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Lee DH, Cao D, Moon Y, Chen C, Liu NK, Xu XM, Wu W. Enhancement of motor functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injury: voluntary wheel running versus forced treadmill exercise. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:836-844. [PMID: 38886956 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00028/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Spinal cord injury necessitates effective rehabilitation strategies, with exercise therapies showing promise in promoting recovery. This study investigated the impact of rehabilitation exercise on functional recovery and morphological changes following thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. After a 7-day recovery period after spinal cord injury, mice were assigned to either a trained group (10 weeks of voluntary running wheel or forced treadmill exercise) or an untrained group. Bi-weekly assessments revealed that the exercise-trained group, particularly the voluntary wheel exercise subgroup, displayed significantly improved locomotor recovery, more plasticity of dopaminergic and serotonin modulation compared with the untrained group. Additionally, exercise interventions led to gait pattern restoration and enhanced transcranial magnetic motor-evoked potentials. Despite consistent injury areas across groups, exercise training promoted terminal innervation of descending axons. In summary, voluntary wheel exercise shows promise for enhancing outcomes after thoracic contusive spinal cord injury, emphasizing the role of exercise modality in promoting recovery and morphological changes in spinal cord injuries. Our findings will influence future strategies for rehabilitation exercises, restoring functional movement after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Hun Lee
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Cao
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Younghye Moon
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Lo YL, Hwang R, Teng PPC, Tan YE. Corpus Callosum-Mediated Interhemispheric Interactions in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. J Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 41:473-477. [PMID: 38922289 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The corpus callosum is crucial for interhemispheric interactions in the motor control of limb functions. Human and animal studies suggested spinal cord pathologies may induce cortical reorganization in sensorimotor areas. We investigate participation of the corpus callosum in executions of a simple motor task in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) using transcranial magnetic stimulation. METHODS Twenty patients with CSM with various MRI grades of severity of cord compression were compared with 19 normal controls. Ipsilateral silent period, contralateral silent period, central motor conduction time, and transcallosal conduction time (TCT) were determined. RESULTS In both upper and lower limbs, TCTs were significantly increased for patients with CSM than normal controls ( p < 0.001 for all), without side-to-side differences. Ipsilateral silent period and contralateral silent period durations were significantly increased bilaterally for upper limbs in comparison to controls ( p < 0.01 for all), without side-to-side differences. There were no significant correlations of TCT with central motor conduction time nor severity of CSM for both upper and lower limbs ( p > 0.05 for all) bilaterally. CONCLUSIONS Previous transcranial magnetic stimulation studies show increased motor cortex excitability in CSM; hence, increased TCTs observed bilaterally may be a compensatory mechanism for effective unidirectional and uniplanar execution of muscle activation in the distal limb muscles. Lack of correlation of TCTs with severity of CSM or central motor conduction time may be in keeping with a preexistent role of the corpus callosum as a predominantly inhibitory pathway for counteracting redundant movements resulting from increased motor cortex excitability occurring after spinal cord lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yew Long Lo
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; and
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ruby Hwang
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Yam Eng Tan
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Wang Z, Kumaran M, Batsel E, Testor-Cabrera S, Beine Z, Ribelles AA, Tsoulfas P, Venkatesh I, Blackmore MG. Injury distance limits the transcriptional response to spinal injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.27.596075. [PMID: 38854133 PMCID: PMC11160615 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.27.596075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The ability of neurons to sense and respond to damage is fundamental to homeostasis and nervous system repair. For some cell types, notably dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), extensive profiling has revealed a large transcriptional response to axon injury that determines survival and regenerative outcomes. In contrast, the injury response of most supraspinal cell types, whose limited regeneration constrains recovery from spinal injury, is mostly unknown. Here we employed single-nuclei sequencing in mice to profile the transcriptional responses of diverse supraspinal cell types to spinal injury. Surprisingly, thoracic spinal injury triggered only modest changes in gene expression across all populations, including corticospinal tract (CST) neurons. Moreover, CST neurons also responded minimally to cervical injury but much more strongly to intracortical axotomy, including upregulation of numerous regeneration and apoptosis-related transcripts shared with injured DRG and RGC neurons. Thus, the muted response of CST neuron to spinal injury is linked to the injury's distal location, rather than intrinsic cellular characteristics. More broadly, these findings indicate that a central challenge for enhancing regeneration after a spinal injury is the limited sensing of distant injuries and the subsequent modest baseline neuronal response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Manojkumar Kumaran
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Elizabeth Batsel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Zac Beine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Pantelis Tsoulfas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | - Ishwariya Venkatesh
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Moura MM, Monteiro A, Salgado AJ, Silva NA, Monteiro S. Disrupted autonomic pathways in spinal cord injury: Implications for the immune regulation. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106500. [PMID: 38614275 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) disrupts critical autonomic pathways responsible for the regulation of the immune function. Consequently, individuals with SCI often exhibit a spectrum of immune dysfunctions ranging from the development of damaging pro-inflammatory responses to severe immunosuppression. Thus, it is imperative to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and mechanisms through which SCI-induced autonomic dysfunction influences the immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of the anatomical organization and physiology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), elucidating how SCI impacts its function, with a particular focus on lymphoid organs and immune activity. We highlight recent advances in understanding how intraspinal plasticity that follows SCI may contribute to aberrant autonomic activity in lymphoid organs. Additionally, we discuss how sympathetic mediators released by these neuron terminals affect immune cell function. Finally, we discuss emerging innovative technologies and potential clinical interventions targeting the ANS as a strategy to restore the normal regulation of the immune response in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Moura
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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Mari S, Lecomte CG, Merlet AN, Audet J, Yassine S, Eddaoui O, Genois G, Nadeau C, Harnie J, Rybak IA, Prilutsky BI, Frigon A. Changes in intra- and interlimb reflexes from hindlimb cutaneous afferents after staggered thoracic lateral hemisections during locomotion in cats. J Physiol 2024; 602:1987-2017. [PMID: 38593215 PMCID: PMC11068482 DOI: 10.1113/jp286151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
When the foot dorsum contacts an obstacle during locomotion, cutaneous afferents signal central circuits to coordinate muscle activity in the four limbs. Spinal cord injury disrupts these interactions, impairing balance and interlimb coordination. We evoked cutaneous reflexes by electrically stimulating left and right superficial peroneal nerves before and after two thoracic lateral hemisections placed on opposite sides of the cord at 9- to 13-week interval in seven adult cats (4 males and 3 females). We recorded reflex responses in ten hindlimb and five forelimb muscles bilaterally. After the first (right T5-T6) and second (left T10-T11) hemisections, coordination of the fore- and hindlimbs was altered and/or became less consistent. After the second hemisection, cats required balance assistance to perform quadrupedal locomotion. Short-latency reflex responses in homonymous and crossed hindlimb muscles largely remained unaffected after staggered hemisections. However, mid- and long-latency homonymous and crossed responses in both hindlimbs occurred less frequently after staggered hemisections. In forelimb muscles, homolateral and diagonal mid- and long-latency response occurrence significantly decreased after the first and second hemisections. In all four limbs, however, when present, short-, mid- and long-latency responses maintained their phase-dependent modulation. We also observed reduced durations of short-latency inhibitory homonymous responses in left hindlimb extensors early after the first hemisection and delayed short-latency responses in the right ipsilesional hindlimb after the first hemisection. Therefore, changes in cutaneous reflex responses correlated with impaired balance/stability and interlimb coordination during locomotion after spinal cord injury. Restoring reflex transmission could be used as a biomarker to facilitate locomotor recovery. KEY POINTS: Cutaneous afferent inputs coordinate muscle activity in the four limbs during locomotion when the foot dorsum contacts an obstacle. Thoracic spinal cord injury disrupts communication between spinal locomotor centres located at cervical and lumbar levels, impairing balance and limb coordination. We investigated cutaneous reflexes during quadrupedal locomotion by electrically stimulating the superficial peroneal nerve bilaterally, before and after staggered lateral thoracic hemisections of the spinal cord in cats. We showed a loss/reduction of mid- and long-latency responses in all four limbs after staggered hemisections, which correlated with altered coordination of the fore- and hindlimbs and impaired balance. Targeting cutaneous reflex pathways projecting to the four limbs could help develop therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring transmission in ascending and descending spinal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Mari
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Charly G. Lecomte
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Angèle N. Merlet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Johannie Audet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sirine Yassine
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Oussama Eddaoui
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Genois
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Charlène Nadeau
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Harnie
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Ilya A. Rybak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Boris I. Prilutsky
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alain Frigon
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Shen T, Zhang W, Wang X, Ren X. Application of"Spinal cord fusion" in spinal cord injury repair and its neurological mechanism. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29422. [PMID: 38638967 PMCID: PMC11024622 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severely disabling and catastrophic condition that poses significant global clinical challenges. The difficulty of SCI repair results from the distinctive pathophysiological mechanisms, which are characterised by limited regenerative capacity and inadequate neuroplasticity of the spinal cord. Additionally, the formation of cystic cavities and astrocytic scars after SCI further obstructs both the ascending and descending neural conduction pathways. Consequently, the urgent challenge in post-SCI recovery lies in repairing the damaged spinal cord to reconstruct a functional and intact neural conduction circuit. In recent years, significant advancements in biological tissue engineering technology and novel therapies have resulted in a transformative shift in the field of SCI repair. Currently, SCI treatment primarily involves drug therapy, stem cell therapy, the use of biological materials, growth factors, and other approaches. This paper comprehensively reviews the progress in SCI research over the years, with a particular focus on the concept of "Spinal Cord Fusion" as a promising technique for SCI reconstruction. By discussing this important research progress and the neurological mechanisms involved, our aim is to help solve the problem of SCI repair as soon as possible and to bring new breakthroughs in the treatment of paraplegia after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Xiaoping Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
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Mari S, Lecomte CG, Merlet AN, Audet J, Yassine S, Al Arab R, Harnie J, Rybak IA, Prilutsky BI, Frigon A. Changes in intra- and interlimb reflexes from forelimb cutaneous afferents after staggered thoracic lateral hemisections during locomotion in cats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590723. [PMID: 38712151 PMCID: PMC11071401 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
In quadrupeds, such as cats, cutaneous afferents from the forepaw dorsum signal external perturbations and send signals to spinal circuits to coordinate the activity in muscles of all four limbs. How these cutaneous reflex pathways from forelimb afferents are reorganized after an incomplete spinal cord injury is not clear. Using a staggered thoracic lateral hemisections paradigm, we investigated changes in intralimb and interlimb reflex pathways by electrically stimulating the left and right superficial radial nerves in seven adult cats and recording reflex responses in five forelimb and ten hindlimb muscles. After the first (right T5-T6) and second (left T10-T11) hemisections, forelimb-hindlimb coordination was altered and weakened. After the second hemisection, cats required balance assistance to perform quadrupedal locomotion. Short-, mid- and long-latency homonymous and crossed reflex responses in forelimb muscles and their phase modulation remained largely unaffected after staggered hemisections. The occurrence of homolateral and diagonal mid- and long-latency responses in hindlimb muscles evoked with left and right superficial radial nerve stimulation was significantly reduced at the first time point after the first hemisection, but partially recovered at the second time point with left superficial radial nerve stimulation. These responses were lost or reduced after the second hemisection. When present, all reflex responses, including homolateral and diagonal, maintained their phase-dependent modulation. Therefore, our results show a considerable loss in cutaneous reflex transmission from cervical to lumbar levels after incomplete spinal cord injury, albeit with preservation of phase modulation, likely affecting functional responses to external perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Mari
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Charly G. Lecomte
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Angèle N. Merlet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Johannie Audet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sirine Yassine
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Rasha Al Arab
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Harnie
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Ilya A. Rybak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Boris I. Prilutsky
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alain Frigon
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Dominguez-Bajo A, Clotman F. Potential Roles of Specific Subclasses of Premotor Interneurons in Spinal Cord Function Recovery after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Adults. Cells 2024; 13:652. [PMID: 38667267 PMCID: PMC11048910 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The differential expression of transcription factors during embryonic development has been selected as the main feature to define the specific subclasses of spinal interneurons. However, recent studies based on single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptomic experiments suggest that this approach might not be appropriate in the adult spinal cord, where interneurons show overlapping expression profiles, especially in the ventral region. This constitutes a major challenge for the identification and direct targeting of specific populations that could be involved in locomotor recovery after a traumatic spinal cord injury in adults. Current experimental therapies, including electrical stimulation, training, pharmacological treatments, or cell implantation, that have resulted in improvements in locomotor behavior rely on the modulation of the activity and connectivity of interneurons located in the surroundings of the lesion core for the formation of detour circuits. However, very few publications clarify the specific identity of these cells. In this work, we review the studies where premotor interneurons were able to create new intraspinal circuits after different kinds of traumatic spinal cord injury, highlighting the difficulties encountered by researchers, to classify these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dominguez-Bajo
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Place Croix du Sud 4–5, 1348 Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Place Croix du Sud 4–5, 1348 Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
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Hu Y, Sun Y, Yuan H, Liu J, Chen L, Liu D, Xu Y, Zhou X, Ding L, Zhang Z, Xiong L, Xue L, Wang T. Vof16-miR-185-5p-GAP43 network improves the outcomes following spinal cord injury via enhancing self-repair and promoting axonal growth. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14535. [PMID: 38168094 PMCID: PMC11017428 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14535] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-repair of spinal cord injury (SCI) has been found in humans and experimental animals with partial recovery of neurological functions. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the spontaneous locomotion recovery after SCI are elusive. AIMS This study was aimed at evaluating the pathological changes in injured spinal cord and exploring the possible mechanism related to the spontaneous recovery. RESULTS Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect GAP43 expression in lesion site after spinal cord transection (SCT) in rats. Then RNA sequencing and gene ontology (GO) analysis were employed to predict lncRNA that correlates with GAP43. LncRNA smart-silencing was applied to verify the function of lncRNA vof16 in vitro, and knockout rats were used to evaluate its role in neurobehavioral functions after SCT. MicroRNA sequencing, target scan, and RNA22 prediction were performed to further explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms, and miR-185-5p stands out. A miR-185-5p site-regulated relationship with GAP43 and vof16 was determined by luciferase activity analysis. GAP43-silencing, miR-185-5p-mimic/inhibitor, and miR-185-5p knockout rats were also applied to elucidate their effects on spinal cord neurite growth and neurobehavioral function after SCT. We found that a time-dependent increase of GAP43 corresponded with the limited neurological recovery in rats with SCT. CRNA chip and GO analysis revealed lncRNA vof16 was the most functional in targeting GAP43 in SCT rats. Additionally, silencing vof16 suppressed neurite growth and attenuated the motor dysfunction in SCT rats. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-185-5p competitively bound the same regulatory region of vof16 and GAP43. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated miR-185-5p could be a detrimental factor in SCT, and vof16 may function as a ceRNA by competitively binding miR-185-5p to modulate GAP43 in the process of self-recovery after SCT. Our study revealed a novel vof16-miR-185-5p-GAP43 regulatory network in neurological self-repair after SCT and may underlie the potential treatment target for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Anesthesia Operation, The First People's Hospital of Shuangliu DistrictWest China Airport Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yi‐Fei Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hao Yuan
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Jia Liu
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Dong‐Hui Liu
- Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xin‐Fu Zhou
- Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ze‐Tao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Liu‐Lin Xiong
- Department of AnesthesiologyAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Lu‐Lu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ting‐Hua Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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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.
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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
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11
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Jensen VN, Huffman EE, Jalufka FL, Pritchard AL, Baumgartner S, Walling I, C. Gibbs H, McCreedy DA, Alilain WJ, Crone SA. V2a neurons restore diaphragm function in mice following spinal cord injury. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313594121. [PMID: 38442182 PMCID: PMC10945804 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313594121] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The specific roles that different types of neurons play in recovery from injury is poorly understood. Here, we show that increasing the excitability of ipsilaterally projecting, excitatory V2a neurons using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) restores rhythmic bursting activity to a previously paralyzed diaphragm within hours, days, or weeks following a C2 hemisection injury. Further, decreasing the excitability of V2a neurons impairs tonic diaphragm activity after injury as well as activation of inspiratory activity by chemosensory stimulation, but does not impact breathing at rest in healthy animals. By examining the patterns of muscle activity produced by modulating the excitability of V2a neurons, we provide evidence that V2a neurons supply tonic drive to phrenic circuits rather than increase rhythmic inspiratory drive at the level of the brainstem. Our results demonstrate that the V2a class of neurons contribute to recovery of respiratory function following injury. We propose that altering V2a excitability is a potential strategy to prevent respiratory motor failure and promote recovery of breathing following spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria N. Jensen
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45219
| | - Emily E. Huffman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY40536
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY40536
| | - Frank L. Jalufka
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Anna L. Pritchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Sarah Baumgartner
- Division of Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45229
| | - Ian Walling
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45219
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45267
| | - Holly C. Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
- Microscopy and Imaging Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Dylan A. McCreedy
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Warren J. Alilain
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY40536
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY40536
| | - Steven A. Crone
- Division of Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45229
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH45229
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH45267
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12
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Brown BL, Anil N, States G, Whittemore SR, Magnuson DSK. Long ascending propriospinal neurons are heterogenous and subject to spinal cord injury induced anatomic plasticity. Exp Neurol 2024; 373:114631. [PMID: 38070723 PMCID: PMC10922963 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114631] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Long ascending propriospinal neurons (LAPNs) are a subset of spinal interneurons that provide direct connectivity between distant spinal segments. Here, we focus specifically on an anatomically defined population of "inter-enlargement" LAPNs with cell bodies at L2/3 and terminals at C5/6. Previous studies showed that silencing LAPNs in awake and freely moving animals disrupted interlimb coordination of the hindlimbs, forelimbs, and heterolateral limb pairs. Surprisingly, despite a proportion of LAPNs being anatomically intact post- spinal cord injury (SCI), silencing them improved locomotor function but only influenced coordination of the hindlimb pair. Given the functional significance of LAPNs pre- and post-SCI, we characterized their anatomy and SCI-induced anatomical plasticity. This detailed anatomical characterization revealed three morphologically distinct subsets of LAPNs that differ in soma size, neurite complexity and/or neurite orientation. Following a mild thoracic contusive SCI there was a marked shift in neurite orientation in two of the LAPN subsets to a more dorsoventral orientation, and collateral densities decreased in the cervical enlargement but increased just caudal to the injury epicenter. These post-SCI anatomical changes potentially reflect maladaptive plasticity and an effort to establish new functional inputs from sensory afferents that sprout post-SCI to achieve circuitry homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon L Brown
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Neha Anil
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Bioengineering, J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Gregory States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Scott R Whittemore
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - David S K Magnuson
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Bioengineering, J.B. Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States; Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States.
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13
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Calderone A, Cardile D, De Luca R, Quartarone A, Corallo F, Calabrò RS. Brain Plasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2224. [PMID: 38396902 PMCID: PMC10888628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042224] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes changes in brain structure and brain function due to the direct effects of nerve damage, secondary mechanisms, and long-term effects of the injury, such as paralysis and neuropathic pain (NP). Recovery takes place over weeks to months, which is a time frame well beyond the duration of spinal shock and is the phase in which the spinal cord remains unstimulated below the level of injury and is associated with adaptations occurring throughout the nervous system, often referred to as neuronal plasticity. Such changes occur at different anatomical sites and also at different physiological and molecular biological levels. This review aims to investigate brain plasticity in patients with SCIs and its influence on the rehabilitation process. Studies were identified from an online search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies published between 2013 and 2023 were selected. This review has been registered on OSF under (n) 9QP45. We found that neuroplasticity can affect the sensory-motor network, and different protocols or rehabilitation interventions can activate this process in different ways. Exercise rehabilitation training in humans with SCIs can elicit white matter plasticity in the form of increased myelin water content. This review has demonstrated that SCI patients may experience plastic changes either spontaneously or as a result of specific neurorehabilitation training, which may lead to positive outcomes in functional recovery. Clinical and experimental evidence convincingly displays that plasticity occurs in the adult CNS through a variety of events following traumatic or non-traumatic SCI. Furthermore, efficacy-based, pharmacological, and genetic approaches, alone or in combination, are increasingly effective in promoting plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calderone
- Graduate School of Health Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Davide Cardile
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Quartarone
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Corallo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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14
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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.
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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
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15
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Zhao S, Tang C, Weinberger J, Gao D, Hou S. Sprouting of afferent and efferent inputs to pelvic organs after spinal cord injury. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2023; 83:20-29. [PMID: 38102789 PMCID: PMC10746698 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlad108] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural plasticity occurs within the central and peripheral nervous systems after spinal cord injury (SCI). Although central alterations have extensively been studied, it is largely unknown whether afferent and efferent fibers in pelvic viscera undergo similar morphological changes. Using a rat spinal cord transection model, we conducted immunohistochemistry to investigate afferent and efferent innervations to the kidney, colon, and bladder. Approximately 3-4 weeks after injury, immunostaining demonstrated that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-labeled postganglionic sympathetic fibers and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive sensory terminals sprout in the renal pelvis and colon. Morphologically, sprouted afferent or efferent projections showed a disorganized structure. In the bladder, however, denser CGRP-positive primary sensory fibers emerged in rats with SCI, whereas TH-positive sympathetic efferent fibers did not change. Numerous CGRP-positive afferents were observed in the muscle layer and the lamina propria of the bladder following SCI. TH-positive efferent inputs displayed hypertrophy with large diameters, but their innervation patterns were sustained. Collectively, afferent or efferent inputs sprout widely in the pelvic organs after SCI, which may be one of the morphological bases underlying functional adaptation or maladaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunyi Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Chuanxi Tang
- Department of Neurobiology and Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jeremy Weinberger
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Dianshuai Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaoping Hou
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
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16
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Mari S, Lecomte CG, Merlet AN, Audet J, Yassine S, Eddaoui O, Genois G, Nadeau C, Harnie J, Rybak IA, Prilutsky BI, Frigon A. Changes in intra- and interlimb reflexes from hindlimb cutaneous afferents after staggered thoracic lateral hemisections during locomotion in cats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.15.571869. [PMID: 38168183 PMCID: PMC10760189 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
When the foot dorsum contacts an obstacle during locomotion, cutaneous afferents signal central circuits to coordinate muscle activity in the four limbs. Spinal cord injury disrupts these interactions, impairing balance and interlimb coordination. We evoked cutaneous reflexes by electrically stimulating left and right superficial peroneal nerves before and after two thoracic lateral hemisections placed on opposite sides of the cord at 9-13 weeks interval in seven adult cats (4 males and 3 females). We recorded reflex responses in ten hindlimb and five forelimb muscles bilaterally. After the first (right T5-T6) and second (left T10-T11) hemisections, coordination of the fore- and hindlimbs was altered and/or became less consistent. After the second hemisection, cats required balance assistance to perform quadrupedal locomotion. Short-latency reflex responses in homonymous and crossed hindlimb muscles largely remained unaffected after staggered hemisections. However, mid- and long-latency homonymous and crossed responses in both hindlimbs occurred less frequently after staggered hemisections. In forelimb muscles, homolateral and diagonal mid- and long-latency response occurrence significantly decreased after the first and second hemisections. In all four limbs, however, when present, short-, mid- and long-latency responses maintained their phase-dependent modulation. We also observed reduced durations of short-latency inhibitory homonymous responses in left hindlimb extensors early after the first hemisection and delayed short-latency responses in the right ipsilesional hindlimb after the first hemisection. Therefore, changes in cutaneous reflex responses correlated with impaired balance/stability and interlimb coordination during locomotion after spinal cord injury. Restoring reflex transmission could be used as a biomarker to facilitate locomotor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Mari
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Charly G. Lecomte
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Angèle N. Merlet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Johannie Audet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sirine Yassine
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Oussama Eddaoui
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriel Genois
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Charlène Nadeau
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Harnie
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Ilya A. Rybak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Boris I. Prilutsky
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alain Frigon
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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17
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Shepard CT, Brown BL, Van Rijswijck MA, Zalla RM, Burke DA, Morehouse JR, Riegler AS, Whittemore SR, Magnuson DSK. Silencing long-descending inter-enlargement propriospinal neurons improves hindlimb stepping after contusive spinal cord injuries. eLife 2023; 12:e82944. [PMID: 38099572 PMCID: PMC10776087 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82944] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal locomotor circuitry is comprised of rhythm generating centers, one for each limb, that are interconnected by local and long-distance propriospinal neurons thought to carry temporal information necessary for interlimb coordination and gait control. We showed previously that conditional silencing of the long ascending propriospinal neurons (LAPNs) that project from the lumbar to the cervical rhythmogenic centers (L1/L2 to C6), disrupts right-left alternation of both the forelimbs and hindlimbs without significantly disrupting other fundamental aspects of interlimb and speed-dependent coordination (Pocratsky et al., 2020). Subsequently, we showed that silencing the LAPNs after a moderate thoracic contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) resulted in better recovered locomotor function (Shepard et al., 2021). In this research advance, we focus on the descending equivalent to the LAPNs, the long descending propriospinal neurons (LDPNs) that have cell bodies at C6 and terminals at L2. We found that conditional silencing of the LDPNs in the intact adult rat resulted in a disrupted alternation of each limb pair (forelimbs and hindlimbs) and after a thoracic contusion SCI significantly improved locomotor function. These observations lead us to speculate that the LAPNs and LDPNs have similar roles in the exchange of temporal information between the cervical and lumbar rhythm generating centers, but that the partial disruption of the pathway after SCI limits the independent function of the lumbar circuitry. Silencing the LAPNs or LDPNs effectively permits or frees-up the lumbar circuitry to function independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney T Shepard
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Brandon L Brown
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Morgan A Van Rijswijck
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Rachel M Zalla
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Darlene A Burke
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Johnny R Morehouse
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Amberly S Riegler
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Scott R Whittemore
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - David SK Magnuson
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
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18
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Milton AJ, Kwok JC, McClellan J, Randall SG, Lathia JD, Warren PM, Silver DJ, Silver J. Recovery of Forearm and Fine Digit Function After Chronic Spinal Cord Injury by Simultaneous Blockade of Inhibitory Matrix Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan Production and the Receptor PTPσ. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:2500-2521. [PMID: 37606910 PMCID: PMC10698859 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI), for which there are limited effective treatments, result in enduring paralysis and hypoesthesia, in part because of the inhibitory microenvironment that develops and limits regeneration/sprouting, especially during chronic stages. Recently, we discovered that targeted enzymatic removal of the inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) component of the extracellular and perineuronal net (PNN) matrix via Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) rapidly restored robust respiratory function to the previously paralyzed hemi-diaphragm after remarkably long times post-injury (up to 1.5 years) following a cervical level 2 lateral hemi-transection. Importantly, ChABC treatment at cervical level 4 in this chronic model also elicited improvements in gross upper arm function. In the present study, we focused on arm and hand function, seeking to highlight and optimize crude as well as fine motor control of the forearm and digits at lengthy chronic stages post-injury. However, instead of using ChABC, we utilized a novel and more clinically relevant systemic combinatorial treatment strategy designed to simultaneously reduce and overcome inhibitory CSPGs. Following a 3-month upper cervical spinal hemi-lesion using adult female Sprague Dawley rats, we show that the combined treatment had a profound effect on functional recovery of the chronically paralyzed forelimb and paw, as well as on precision movements of the digits. The regenerative and immune system related events that we describe deepen our basic understanding of the crucial role of CSPG-mediated inhibition via the PTPσ receptor in constraining functional synaptic plasticity at lengthy time points following SCI, hopefully leading to clinically relevant translational benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna J. Milton
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica C.F. Kwok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jacob McClellan
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sabre G. Randall
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Philippa M. Warren
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jerry Silver
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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19
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Štepánková K, Chudíčková M, Šimková Z, Martinez-Varea N, Kubinová Š, Urdzíková LM, Jendelová P, Kwok JCF. Low oral dose of 4-methylumbelliferone reduces glial scar but is insufficient to induce functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19183. [PMID: 37932336 PMCID: PMC10628150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46539-5] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces the upregulation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) at the glial scar and inhibits neuroregeneration. Under normal physiological condition, CSPGs interact with hyaluronan (HA) and other extracellular matrix on the neuronal surface forming a macromolecular structure called perineuronal nets (PNNs) which regulate neuroplasticity. 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) is a known inhibitor for HA synthesis but has not been tested in SCI. We first tested the effect of 4-MU in HA reduction in uninjured rats. After 8 weeks of 4-MU administration at a dose of 1.2 g/kg/day, we have not only observed a reduction of HA in the uninjured spinal cords but also a down-regulation of CS glycosaminoglycans (CS-GAGs). In order to assess the effect of 4-MU in chronic SCI, six weeks after Th8 spinal contusion injury, rats were fed with 4-MU or placebo for 8 weeks in combination with daily treadmill rehabilitation for 16 weeks to promote neuroplasticity. 4-MU treatment reduced the HA synthesis by astrocytes around the lesion site and increased sprouting of 5-hydroxytryptamine fibres into ventral horns. However, the current dose was not sufficient to suppress CS-GAG up-regulation induced by SCI. Further adjustment on the dosage will be required to benefit functional recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Štepánková
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Neuroscience, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Milada Chudíčková
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Šimková
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Noelia Martinez-Varea
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Neuroscience, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Kubinová
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 182 21, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Machová Urdzíková
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Neuroscience, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavla Jendelová
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Neuroscience, Charles University, Second Faculty of Medicine, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jessica C F Kwok
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská, 1083, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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20
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Fan J, Li X, Wang P, Yang F, Zhao B, Yang J, Zhao Z, Li X. A Hyperflexible Electrode Array for Long-Term Recording and Decoding of Intraspinal Neuronal Activity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303377. [PMID: 37870208 PMCID: PMC10667843 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Neural interfaces for stable access to the spinal cord (SC) electrical activity can benefit patients with motor dysfunctions. Invasive high-density electrodes can directly extract signals from SC neuronal populations that can be used for the facilitation, adjustment, and reconstruction of motor actions. However, developing neural interfaces that can achieve high channel counts and long-term intraspinal recording remains technically challenging. Here, a biocompatible SC hyperflexible electrode array (SHEA) with an ultrathin structure that minimizes mechanical mismatch between the interface and SC tissue and enables stable single-unit recording for more than 2 months in mice is demonstrated. These results show that SHEA maintains stable impedance, signal-to-noise ratio, single-unit yield, and spike amplitude after implantation into mouse SC. Gait analysis and histology show that SHEA implantation induces negligible behavioral effects and Inflammation. Additionally, multi-unit signals recorded from the SC ventral horn can predict the mouse's movement trajectory with a high decoding coefficient of up to 0.95. Moreover, during step cycles, it is found that the neural trajectory of spikes and low-frequency local field potential (LFP) signal exhibits periodic geometry patterns. Thus, SHEA can offer an efficient and reliable SC neural interface for monitoring and potentially modulating SC neuronal activity associated with motor dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Xiaocheng Li
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Peiyu Wang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Bingzhen Zhao
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Jianing Yang
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Zhengtuo Zhao
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Xue Li
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyInstitute of NeuroscienceChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
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21
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Tomé D, Dias MS, Correia J, Almeida RD. Fibroblast growth factor signaling in axons: from development to disease. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:290. [PMID: 37845690 PMCID: PMC10577959 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01284-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family regulates various and important aspects of nervous system development, ranging from the well-established roles in neuronal patterning to more recent and exciting functions in axonal growth and synaptogenesis. In addition, FGFs play a critical role in axonal regeneration, particularly after spinal cord injury, confirming their versatile nature in the nervous system. Due to their widespread involvement in neural development, the FGF system also underlies several human neurological disorders. While particular attention has been given to FGFs in a whole-cell context, their effects at the axonal level are in most cases undervalued. Here we discuss the endeavor of the FGF system in axons, we delve into this neuronal subcompartment to provide an original view of this multipurpose family of growth factors in nervous system (dys)function. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Tomé
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences - iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta S Dias
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences - iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Correia
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences - iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ramiro D Almeida
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences - iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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22
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Xie Y, Zhang L, Guo S, Peng R, Gong H, Yang M. Changes in respiratory structure and function after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury: observations from spinal cord and brain. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1251833. [PMID: 37869136 PMCID: PMC10587692 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1251833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory difficulties and mortality following severe cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) result primarily from malfunctions of respiratory pathways and the paralyzed diaphragm. Nonetheless, individuals with CSCI can experience partial recovery of respiratory function through respiratory neuroplasticity. For decades, researchers have revealed the potential mechanism of respiratory nerve plasticity after CSCI, and have made progress in tissue healing and functional recovery. While most existing studies on respiratory plasticity after spinal cord injuries have focused on the cervical spinal cord, there is a paucity of research on respiratory-related brain structures following such injuries. Given the interconnectedness of the spinal cord and the brain, traumatic changes to the former can also impact the latter. Consequently, are there other potential therapeutic targets to consider? This review introduces the anatomy and physiology of typical respiratory centers, explores alterations in respiratory function following spinal cord injuries, and delves into the structural foundations of modified respiratory function in patients with CSCI. Additionally, we propose that magnetic resonance neuroimaging holds promise in the study of respiratory function post-CSCI. By studying respiratory plasticity in the brain and spinal cord after CSCI, we hope to guide future clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqi Xie
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Run Peng
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiming Gong
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Mingliang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
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23
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Leszczyńska K, Huber J. Comparing Parameters of Motor Potentials Recordings Evoked Transcranially with Neuroimaging Results in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Assessment and Diagnostic Capabilities. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2602. [PMID: 37892975 PMCID: PMC10604826 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the different levels and degrees of incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the results of non-invasive electromyography (mcsEMG), motor-evoked potentials (MEP), and electroneurography (ENG). With a focus on patients with injuries at four different levels, C3-C5, C6-Th1, Th3-Th6, and Th7-L1, this research delved into the intricate interplay of spinal circuits and functional recovery. The study uses MEP, EMG, and ENG assessments to unveil the correlations between the MEP amplitudes and the MRI injury scores. We analysed data from 85 iSCI patients (American Spinal Injury Association-ASIA scale; ASIA C = 24, and D = 61). We compared the MRI and diagnostic neurophysiological test results performed within 1-2 months after the injury. A control group of 80 healthy volunteers was examined to establish reference values for the clinical and neurophysiological recordings. To assess the structural integrity of spinal white and grey matter on the transverse plane reconstructed from the sagittal readings, a scoring system ranging from 0 to 4 was established. The spinal cord was divided into two halves (left and right) according to the midline, and each half was further divided into two quadrants. Each quadrant was assessed separately. MEP and EMG were used to assess conduction in the corticospinal tract and the contraction properties of motor units in key muscles: abductor pollicis brevis (APB), rectus abdominis (RA), rectus femoris (RF), and extensor digitorum brevis muscles (EXT). We also used electroneurography (ENG) to assess peripheral nerve conduction and to find out whether the changes in this system significantly affect patients' scores and their neurophysiological status. The study revealed consistent positive correlations in iSCI patients between the bilateral decrease of the spinal half injury MRI scores and a decrease of the transcranially-evoked MEP amplitudes, highlighting the complex relationship between neural pathways and functional outcomes. Positive correlations are notably pronounced in the C3-C5, C6-Th1, and Th3-Th6 subgroups (mostly rs 0.5 and above with p < 0.05), while Th7-L1 presents distinct patterns (rs less than 0.5 and p being statistically insignificant) potentially influenced by unique structural compensation mechanisms. We also revealed statistically significant relationships between the decrease of the cumulative mcsEMG and MEP amplitudes and the cumulative ENG scores. These insights shed light on the multifaceted interactions between spinal cord injury levels, structural damage, neurophysiological measures, and motor function outcomes. Further research is warranted to unravel the intricate mechanisms driving these correlations and their implications for enhancing functional recovery and the rehabilitation algorithms in patients with iSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Leszczyńska
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 28 Czerwca 1956 No 135/147, 60-545 Poznań, Poland;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Juliusz Huber
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 28 Czerwca 1956 No 135/147, 60-545 Poznań, Poland;
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24
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Mondello SE, Young L, Dang V, Fischedick AE, Tolley NM, Wang T, Bravo MA, Lee D, Tucker B, Knoernschild M, Pedigo BD, Horner PJ, Moritz CT. Optogenetic spinal stimulation promotes new axonal growth and skilled forelimb recovery in rats with sub-chronic cervical spinal cord injury. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:056005. [PMID: 37524080 PMCID: PMC10496592 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acec13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to debilitating sensorimotor deficits that greatly limit quality of life. This work aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of how to best promote functional recovery following SCI. Electrical spinal stimulation is one promising approach that is effective in both animal models and humans with SCI. Optogenetic stimulation is an alternative method of stimulating the spinal cord that allows for cell-type-specific stimulation. The present work investigates the effects of preferentially stimulating neurons within the spinal cord and not glial cells, termed 'neuron-specific' optogenetic spinal stimulation. We examined forelimb recovery, axonal growth, and vasculature after optogenetic or sham stimulation in rats with cervical SCI.Approach.Adult female rats received a moderate cervical hemicontusion followed by the injection of a neuron-specific optogenetic viral vector ipsilateral and caudal to the lesion site. Animals then began rehabilitation on the skilled forelimb reaching task. At four weeks post-injury, rats received a micro-light emitting diode (µLED) implant to optogenetically stimulate the caudal spinal cord. Stimulation began at six weeks post-injury and occurred in conjunction with activities to promote use of the forelimbs. Following six weeks of stimulation, rats were perfused, and tissue stained for GAP-43, laminin, Nissl bodies and myelin. Location of viral transduction and transduced cell types were also assessed.Main Results.Our results demonstrate that neuron-specific optogenetic spinal stimulation significantly enhances recovery of skilled forelimb reaching. We also found significantly more GAP-43 and laminin labeling in the optogenetically stimulated groups indicating stimulation promotes axonal growth and angiogenesis.Significance.These findings indicate that optogenetic stimulation is a robust neuromodulator that could enable future therapies and investigations into the role of specific cell types, pathways, and neuronal populations in supporting recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Mondello
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
- Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Lisa Young
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Viet Dang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Amanda E Fischedick
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Nicholas M Tolley
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
- Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Madison A Bravo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
- Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Dalton Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Belinda Tucker
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Megan Knoernschild
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Benjamin D Pedigo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
- Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
| | - Philip J Horner
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurological Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Chet T Moritz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
- Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America
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25
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Punjani N, Deska-Gauthier D, Hachem LD, Abramian M, Fehlings MG. Neuroplasticity and regeneration after spinal cord injury. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023; 15:100235. [PMID: 37416090 PMCID: PMC10320621 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100235] [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] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition with significant personal, societal, and economic burden. The highest proportion of traumatic injuries occur at the cervical level, which results in severe sensorimotor and autonomic deficits. Following the initial physical damage associated with traumatic injuries, secondary pro-inflammatory, excitotoxic, and ischemic cascades are initiated further contributing to neuronal and glial cell death. Additionally, emerging evidence has begun to reveal that spinal interneurons undergo subtype specific neuroplastic circuit rearrangements in the weeks to months following SCI, contributing to or hindering functional recovery. The current therapeutic guidelines and standards of care for SCI patients include early surgery, hemodynamic regulation, and rehabilitation. Additionally, preclinical work and ongoing clinical trials have begun exploring neuroregenerative strategies utilizing endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells, stem cell transplantation, combinatorial approaches, and direct cell reprogramming. This review will focus on emerging cellular and noncellular regenerative therapies with an overview of the current available strategies, the role of interneurons in plasticity, and the exciting research avenues enhancing tissue repair following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayaab Punjani
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dylan Deska-Gauthier
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laureen D. Hachem
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madlene Abramian
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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26
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Duguay M, Bonizzato M, Delivet-Mongrain H, Fortier-Lebel N, Martinez M. Uncovering and leveraging the return of voluntary motor programs after paralysis using a bi-cortical neuroprosthesis. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 228:102492. [PMID: 37414352 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Rehabilitative and neuroprosthetic approaches after spinal cord injury (SCI) aim to reestablish voluntary control of movement. Promoting recovery requires a mechanistic understanding of the return of volition over action, but the relationship between re-emerging cortical commands and the return of locomotion is not well established. We introduced a neuroprosthesis delivering targeted bi-cortical stimulation in a clinically relevant contusive SCI model. In healthy and SCI cats, we controlled hindlimb locomotor output by tuning stimulation timing, duration, amplitude, and site. In intact cats, we unveiled a large repertoire of motor programs. After SCI, the evoked hindlimb lifts were highly stereotyped, yet effective in modulating gait and alleviating bilateral foot drag. Results suggest that the neural substrate underpinning motor recovery had traded-off selectivity for efficacy. Longitudinal tests revealed that the return of locomotion after SCI was correlated with recovery of the descending drive, which advocates for rehabilitation interventions directed at the cortical target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Duguay
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marco Bonizzato
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Hugo Delivet-Mongrain
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Fortier-Lebel
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marina Martinez
- Département de Neurosciences and Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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27
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Lecomte CG, Mari S, Audet J, Yassine S, Merlet AN, Morency C, Harnie J, Beaulieu C, Gendron L, Frigon A. Neuromechanical Strategies for Obstacle Negotiation during Overground Locomotion following Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Cats. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5623-5641. [PMID: 37474307 PMCID: PMC10401655 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0478-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Following incomplete spinal cord injury in animals, including humans, substantial locomotor recovery can occur. However, functional aspects of locomotion, such as negotiating obstacles, remains challenging. We collected kinematic and electromyography data in 10 adult cats (5 males, 5 females) before and at weeks 1-2 and 7-8 after a lateral mid-thoracic hemisection on the right side of the cord while they negotiated obstacles of three different heights. Intact cats always cleared obstacles without contact. At weeks 1-2 after hemisection, the ipsilesional right hindlimb contacted obstacles in ∼50% of trials, triggering a stumbling corrective reaction or absent responses, which we termed Other. When complete clearance occurred, we observed exaggerated ipsilesional hindlimb flexion when crossing the obstacle with contralesional Left limbs leading. At weeks 7-8 after hemisection, the proportion of complete clearance increased, Other responses decreased, and stumbling corrective reactions remained relatively unchanged. We found redistribution of weight support after hemisection, with reduced diagonal supports and increased homolateral supports, particularly on the left contralesional side. The main neural strategy for complete clearance in intact cats consisted of increased knee flexor activation. After hemisection, ipsilesional knee flexor activation remained, but it was insufficient or more variable as the limb approached the obstacle. Intact cats also increased their speed when stepping over an obstacle, an increase that disappeared after hemisection. The increase in complete clearance over time after hemisection paralleled the recovery of muscle activation patterns or new strategies. Our results suggest partial recovery of anticipatory control through neuroplastic changes in the locomotor control system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Most spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are incomplete and people can recover some walking functions. However, the main challenge for people with SCIs that do recover a high level of function is to produce a gait that can adjust to everyday occurrences, such as turning, stepping over an obstacle, etc. Here, we use the cat model to answer two basic questions: How does an animal negotiate an obstacle after an incomplete SCI and why does it fail to safely clear it? We show that the inability to clear an obstacle is because of improper activation of muscles that flex the knee. Animals recover a certain amount of function thanks to new strategies and changes within the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Caroline Morency
- 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
| | - 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
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Hirota R, Sasaki M, Honmou O, Yamashita T. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury: Current Status and Prospects. Spine Surg Relat Res 2023; 7:319-326. [PMID: 37636138 PMCID: PMC10447197 DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2022-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1990s, our group has been conducting basic research on regenerative medicine using various cell types to treat several central nervous system diseases, including spinal cord injury (SCI). We have reported many positive effects of the intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow. In the current study, MSCs were administered intravenously to a rat model of severe SCI (crush injury) during the acute to subacute stages-considerable motor function recovery was observed. Furthermore, MSC transplantation in a chronic-phase SCI model improved motor function. In this review, we discuss recent updates in basic research on the intravenous infusion of MSCs and prospects for SCI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Hirota
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masanori Sasaki
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Osamu Honmou
- Department of Neural Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yamashita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Toro CA, Hansen J, Siddiq MM, Johnson K, Cao J, Pero A, Iyengar R, Cai D, Cardozo CP. Synaptojanin 1 Modulates Functional Recovery After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury in Male Apolipoprotein E Epsilon 4 Mice. Neurotrauma Rep 2023; 4:464-477. [PMID: 37528868 PMCID: PMC10389254 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0023] [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] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (ApoE4) is the second most common variant of ApoE, being present in ∼14% of the population. Clinical reports identify ApoE4 as a genetic risk factor for poor outcomes after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and spinal cord diseases such as cervical myelopathy. To date, there is no intervention to promote recovery of function after SCI/spinal cord diseases that is specifically targeted at ApoE4-associated impairment. Studies in the human and mouse brain link ApoE4 to elevated levels of synaptojanin 1 (synj1), a lipid phosphatase that degrades phosphoinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into inositol 4-monophosphate. Synj1 regulates rearrangements of the cytoskeleton as well as endocytosis and trafficking of synaptic vesicles. We report here that, as compared to ApoE3 mice, levels of synj1 messenger RNA and protein were elevated in spinal cords of healthy ApoE4 mice associated with lower PIP2 levels. Using a moderate-severity model of contusion SCI in mice, we found that genetic reduction of synj1 improved locomotor function recovery at 14 days after SCI in ApoE4 mice without altering spared white matter. Genetic reduction of synj1 did not alter locomotor recovery of ApoE3 mice after SCI. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed that at 14 days after SCI in ApoE4 mice, genetic reduction of synj1 upregulated genes involved in glutaminergic synaptic transmission just above and below the lesion. Overall, our findings provide evidence for a link between synj1 to poor outcomes after SCI in ApoE4 mice, up to 14 days post-injury, through mechanisms that may involve the function of excitatory glutaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Toro
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jens Hansen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mustafa M. Siddiq
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kaitlin Johnson
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jiqing Cao
- Research and Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adriana Pero
- Research and Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ravi Iyengar
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dongming Cai
- Neurology Service, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Research and Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher P. Cardozo
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Baltin M, Smirnova V, Khamatnurova R, Sabirova D, Samigullin B, Sachenkov O, Baltina T. Functional State of the Motor Centers of the Lumbar Spine after Contusion (Th8-Th9) with Application of Methylprednisolone-Copolymer at the Site of Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2026. [PMID: 37509665 PMCID: PMC10377350 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries must be treated as soon as possible. Studies of NASCIS protocols have questioned the use of methylprednisolone therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of local delivery of methylprednisolone succinate in combination with a tri-block copolymer in rats with spinal cord injury. The experiments were conducted in accordance with the bioethical guidelines. We evaluated the state of the motor centers below the level of injury by assessing the amplitude of evoked motor responses in the hind limb muscles of rats during epidural stimulation. Kinematic analysis was performed to examine the stepping cycle in each rat. Trajectories of foot movements were plotted to determine the range of limb motion, maximum foot lift height, and lateral deviation of the foot in rats on the 21st day after spinal cord injury. We have shown that the local application of methylprednisolone succinate in combination with block copolymer leads to recovery of center excitability by 21 days after injury. In rats, they recovered weight-supported locomotion, directional control of walking, and balance. The proposed assessment method provides valuable information on gait disturbances following injury and can be utilized to evaluate the quality of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Baltin
- Research Laboratory "Mechanobiology", Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
- Research Institute of Sports Reserve Training Technologies, Volga State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, Universiade Village, 35, 420010 Kazan, Russia
| | - Victoriya Smirnova
- N.I. Lobachevsky Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Regina Khamatnurova
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Faculty, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Diana Sabirova
- N.I. Lobachevsky Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 76 K. Marx St., 420015 Kazan, Russia
| | - Bulat Samigullin
- Research Laboratory "Mechanobiology", Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
- NeuroStart Medical Center, 420049 Kazan, Russia
| | - Oskar Sachenkov
- N.I. Lobachevsky Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department Machines Science and Engineering Graphics, Tupolev Kazan National Research Technical University, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Tatyana Baltina
- Research Laboratory "Mechanobiology", Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 76 K. Marx St., 420015 Kazan, Russia
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Goltash S, Stevens SJ, Topcu E, Bui TV. Changes in synaptic inputs to dI3 INs and MNs after complete transection in adult mice. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1176310. [PMID: 37476398 PMCID: PMC10354275 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1176310] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that disrupts the communication between the brain and the spinal cord. Several studies have sought to determine how to revive dormant spinal circuits caudal to the lesion to restore movements in paralyzed patients. So far, recovery levels in human patients have been modest at best. In contrast, animal models of SCI exhibit more recovery of lost function. Previous work from our lab has identified dI3 interneurons as a spinal neuron population central to the recovery of locomotor function in spinalized mice. We seek to determine the changes in the circuitry of dI3 interneurons and motoneurons following SCI in adult mice. Methods After a complete transection of the spinal cord at T9-T11 level in transgenic Isl1:YFP mice and subsequent treadmill training at various time points of recovery following surgery, we examined changes in three key circuits involving dI3 interneurons and motoneurons: (1) Sensory inputs from proprioceptive and cutaneous afferents, (2) Presynaptic inhibition of sensory inputs, and (3) Central excitatory glutamatergic synapses from spinal neurons onto dI3 INs and motoneurons. Furthermore, we examined the possible role of treadmill training on changes in synaptic connectivity to dI3 interneurons and motoneurons. Results Our data suggests that VGLUT1+ inputs to dI3 interneurons decrease transiently or only at later stages after injury, whereas levels of VGLUT1+ remain the same for motoneurons after injury. Levels of VGLUT2+ inputs to dI3 INs and MNs may show transient increases but fall below levels seen in sham-operated mice after a period of time. Levels of presynaptic inhibition to VGLUT1+ inputs to dI3 INs and MNs can rise shortly after SCI, but those increases do not persist. However, levels of presynaptic inhibition to VGLUT1+ inputs never fell below levels observed in sham-operated mice. For some synaptic inputs studied, levels were higher in spinal cord-injured animals that received treadmill training, but these increases were observed only at some time points. Discussion These results suggest remodeling of spinal circuits involving spinal interneurons that have previously been implicated in the recovery of locomotor function after spinal cord injury in mice.
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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.
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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
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Sharma P, Panta T, Ugiliweneza B, Bert RJ, Gerasimenko Y, Forrest G, Harkema S. Multi-Site Spinal Cord Transcutaneous Stimulation Facilitates Upper Limb Sensory and Motor Recovery in Severe Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4416. [PMID: 37445450 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) rank regaining arm and hand function as their top rehabilitation priority post-injury. Cervical spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) combined with activity-based recovery training (ABRT) is known to effectively facilitate upper extremity sensorimotor recovery in individuals with residual arm and hand function post SCI. However, scTS effectiveness in facilitating upper extremity recovery in individuals with severe SCI with minimal to no sensory and motor preservation below injury level remains largely unknown. We herein introduced a multimodal neuro-rehabilitative approach involving scTS targeting systematically identified various spinal segments combined with ABRT. We hypothesized that multi-site scTS combined with ABRT will effectively neuromodulate the spinal networks, resulting in improved integration of ascending and descending neural information required for sensory and motor recovery in individuals with severe cervical SCI. To test the hypothesis, a 53-year-old male (C2, AIS A, 8 years post-injury) received 60 ABRT sessions combined with continuous multi-site scTS. Post-training assessments revealed improved activation of previously paralyzed upper extremity muscles and sensory improvements over the dorsal and volar aspects of the hand. Most likely, altered spinal cord excitability and improved muscle activation and sensations resulted in observed sensorimotor recovery. However, despite promising neurophysiological evidence pertaining to motor re-activation, we did not observe visually appreciable functional recovery on obtained upper extremity motor assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Sharma
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Tudor Panta
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Beatrice Ugiliweneza
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Health Management and Systems Science, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Robert J Bert
- Department of Radiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Yury Gerasimenko
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gail Forrest
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07052, USA
- Kessler Foundation, Newark, NJ 07052, USA
| | - Susan Harkema
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Frazier Rehabilitation Institute, University of Louisville Health, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Toro CA, Johnson K, Hansen J, Siddiq MM, Vásquez W, Zhao W, Graham ZA, Sáez JC, Iyengar R, Cardozo CP. Boldine modulates glial transcription and functional recovery in a murine model of contusion spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1163436. [PMID: 37416508 PMCID: PMC10321410 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1163436] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane channels such as those formed by connexins (Cx) and P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) are permeable to calcium ions and other small molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutamate. Release of ATP and glutamate through these channels is a key mechanism driving tissue response to traumas such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Boldine, an alkaloid isolated from the Chilean boldo tree, blocks both Cx and Panx1 hemichannels (HCs). To test if boldine could improve function after SCI, boldine or vehicle was administered to treat mice with a moderate severity contusion-induced SCI. Boldine led to greater spared white matter and increased locomotor function as determined by the Basso Mouse Scale and horizontal ladder rung walk tests. Boldine treatment reduced immunostaining for markers of activated microglia (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) markers while increasing that for axon growth and neuroplasticity (GAP-43). Cell culture studies demonstrated that boldine blocked glial HC, specifically Cx26 and Cx30, in cultured astrocytes and blocked calcium entry through activated P2X7R. RT-qPCR studies showed that boldine treatment reduced expression of the chemokine Ccl2, cytokine IL-6 and microglial gene CD68, while increasing expression of the neurotransmission genes Snap25 and Grin2b, and Gap-43. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed that boldine modulated a large number of genes involved in neurotransmission in spinal cord tissue just caudal from the lesion epicenter at 14 days after SCI. Numbers of genes regulated by boldine was much lower at 28 days after injury. These results indicate that boldine treatment ameliorates injury and spares tissue to increase locomotor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A. Toro
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kaitlin Johnson
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Jens Hansen
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mustafa M. Siddiq
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Walter Vásquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario De Neurociencia De Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Wei Zhao
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zachary A. Graham
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, United States
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario De Neurociencia De Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ravi Iyengar
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher P. Cardozo
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Rehabilitative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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35
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Cheng J, Guan NN. A fresh look at propriospinal interneurons plasticity and intraspinal circuits remodeling after spinal cord injury. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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36
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Tan S, Faull RLM, Curtis MA. The tracts, cytoarchitecture, and neurochemistry of the spinal cord. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:777-819. [PMID: 36099279 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The human spinal cord can be described using a range of nomenclatures with each providing insight into its structure and function. Here we have comprehensively reviewed the key literature detailing the general structure, configuration of tracts, the cytoarchitecture of Rexed's laminae, and the neurochemistry at the spinal segmental level. The purpose of this review is to detail current anatomical understanding of how the spinal cord is structured and to aid researchers in identifying gaps in the literature that need to be studied to improve our knowledge of the spinal cord which in turn will improve the potential of therapeutic intervention for disorders of the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl Tan
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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37
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Schnerwitzki D, Englert C, Schmidt M. Adapting the pantograph limb: Differential robustness of fore- and hindlimb kinematics against genetically induced perturbation in the neural control networks and its evolutionary implications. ZOOLOGY 2023; 157:126076. [PMID: 36842298 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2023.126076] [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: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary transformation of limb morphology to the four-segmented pantograph of therians is among the milestones of mammalian evolution. But, it is still unknown if changes of the mechanical limb function were accompanied by corresponding changes in development and sensorimotor control. The impressive locomotor performance of mammals leaves no doubt about the high integration of pattern formation, neural control and mechanics. But, deviations from normal intra- and interlimb coordination (spatial and temporal) become evident in the presence of perturbations. We induced a perturbation in the development of the neural circuits of the spinal cord of mice (Mus musculus) using a deletion of the Wilms tumor suppressor gene Wt1 in a subpopulation of dI6 interneurons. These interneurons are assumed to participate in the intermuscular coordination within the limb and in left-right-coordination between the limbs. We describe the locomotor kinematics in mice with conditional Wt1 knockout and compare them to mice without Wt1 deletion. Unlike knockout neonates, knockout adult mice do not display severe deviations from normal (=control group) interlimb coordination, but the coordinated protraction and retraction of the limbs is altered. The forelimbs are more affected by deviations from the control than the hindlimbs. This observation appears to reflect a different degree of integration and resistance against the induced perturbation between the limbs. Interestingly, the observed effects are similar to locomotor deficits reported to arise when sensory feedback from proprioceptors or cutaneous receptors is impaired. A putative participation of Wt1 positive dI6 interneurons in sensorimotor integration is therefore considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Schnerwitzki
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Christoph Englert
- Molecular Genetics Lab, Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | - Manuela Schmidt
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research with Phyletic Museum, Ernst-Haeckel building and Didactics of Biology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Erbertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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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.
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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
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Depolarization and Hyperexcitability of Cortical Motor Neurons after Spinal Cord Injury Associates with Reduced HCN Channel Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054715. [PMID: 36902146 PMCID: PMC10003573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054715] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) damages the axonal projections of neurons residing in the neocortex. This axotomy changes cortical excitability and results in dysfunctional activity and output of infragranular cortical layers. Thus, addressing cortical pathophysiology after SCI will be instrumental in promoting recovery. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cortical dysfunction after SCI are poorly resolved. In this study, we determined that the principal neurons of the primary motor cortex layer V (M1LV), those suffering from axotomy upon SCI, become hyperexcitable following injury. Therefore, we questioned the role of hyperpolarization cyclic nucleotide gated channels (HCN channels) in this context. Patch clamp experiments on axotomized M1LV neurons and acute pharmacological manipulation of HCN channels allowed us to resolve a dysfunctional mechanism controlling intrinsic neuronal excitability one week after SCI. Some axotomized M1LV neurons became excessively depolarized. In those cells, the HCN channels were less active and less relevant to control neuronal excitability because the membrane potential exceeded the window of HCN channel activation. Care should be taken when manipulating HCN channels pharmacologically after SCI. Even though the dysfunction of HCN channels partakes in the pathophysiology of axotomized M1LV neurons, their dysfunctional contribution varies remarkably between neurons and combines with other pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Petrosyan HA, Alessi V, Lasek K, Gumudavelli S, Muffaletto R, Liang L, Collins WF, Levine J, Arvanian VL. AAV Vector Mediated Delivery of NG2 Function Neutralizing Antibody and Neurotrophin NT-3 Improves Synaptic Transmission, Locomotion, and Urinary Tract Function after Spinal Cord Contusion Injury in Adult Rats. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1492-1508. [PMID: 36653191 PMCID: PMC10008066 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1276-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
NG2 is a structurally unique transmembrane chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Its role in damaged spinal cord is dual. NG2 is considered one of key inhibitory factors restricting axonal growth following spinal injury. Additionally, we have recently detected its novel function as a blocker of axonal conduction. Some studies, however, indicate the importance of NG2 presence in the formation of synaptic contacts. We hypothesized that the optimal treatment would be neutralization of inhibitory functions of NG2 without its physical removal. Acute intraspinal injections of anti-NG2 monoclonal antibodies reportedly prevented an acute block of axonal conduction by exogenous NG2. For prolonged delivery of NG2 function neutralizing antibody, we have developed a novel gene therapy: adeno-associated vector (AAV) construct expressing recombinant single-chain variable fragment anti-NG2 antibody (AAV-NG2Ab). We examined effects of AAV-NG2Ab alone or in combination with neurotrophin NT-3 in adult female rats with thoracic T10 contusion injuries. A battery of behavioral tests was used to evaluate locomotor function. In vivo single-cell electrophysiology was used to evaluate synaptic transmission. Lower urinary tract function was assessed during the survival period using metabolic chambers. Terminal cystometry, with acquisition of external urethral sphincter activity and bladder pressure, was used to evaluate bladder function. Both the AAV-NG2Ab and AAV-NG2Ab combined with AAV-NT3 treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in transmission, locomotion, and bladder function compared with the control (AAV-GFP) group. These functional improvements associated with improved remyelination and plasticity of 5-HT fibers. The best results were observed in the group that received combinational AAV-NG2Ab+AAV-NT3 treatment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We recently demonstrated beneficial, but transient, effects of neutralization of the NG2 proteoglycan using monoclonal antibodies delivered intrathecally via osmotic mini-pumps after spinal cord injury. Currently, we have developed a novel gene therapy tool for prolonged and clinically relevant delivery of a recombinant single-chain variable fragment anti-NG2 antibody: AAV-rh10 serotype expressing scFv-NG2 (AAV-NG2Ab). Here, we examined effects of AAV-NG2Ab combined with transgene delivery of Neurotrophin-3 (AAV-NT3) in adult rats with thoracic contusion injuries. The AAV-NG2Ab and AAV-NG2Ab+AAV-NT3 treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements of locomotor function and lower urinary tract function. Beneficial effects of this novel gene therapy on locomotion and bladder function associated with improved transmission to motoneurons and plasticity of axons in damaged spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayk A Petrosyan
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Valentina Alessi
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Kristin Lasek
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Sricharan Gumudavelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Robert Muffaletto
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Li Liang
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
| | - William F Collins
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Joel Levine
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
| | - Victor L Arvanian
- Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York 11768
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794
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Neurotrophic Factors as Regenerative Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Status, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043866. [PMID: 36835277 PMCID: PMC9968045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by acute or chronic progressive loss of one or several neuronal subtypes. However, despite their increasing prevalence, little progress has been made in successfully treating these diseases. Research has recently focused on neurotrophic factors (NTFs) as potential regenerative therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge, challenges, and future perspectives of NTFs with a direct regenerative effect in chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Various systems for delivery of NTFs, such as stem and immune cells, viral vectors, and biomaterials, have been applied to deliver exogenous NTFs to the central nervous system, with promising results. The challenges that currently need to be overcome include the amount of NTFs delivered, the invasiveness of the delivery route, the blood-brain barrier permeability, and the occurrence of side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to continue research and develop standards for clinical applications. In addition to the use of single NTFs, the complexity of chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases may require combination therapies targeting multiple pathways or other possibilities using smaller molecules, such as NTF mimetics, for effective treatment.
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Toro CA, Johnson K, Hansen J, Siddiq MM, Vásquez W, Zhao W, Graham ZA, Sáez JC, Iyengar R, Cardozo CP. Boldine modulates glial transcription and functional recovery in a murine model of contusion spinal cord injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528337. [PMID: 36824813 PMCID: PMC9949031 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Membrane channels such as connexins (Cx), pannexins (Panx) and P2X 7 receptors (P2X 7 R) are permeable to calcium ions and other small molecules such as ATP and glutamate. Release of ATP and glutamate through these channels is a key mechanism driving tissue response to traumas such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Boldine, an alkaloid isolated from the Chilean boldo tree, blocks both Cx hemichannels (HC) and Panx. To test if boldine could improve function after SCI, boldine or vehicle was administered to treat mice with a moderate severity contusion-induced SCI. Boldine led to greater spared white matter and increased locomotor function as determined by the Basso Mouse Scale and horizontal ladder rung walk tests. Boldine treatment reduced immunostaining for markers of activated microglia (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) markers while increasing that for axon growth and neuroplasticity (GAP-43). Cell culture studies demonstrated that boldine blocked glial HC, specifically Cx26 and Cx30, in cultured astrocytes and blocked calcium entry through activated P2X 7 R. RT-qPCR studies showed that boldine treatment reduced expression of the chemokine Ccl2, cytokine IL-6 and microglial gene CD68, while increasing expression of the neurotransmission genes Snap25 and Grin2b, and Gap-43. Bulk RNA sequencing (of the spinal cord revealed that boldine modulated a large number of genes involved in neurotransmission in in spinal cord tissue just below the lesion epicenter at 14 days after SCI. Numbers of genes regulated by boldine was much lower at 28 days after injury. These results indicate that boldine treatment ameliorates injury and spares tissue to increase locomotor function.
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FENG X, WANG T, JIANG Y, LIU Y, YANG H, DUAN Z, JI L, WEI J. Cerebral Theta-Burst Stimulation Combined with Physiotherapy in Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Rehabil Med 2023; 55:jrm00375. [PMID: 36779636 PMCID: PMC9941982 DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v55.4375] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the effects of cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation with physiotherapy on lower extremity motor recovery in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. DESIGN Randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial. SUBJECTS Adults with incomplete spinal cord injury. METHODS A total of 38 patients with incomplete spinal cord injury were randomized into either an intermittent theta-burst stimulation or a sham group. Both groups participated in physiotherapy 5 times per week for 9 weeks, and cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation or sham intermittent theta-burst stimulation was performed daily, immediately before physiotherapy. The primary outcomes were lower extremity motor score (LEMS), root-mean square (RMS), RMS of the quadriceps femoris muscle, walking speed (WS), and stride length (SL). Secondary outcomes comprised Holden Walking Ability Scale (HWAS) and modified Barthel Index (MBI). The outcomes were assessed before the intervention and 9 weeks after the start of the intervention. RESULTS Nine weeks of cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation with physiotherapy intervention resulted in improved recovery of lower extremity motor recovery in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. Compared with baseline, the changes in LEMS, WS, SL, RMS, HWAS, and MBI were significant in both groups after intervention. The LEMS, WS, SL, RMS, HWAS, and MBI scores were improved more in the intermittent theta-burst stimulation group than in the sham group. CONCLUSION Cerebral intermittent theta-burst stimulation with physiotherapy promotes lower extremity motor recovery in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. However, this study included a small sample size and lacked a comparison of the treatment effects of multiple stimulation modes, the further research will be required in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun FENG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tingting WANG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yan JIANG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Yi LIU
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Haifeng YANG
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zongyu DUAN
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Leilei JI
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
| | - Juan WEI
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
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Dorrian RM, Berryman CF, Lauto A, Leonard AV. Electrical stimulation for the treatment of spinal cord injuries: A review of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive functional improvements. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1095259. [PMID: 36816852 PMCID: PMC9936196 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that causes severe loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Additionally, many individuals experience chronic neuropathic pain that is often refractory to interventions. While treatment options to improve outcomes for individuals with SCI remain limited, significant research efforts in the field of electrical stimulation have made promising advancements. Epidural electrical stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and functional electrical stimulation have shown promising improvements for individuals with SCI, ranging from complete weight-bearing locomotion to the recovery of sexual function. Despite this, there is a paucity of mechanistic understanding, limiting our ability to optimize stimulation devices and parameters, or utilize combinatorial treatments to maximize efficacy. This review provides a background into SCI pathophysiology and electrical stimulation methods, before exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms suggested in the literature. We highlight several key mechanisms that contribute to functional improvements from electrical stimulation, identify gaps in current knowledge and highlight potential research avenues for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Dorrian
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia,*Correspondence: Ryan M. Dorrian,
| | | | - Antonio Lauto
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna V. Leonard
- Spinal Cord Injury Research Group, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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45
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Wang Y, Luo H, Liu Y, Yang C, Yin Y, Tan B. Multimodal rehabilitation promotes axonal sprouting and functional recovery in a murine model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Neurosci Lett 2023; 795:137029. [PMID: 36566832 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.137029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, resulting in severe and permanent disabilities that significantly impact the individual's life. Rehabilitation is a commonly accepted and effective clinical treatment modality for neurological disabilities. A single form of rehabilitation training is, however, limited. Indeed, recent studies have reported that a combination of various training strategies may be more promising in promoting functional recovery. However, few studies have focused on combining different forms of rehabilitative training. Here, we investigated the effect of combining treadmill training and single pellet grasping in a well-established model of murine SCI to assess whether combining rehabilitation approaches improve outcomes. In brief, one week following crush SCI, mice were subjected to the treadmill and single pellet grasping training (SPG) for a period of six weeks. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was used to anterogradely trace corticospinal tract axons to assess functionally relevant axonal sprouting. Our results revealed that the combined training upregulated p-S6 expression, facilitated axonal sprouting, increased the formation of functional synaptic connections, and promoted functional recovery of the upper limb. Our study provides experimental evidence for the benefit of combining multiple modalities of rehabilitative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - Haodong Luo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Ce Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Special War Wound, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| | - Botao Tan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
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Aljović A, Jacobi A, Marcantoni M, Kagerer F, Loy K, Kendirli A, Bräutigam J, Fabbio L, Van Steenbergen V, Pleśniar K, Kerschensteiner M, Bareyre FM. Synaptogenic gene therapy with FGF22 improves circuit plasticity and functional recovery following spinal cord injury. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e16111. [PMID: 36601738 PMCID: PMC9906383 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery following incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) depends on the rewiring of motor circuits during which supraspinal connections form new contacts onto spinal relay neurons. We have recently identified a critical role of the presynaptic organizer FGF22 for the formation of new synapses in the remodeling spinal cord. Here, we now explore whether and how targeted overexpression of FGF22 can be used to mitigate the severe functional consequences of SCI. By targeting FGF22 expression to either long propriospinal neurons, excitatory interneurons, or a broader population of interneurons, we establish that FGF22 can enhance neuronal rewiring both in a circuit-specific and comprehensive way. We can further demonstrate that the latter approach can restore functional recovery when applied either on the day of the lesion or within 24 h. Our study thus establishes viral gene transfer of FGF22 as a new synaptogenic treatment for SCI and defines a critical therapeutic window for its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almir Aljović
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany,Graduate School of Systemic NeurosciencesLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Anne Jacobi
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany,Present address:
F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Maite Marcantoni
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Fritz Kagerer
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany,Elite Graduate Program M.Sc. Biomedical NeuroscienceTUMMunichGermany
| | - Kristina Loy
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Arek Kendirli
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany,Graduate School of Systemic NeurosciencesLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Jonas Bräutigam
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Luca Fabbio
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Valérie Van Steenbergen
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Katarzyna Pleśniar
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany
| | - Martin Kerschensteiner
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy)MunichGermany
| | - Florence M Bareyre
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University HospitalLMU MunichMunichGermany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of MedicineLMU MunichPlaneggGermany,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy)MunichGermany
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Hollis E, Li Y. Nicotinic acetylcholine signaling is required for motor learning but not for rehabilitation from spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:364-367. [PMID: 35900431 PMCID: PMC9396487 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.346544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Zelenin PV, Lyalka VF, Deliagina TG. Changes in operation of postural networks in rabbits with postural functions recovered after lateral hemisection of the spinal cord. J Physiol 2023; 601:307-334. [PMID: 36463517 PMCID: PMC9840688 DOI: 10.1113/jp283458] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lateral hemisection of the spinal cord (LHS) severely impairs postural functions, which recover over time. Here, to reveal changes in the operation of postural networks underlying the recovery, male rabbits with recovered postural functions after LHS at T12 (R-rabbits) were used. After decerebration, we characterized the responses of individual spinal interneurons from L5 along with hindlimb EMG responses to stimulation causing postural limb reflexes (PLRs) that substantially contribute to postural corrections in intact animals. The data were compared with those obtained in our previous studies of rabbits with the intact spinal cord and rabbits after acute LHS. Although, in R-rabbits, the EMG responses to postural disturbances both ipsilateral and contralateral to the LHS (ipsi-LHS and co-LHS) were only slightly distorted, PLRs on the co-LHS side (unaffected by acute LHS) were distorted substantially and PLRs on the ipsi-LHS side (abolished by acute LHS) were close to control. Thus, in R-rabbits, plastic changes develop in postural networks both affected and unaffected by acute LHS. PLRs on the ipsi-LHS side recover mainly as a result of changes at brainstem-cerebellum-spinal levels, whereas the forebrain is substantially involved in the generation of PLRs on the co-LHS side. We found that, in areas of grey matter in which the activity of spinal neurons of the postural network was significantly decreased after acute LHS, it recovered to the control level, whereas, in areas unaffected by acute LHS, it was significantly changed. These changes underlie the recovery and distortion of PLRs on the ipsi-LHS and co-LHS sides, respectively. KEY POINTS: After lateral hemisection of the spinal cord (LHS), postural functions recover over time. The underlying changes in the operation of postural networks are unknown. We compared the responses of individual spinal neurons and hindlimb muscles to stimulation causing postural limb reflexes (PLRs) in recovered LHS-rabbits with those obtained in rabbits with the intact spinal cord and rabbits after acute LHS. We demonstrated that changes underlying the recovery of postural functions take place not only in postural networks that are severely impaired, but also in those that are almost unaffected by acute LHS. PLRs on the LHS side recover mainly as a result of changes at brainstem-cerebellum-spinal levels, whereas the forebrain is substantially involved in the generation of PLRs contralateral to the LHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel V. Zelenin
- Department of Neuroscience Karolinska Institute Stockholm Sweden
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49
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Van Steenbergen V, Burattini L, Trumpp M, Fourneau J, Aljović A, Chahin M, Oh H, D’Ambra M, Bareyre FM. Coordinated neurostimulation promotes circuit rewiring and unlocks recovery after spinal cord injury. J Exp Med 2022; 220:213780. [PMID: 36571760 PMCID: PMC9794600 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury depends on the effective rewiring of neuronal circuits. Here, we show that selective chemogenetic activation of either corticospinal projection neurons or intraspinal relay neurons alone led to anatomically restricted plasticity and little functional recovery. In contrast, coordinated stimulation of both supraspinal centers and spinal relay stations resulted in marked and circuit-specific enhancement of neuronal rewiring, shortened EMG latencies, and improved locomotor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Van Steenbergen
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Laura Burattini
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Michelle Trumpp
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Julie Fourneau
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Almir Aljović
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maryam Chahin
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Hanseul Oh
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marta D’Ambra
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florence M. Bareyre
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany,Correspondence to Florence M. Bareyre:
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50
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Tsagkas C, Huck-Horvath A, Cagol A, Haas T, Barakovic M, Amann M, Ruberte E, Melie-Garcia L, Weigel M, Pezold S, Schlaeger R, Kuhle J, Sprenger T, Kappos L, Bieri O, Cattin P, Granziera C, Parmar K. Anterior horn atrophy in the cervical spinal cord: A new biomarker in progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2022; 29:702-718. [PMID: 36550626 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221139152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord (SC) gray and white matter pathology plays a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the extent, pattern, and clinical relevance of SC gray and white matter atrophy in vivo. METHODS 39 relapsing-remitting patients (RRMS), 40 progressive MS patients (PMS), and 24 healthy controls (HC) were imaged at 3T using the averaged magnetization inversion recovery acquisitions sequence. Total and lesional cervical gray and white matter, and posterior (SCPH) and anterior horn (SCAH) areas were automatically quantified. Clinical assessment included the expanded disability status scale, timed 25-foot walk test, nine-hole peg test, and the 12-item MS walking scale. RESULTS PMS patients had significantly reduced cervical SCAH - but not SCPH - areas compared with HC and RRMS (both p < 0.001). In RRMS and PMS, the cervical SCAH areas increased significantly less in the region of cervical SC enlargement compared with HC (all p < 0.001). This reduction was more pronounced in PMS compared with RRMS (both p < 0.001). In PMS, a lower cervical SCAH area was the most important magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-variable for higher disability scores. CONCLUSION MS patients show clinically relevant cervical SCAH atrophy, which is more pronounced in PMS and at the level of cervical SC enlargement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charidimos Tsagkas
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antal Huck-Horvath
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Cagol
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Haas
- Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Muhamed Barakovic
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Amann
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Medical Image Analysis Center AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Esther Ruberte
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Medical Image Analysis Center AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lester Melie-Garcia
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Weigel
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simon Pezold
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Regina Schlaeger
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Till Sprenger
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Department of Neurology, DKD HELIOS Klinik Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Bieri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Cattin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Granziera
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Parmar
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland/Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Departments of Head, Spine and Neuromedicine and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Reha Rheinfelden, Rheinfelden, Switzerland
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