes in cortical function. Current rehabilitative strategies do not address this early alteration, therefore impacting the degree of neuroplasticity and subsequent recovery. The following study aims to test if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in promoting plasticity and rehabilitation, and can be used as an early intervention strategy in a rat model of SCI. Methods: A contusion SCI was induced at segment T9 in adult rats. An rTMS coil was positioned over the brain to deliver high frequency stimulation. Behavior, motor and sensory functions were tested in three groups: SCI rats that received high-frequency (20 Hz) rTMS within 10 min post-injury (acute-TMS; n = 7); SCI rats that received TMS starting 2 weeks post-injury (chronic-TMS; n = 5), and SCI rats that received sham TMS (no-TMS, n = 5). Locomotion was evaluated by the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and gridwalk tests. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded from the forepaw across all groups to measure integrity of motor pathways. Functional MRI (fMRI) responses to contralateral tactile hindlimb stimulation were measured in an 11.7T horizontal bore small-animal scanner. Results: The acute-TMS group demonstrated the fastest improvements in locomotor performance in both the BBB and gridwalk tests compared to chronic and no-TMS groups. MEP responses from forepaw showed significantly greater difference in the inter-peak latency between acute-TMS and no-TMS groups, suggesting increases in motor function. Finally, the acute-TMS group showed increased fMRI-evoked responses to hindlimb stimulation over the right and left hindlimb (LHL) primary somatosensory representations (S1), respectively; the chronic-TMS group showed moderate sensory responses in comparison, and the no-TMS group exhibited the lowest sensory responses to both hindlimbs. Conclusion: The results suggest that rTMS therapy beginning in the acute phase after SCI promotes neuroplasticity and is an effective rehabilitative approach in a rat model of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijai S Krishnan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Samuel S Shin
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Visar Belegu
- Department of Neurology and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,International Center for Spinal Cord Injury, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Pablo Celnik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark Reimers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kylie R Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Galit Pelled
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,The Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang W, Tang S, Li C, Chen J, Li H, Su Y, Ning B. Specific Brain Morphometric Changes in Spinal Cord Injury: A Voxel-Based Meta-Analysis of White and Gray Matter Volume. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2348-2357. [PMID: 30794041 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to investigate degenerative changes of white matter volume (WMV) and gray matter volume (GMV) in individuals after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Published studies of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) published between January 1, 2006 and March 1, 2018 comparing SCI patients with controls were collected by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. Voxel-wise meta-analyses of GMV and WMV differences between SCI patients and controls were performed separately using seed-based d mapping. Twelve studies with 12 GMV data sets and 9 WMV data sets yielded a total of 466 individuals (190 SCI patients and 276 controls) who were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with controls, SCI patients showed GMV atrophy in sensorimotor system regions including the bilateral sensorimotor cortex (S1 and M1), the supplementary motor area (SMA), paracentral gyrus, thalamus, and basal ganglia, as well as WMV loss in the corticospinal tract.GMV aberrancies were also demonstrated in brain regions responsible for cognition and emotion, such as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the left insula. Additionally, GMV in both the bilateral S1 and the left SMA was positively correlated with the time span after the injury. In conclusion, anatomical atrophy in cortical-thalamic-spinal pathways suggested that SCIs may result in degenerative changes of the sensorimotor system. Further, OFC and insula GMV abnormalities may explain symptoms such as neuropathic pain and potential cognitive-emotional impairments in chronic SCI patients. These findings indicate that anatomical brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols could be neuroimaging biomarkers for interventional studies and treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhao Wang
- 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,2Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi Tang
- 3Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cong Li
- 4Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianan Chen
- 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongfei Li
- 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanlin Su
- 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Ning
- 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Karunakaran KD, He J, Zhao J, Cui JL, Zang YF, Zhang Z, Biswal BB. Differences in Cortical Gray Matter Atrophy of Paraplegia and Tetraplegia after Complete Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2045-2051. [PMID: 30430910 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anatomical studies of spinal cord injury (SCI) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report diverging observations, from "no changes" to "tissue atrophy in motor and non-motor regions." These discrepancies among studies can be attributed to heterogeneity in extent, level, and post-injury duration observed within the SCI population. But, no studies have investigated structural changes associated with different levels of injury (paraplegia vs. tetraplegia). High-resolution MRI images were processed using a voxel-based morphometry technique to compare regional gray matter volume (GMV) between 16 complete paraplegia and 7 complete tetraplegia SCI subjects scanned within 2 years of injury when compared to 22 age-matched healthy controls using one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). A post-hoc analysis using a region of interest-based approach was utilized to quantify GMV differences between healthy controls and subgroups of SCI. A voxel-wise one-sample t-test was also performed to evaluate the mean effect of post-injury duration on GMV of the SCI group. ANCOVA resulted in altered GMV in inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral mid orbital gyrus extending to rectal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex. Post-hoc analysis, in general, indicated GM atrophy after SCI, but tetraplegia showed a greater decrease in GMV when compared to paraplegia and healthy controls. Further, the GMV of the middle frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, insula, mid-orbital gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus was positively correlated with post-injury duration in both paraplegia and tetraplegia groups. GM atrophy after SCI is affected by level of cord injury, with higher levels of injury resulting in greater loss of GMV. Magnitude of GMV loss in the frontal cortex after SCI also appears to be dynamic within the first 2 years of injury. Understanding the effect of injury level and injury duration on structural changes after SCI can help to better understand the mechanisms leading to positive and negative clinical outcome in SCI patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jie He
- 2 Hebei Medical University, Third Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- 3 Department of Radiology, Armed Police Force Hospital of Sichuan, Leshan, China
| | - Jian-Ling Cui
- 2 Hebei Medical University, Third Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zang
- 4 Hangzhou Normal University Affiliated Hospital, Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- 2 Hebei Medical University, Third Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bharat B Biswal
- 1 Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is associated with chronic sensorimotor deficits due to the interruption of ascending and descending tracts between the brain and spinal cord. Functional recovery after anatomically complete spinal cord injury is limited due to the lack of long-distance axonal regeneration of severed fibers in the adult central nervous system. Most spinal cord injuries in humans, however, are anatomically incomplete. Although restorative treatment options for spinal cord injury remain currently limited, research from experimental models of spinal cord injury have revealed a tremendous capability for both spontaneous and treatment-induced plasticity of the corticospinal system that supports functional recovery. We review recent advances in the understanding of corticospinal circuit plasticity after spinal cord injury and concentrate mainly on the hindlimb motor cortex, its corticospinal projections, and the role of spinal mechanisms that support locomotor recovery. First, we discuss plasticity that occurs at the level of motor cortex and the reorganization of cortical movement representations. Next, we explore downstream plasticity in corticospinal projections. We then review the role of spinal mechanisms in locomotor recovery. We conclude with a perspective on harnessing neuroplasticity with therapeutic interventions to promote functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Brown
- Département de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal; Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CIUSS-NIM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marina Martinez
- Département de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal; Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (CIUSS-NIM), Montréal; Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Filipp ME, Travis BJ, Henry SS, Idzikowski EC, Magnuson SA, Loh MY, Hellenbrand DJ, Hanna AS. Differences in neuroplasticity after spinal cord injury in varying animal models and humans. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:7-19. [PMID: 30531063 PMCID: PMC6263009 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.243694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats have been the primary model to study the process and underlying mechanisms of recovery after spinal cord injury. Two weeks after a severe spinal cord contusion, rats can regain weight-bearing abilities without therapeutic interventions, as assessed by the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor scale. However, many human patients suffer from permanent loss of motor function following spinal cord injury. While rats are the most understood animal model, major differences in sensorimotor pathways between quadrupeds and bipeds need to be considered. Understanding the major differences between the sensorimotor pathways of rats, non-human primates, and humans is a start to improving targets for treatments of human spinal cord injury. This review will discuss the neuroplasticity of the brain and spinal cord after spinal cord injury in rats, non-human primates, and humans. A brief overview of emerging interventions to induce plasticity in humans with spinal cord injury will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory E Filipp
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin J Travis
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stefanie S Henry
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Emma C Idzikowski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sarah A Magnuson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Megan Yf Loh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Amgad S Hanna
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jutzeler CR, Streijger F, Aguilar J, Shortt K, Manouchehri N, Okon E, Hupp M, Curt A, Kwon BK, Kramer JLK. Sensorimotor plasticity after spinal cord injury: a longitudinal and translational study. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 6:68-82. [PMID: 30656185 PMCID: PMC6331953 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective was to track and compare the progression of neuroplastic changes in a large animal model and humans with spinal cord injury. Methods A total of 37 individuals with acute traumatic spinal cord injury were followed over time (1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury) with repeated neurophysiological assessments. Somatosensory and motor evoked potentials were recorded in the upper extremities above the level of injury. In a reverse-translational approach, similar neurophysiological techniques were examined in a porcine model of thoracic spinal cord injury. Twelve Yucatan mini-pigs underwent a contusive spinal cord injury at T10 and tracked with somatosensory and motor evoked potentials assessments in the fore- and hind limbs pre- (baseline, post-laminectomy) and post-injury (10 min, 3 h, 12 weeks). Results In both humans and pigs, the sensory responses in the cranial coordinates of upper extremities/forelimbs progressively increased from immediately post-injury to later time points. Motor responses in the forelimbs increased immediately after experimental injury in pigs, remaining elevated at 12 weeks. In humans, motor evoked potentials were significantly higher at 1-month (and remained so at 1 year) compared to normative values. Conclusions Despite notable differences between experimental models and the human condition, the brain's response to spinal cord injury is remarkably similar between humans and pigs. Our findings further underscore the utility of this large animal model in translational spinal cord injury research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Jutzeler
- Spinal Cord Injury Center University Hospital Balgrist University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,ICORD University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada.,School of Kinesiology University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Femke Streijger
- ICORD University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Juan Aguilar
- Experimental Neurophysiology Group Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos SESCAM Toledo Spain
| | - Katelyn Shortt
- ICORD University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Neda Manouchehri
- Spinal Cord Injury Center University Hospital Balgrist University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Elena Okon
- Spinal Cord Injury Center University Hospital Balgrist University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Markus Hupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Center University Hospital Balgrist University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center University Hospital Balgrist University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,European Multi-Centre Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI) Study Group University Hospital Balgrist University of Zurich Zurich 8008 Switzerland
| | - Brian K Kwon
- ICORD University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - John L K Kramer
- ICORD University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada.,School of Kinesiology University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hashimoto-Torii K, Sasaki M, Chang YW, Hwang H, Waxman SG, Kocsis JD, Rakic P, Torii M. Detection of local and remote cellular damage caused by spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury using a heat shock signaling reporter system. IBRO Rep 2018; 5:91-98. [PMID: 30480161 PMCID: PMC6240805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury results in extensive damage to the locally injured cells as well as distant cells that are functionally connected to them. Both primary and secondary damage can cause a broad range of clinical abnormalities, including neuropathic pain and cognitive and memory dysfunction. However, the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities remain unclear, awaiting new methods to identify affected cells to enable examination of their molecular, cellular and physiological characteristics. Here, we report that both primary and secondary damage to cells in mouse models of spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury can be detected in vivo using a novel fluorescent reporter system based on the immediate stress response via activation of Heat Shock Factor 1. We also provide evidence for altered electrophysiological properties of reporter-positive secondarily-injured neurons. The comprehensive identification of injured, but surviving cells located both close and at distant locations from the injury site in vivo will provide a way to study their pathophysiology and possibly prevention of their further deterioration.
Collapse
Key Words
- Cellular damage
- DRG, dorsal root ganglion
- FG, Fluoro-Gold
- HRP, horseradish peroxidase
- HSE, heat shock-response element
- HSF1, heat shock factor 1
- HSP, heat shock protein
- Heat shock signaling
- IL-6, interleukin 6
- M1, primary motor cortex
- M2, secondary motor cortex
- MPtA, medial parietal association cortex
- PBS, phosphate buffered saline
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- RFP, red fluorescent protein
- Reporter mouse
- SCI, spinal cord injury
- SNI, sciatic nerve injury
- Sciatic nerve injury
- Spinal cord injury
- WDR, wide-dynamic range
- WGA, wheat germ agglutinin
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazue Hashimoto-Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Masanori Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, USA
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Yu-Wen Chang
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, USA
| | - Hye Hwang
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, USA
| | - Jeffery D. Kocsis
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, USA
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, USA
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neurobiology and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Masaaki Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s Research Institute, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|