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Funnell JL, Fougere J, Zahn D, Dutz S, Gilbert RJ. Delivery of TGFβ3 from Magnetically Responsive Coaxial Fibers Reduces Spinal Cord Astrocyte Reactivity In Vitro. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2300531. [PMID: 38935534 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300531] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) compresses the spinal cord, killing neurons and glia at the injury site and resulting in prolonged inflammation and scarring that prevents regeneration. Astrocytes, the main glia in the spinal cord, become reactive following SCI and contribute to adverse outcomes. The anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) has been shown to mitigate astrocyte reactivity; however, the effects of prolonged TGFβ3 exposure on reactive astrocyte phenotype have not yet been explored. This study investigates whether magnetic core-shell electrospun fibers can be used to alter the release rate of TGFβ3 using externally applied magnetic fields, with the eventual application of tailored drug delivery based on SCI severity. Magnetic core-shell fibers are fabricated by incorporating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) into the shell and TGFβ3 into the core solution for coaxial electrospinning. Magnetic field stimulation increased the release rate of TGFβ3 from the fibers by 25% over 7 days and released TGFβ3 reduced gene expression of key astrocyte reactivity markers by at least twofold. This is the first study to magnetically deliver bioactive proteins from magnetic fibers and to assess the effect of sustained release of TGFβ3 on reactive astrocyte phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Funnell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th St., Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Jasper Fougere
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th St., Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Diana Zahn
- Institut für Biomedizinische Technik und Informatik, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 2, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Silvio Dutz
- Institut für Biomedizinische Technik und Informatik, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 2, 98693, Ilmenau, Germany
- Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau, Kornmarkt 1, 08056, Zwickau, Germany
| | - Ryan J Gilbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1623 15th St., Troy, NY, 12180, USA
- Albany Stratton Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY, 12208, USA
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Chen RY, Chang HS, Huang HC, Hsueh YH, Tu YK, Lee KZ. Comorbidity of cardiorespiratory and locomotor dysfunction following cervical spinal cord injury in the rat. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:1268-1283. [PMID: 37855033 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00473.2023] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury interrupts supraspinal pathways innervating thoracic sympathetic preganglionic neurons and results in cardiovascular dysfunction. Both respiratory and locomotor functions were also impaired due to damages of motoneuron pools controlling respiratory and forelimb muscles, respectively. However, no study has investigated autonomic and somatic motor functions in the same animal model. The present study aimed to establish a cervical spinal cord injury model to evaluate cardiorespiratory response and locomotor activity in unanesthetized rats. Cardiovascular response and respiratory behavior following laminectomy or cervical spinal contusion were measured using noninvasive blood pressure analyzer and plethysmography systems, respectively. Locomotor activity was evaluated by an open-field test and a locomotor rating scale. The results demonstrated that mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were significantly reduced in contused rats compared with uninjured rats at the acute injured stage. Tidal volume was also significantly reduced during the acute and subchronic stages. Moreover, locomotor function was severely impaired, evidenced by decreasing moving ability and locomotor rating scores from the acute to chronic injured stages. Retrograde neurotracer results revealed that cervical spinal cord injury caused a reduction in number of phrenic and triceps motoneurons. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a significant attenuation of serotonergic, noradrenergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic fibers innervating the thoracic sympathetic preganglionic neurons in chronically contused rats. These results revealed the pathological mechanism underlying the comorbidity of cardiorespiratory and locomotor dysfunction following cervical spinal cord injury. We proposed that this animal model can be used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of potential strategies to improve different physiological functions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study establishes a preclinical rodent model to comprehensively investigate physiological functions under unanesthetized condition following cervical spinal cord contusion. The results demonstrated that cervical spinal cord contusion is associated with impairments in cardiovascular, respiratory, and locomotor function. Respiratory and forelimb motoneurons and neurochemical innervations of sympathetic preganglionic neurons were damaged following injury. This animal model can be used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of potential strategies to improve different physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Yi Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Sen Chang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chang Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Huan Hsueh
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Kun Tu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Ze Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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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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Effects of Peripheral Electromagnetic Fields on Spasticity: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133739. [PMID: 35807019 PMCID: PMC9267146 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields are emerging as a therapeutic option for patients with spasticity. They have been applied at brain or peripheral level. The effects of electromagnetic fields applied to the brain have been extensively studied for years in spasticity, but not so at the peripheral level. Therefore, the purpose of our work is to analyze the effects of electromagnetic fields, applied peripherally to spasticity. A systematic review was conducted resulting in 10 clinical trials. The frequency ranged from 1 Hz to 150 Hz, with 25 Hz being the most commonly used and the intensity it was gradually increased but there was low homogeneity in how it was increased. Positive results on spasticity were found in 80% of the studies: improvements in stretch reflex threshold, self questionnaire about difficulties related to spasticity, clinical spasticity score, performance scale, Ashworth scale, spastic tone, Hmax/Mmax Ratio and active and passive dorsal flexion. However, results must be taken with caution due to the large heterogeneity and the small number of articles. In future studies, it would be interesting to agree on the parameters to be used, as well as the way of assessing spasticity, to be more objective in the study of their effectiveness.
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Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training Ameliorates Motoneuronal Hyperexcitability by Increasing GAD-65/67 and KCC2 Expression via TrkB Signaling in Rats with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1679-1691. [PMID: 35320460 PMCID: PMC9124175 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spasticity is a typical consequence after spinal cord injury (SCI). The critical reasons are reducing the synthesis of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), glycine and potassium chloride co-transporter 2 (KCC2) inside the distal spinal cord. The current work aimed to test whether exercise training could increase the expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 (GAD-65/67, the key enzymes in GABA synthesis) and KCC2 in the distal spinal cord via tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling. The experimental rats were randomly assigned to the following five groups: Sham, SCI/phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), SCI-treadmill training (TT)/PBS, SCI/TrkB-IgG, and SCI-TT/TrkB-IgG. After that, the model of T10 contusion SCI was used, then TrkB-IgG was used to prevent TrkB activity at 7 days post-SCI. Body weight-supported treadmill training started on the 8th day post-SCI for four weeks. The Hmax/Mmax ratio and the rate-dependent depression of H-reflex were used to assess the excitability of spinal motoneuronal networks. Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry techniques were utilized for measuring the expression of GAD-65, GAD-67, and KCC2. The findings revealed that exercise training could reduce motoneuronal excitability and boost GAD-65, GAD-67, and KCC2 production in the distal region of the spinal cord after SCI. The effects of exercise training were decreased after the TrkB signaling was inhibited. The present exploration demonstrated that exercise training increases GAD-65, GAD-67, and KCC2 expression in the spinal cord via TrkB signaling and that this method could also improve rats with motoneuronal hyperexcitability and spasticity induced by incomplete SCI.
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Stampas A, Hook M, Korupolu R, Jethani L, Kaner MT, Pemberton E, Li S, Francisco GE. Evidence of treating spasticity before it develops: a systematic review of spasticity outcomes in acute spinal cord injury interventional trials. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864211070657. [PMID: 35198042 PMCID: PMC8859674 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211070657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Spasticity is a common consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI), estimated to affect up to 93% of people living with SCI in the community. Problematic spasticity affects around 35% people with SCI spasticity. The early period after injury is believed to be the most opportune time for neural plasticity after SCI. We hypothesize that clinical interventions in the early period could reduce the incidence of spasticity. To address this, we evaluated the spasticity outcomes of clinical trials with interventions early after SCI.Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature between January 2000 and May 2021 to identify control trials, in humans and animals, that were performed early after SCI that included measures of spasticity in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.Results: Our search yielded 1,463 records of which we reviewed 852 abstracts and included 8 human trial peer-reviewed publications and 9 animal studies. The 9 animal trials largely supported the hypothesis that early intervention can reduce spasticity, including evidence from electrophysiological, behavioral, and histologic measures. Of the 8 human trials, only one study measured spasticity as a primary outcome with a sample size sufficient to test the hypothesis. In this study, neuromodulation of the spinal cord using electric stimulation of the common peroneal nerve reduced spasticity in the lower extremities compared to controls.Conclusion: Given the prevalence of problematic spasticity, there is surprisingly little research being performed in the early period of SCI that includes spasticity measures, and even fewer studies that directly address spasticity. More research on the potential for early interventions to mitigate spasticity is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Radha Korupolu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lavina Jethani
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mahmut T. Kaner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erinn Pemberton
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gerard E. Francisco
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA
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Lee KZ, Liou LM, Vinit S, Ren MY. Rostral-caudal effect of cervical magnetic stimulation on the diaphragm motor evoked potential following cervical spinal cord contusion in the rat. J Neurotrauma 2021; 39:683-700. [PMID: 34937419 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the rostro-caudal effect of spinal magnetic stimulation on diaphragmatic motor-evoked potentials following cervical spinal cord injury. The diaphragm electromyogram was recorded in rats that received a laminectomy or a left mid-cervical contusion at the acute (1 day), subchronic (2 weeks), or chronic (8 weeks) injured stages. The center of a figure-eight coil was placed at 30 mm lateral to bregma on the left side, and the effect of magnetic stimulation was evaluated by stimulating the rostral, middle, and caudal cervical regions in spontaneously breathing rats. The results demonstrated that cervical magnetic stimulation induced intensity-dependent motor-evoked potentials in the bilateral diaphragm in both uninjured and contused rats; however, the left diaphragm exhibited a higher amplitude and earlier onset than the right diaphragm. Moreover, the intensity-response curve was shifted upward in the rostral-to-caudal direction of magnetic stimulation, suggesting that caudal cervical magnetic stimulation produced more robust diaphragmatic motor-evoked potentials compared to rostral cervical magnetic stimulation. Interestingly, the diaphragmatic motor-evoked potentials were similar between uninjured and contused rats during cervical magnetic stimulation despite weaker inspiratory diaphragmatic activity in contused rats. Additionally, in contused animals but not uninjured animals, diaphragmatic motor-evoked potential amplitude were greater at the chronic stage than during earlier injured stages. These results demonstrated that cervical magnetic stimulation can excite the residual phrenic motor circuit to activate the diaphragm in the presence of a significant lesion in the cervical spinal cord. These findings indicate that this non-invasive approach is effective for modulating diaphragmatic excitability following cervical spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Ze Lee
- National Sun Yat-sen University, 34874, Biological Sciences, Kaohsiung, Taiwan;
| | - Li-Min Liou
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 89234, Neurology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan;
| | - Stéphane Vinit
- Université Paris-Saclay, 27048, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Saint-Aubin, Île-de-France, France;
| | - Ming-Yue Ren
- National Sun Yat-sen University, 34874, Biological Sciences, Kaohsiung, Taiwan;
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Activation of Three Major Signaling Pathways After Endurance Training and Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:950-967. [PMID: 34811634 PMCID: PMC8857148 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training on expression of growth factors (GFs) and stimulation of neurotrophin-dependent signaling pathways (PI3k/Akt, PLCγ/PKC, PLCγ/CAMKII, Ras-Erk1/2 and Rac1-Cdc42) responsible for neuroplasticity, neuroregeneration, survival and growth after spinal cord injury (SCI). Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (i) intact controls; (ii) 6 weeks of endurance training; (iii) SCI; (iv) pre-training + SCI. The animals survived for 6 weeks after SCI. Firstly, endurance training markedly upregulated mRNA expression and protein levels (up to four times) of growth factors (BDNF, GDNF) and their receptors (TrkB, Gfrα) in low thoracic segments (Th8–Th10) compared to levels in untrained animals. Secondly, we found that spontaneous neuroplasticity seen in the SCI alone group was GF-specific and was activated through both PLCγ-PKC and PLC-CAMKII signaling pathways. In addition, training prior to SCI markedly increased the activity of PLCγ-PKC signaling at both transcript and protein levels at and around the lesion site. Similar effects were seen in expression of PI3k/Akt and Ras/Erk1/2 signaling responsible for cell survival and regeneration. Thirdly, rats which underwent physical activity prior to SCI were more active and had significantly better neurological scores at the 14th and 42nd days of survival. These results suggest that regular physical activity could play an important role after SCI, as it maintains increased expression of GFs in spinal cord tissue 6 weeks post-SCI. The BDNF- and/or BDNF + GDNF-dependent signaling pathways were significantly affected in pre-trained SCI animals. In contrast, GDNF-dependent Rac1-Cdc42 signaling was not involved in training-affected SCI response.
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Ferro M, Lamanna J, Spadini S, Nespoli A, Sulpizio S, Malgaroli A. Synaptic plasticity mechanisms behind TMS efficacy: insights from its application to animal models. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 129:25-36. [PMID: 34783902 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02436-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Neural plasticity is defined as a reshape of communication paths among neurons, expressed through changes in the number and weights of synaptic contacts. During this process, which occurs massively during early brain development but continues also in adulthood, specific brain functions are modified by activity-dependent processes, triggered by external as well as internal stimuli. Since transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) produces a non-invasive form of brain cells activation, many different TMS protocols have been developed to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions and proved to be beneficial. Although neural plasticity induction by TMS has been widely assessed on human subjects, we still lack compelling evidence about the actual biological and molecular mechanisms. To support a better comprehension of the involved phenomena, the main focus of this review is to summarize what has been found through the application of TMS to animal models. The hope is that such integrated view will shed light on why and how TMS so effectively works on human subjects, thus supporting a more efficient development of new protocols in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Ferro
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy. .,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Jacopo Lamanna
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy. .,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Spadini
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Nespoli
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Sulpizio
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy. .,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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Isvoranu G, Manole E, Neagu M. Gait Analysis Using Animal Models of Peripheral Nerve and Spinal Cord Injuries. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1050. [PMID: 34440252 PMCID: PMC8392642 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review discusses recent data regarding rodent models of spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries in terms of gait analysis using the CatWalk system (CW), an automated and exceptionally reliable system for assessing gait abnormalities and motor coordination. CW is a good tool for both studying improvements in the walking of animals after suffering a peripheral nerve and spinal cord lesion and to select the best therapies and procedures after tissue destruction, given that it provides objective and quantifiable data. Most studies using CW for gait analysis that were published in recent years focus on injuries inflicted in the peripheral nerve, spinal cord, and brain. CW has been used in the assessment of rodent motor function through high-resolution videos, whereby specialized software was used to measure several aspects of the animal's gait, and the main characteristics of the automated system are presented here. CW was developed to assess footfall and gait changes, and it can calculate many parameters based on footprints and time. However, given the multitude of parameters, it is necessary to evaluate which are the most important under the employed experimental circumstances. By selecting appropriate animal models and evaluating peripheral nerve and spinal cord lesion regeneration using standardized methods, suggestions for new therapies can be provided, which represents the translation of this methodology into clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghita Isvoranu
- Husbandry Unit, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Emilia Manole
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology, Neuroscience and Experimental Myology, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Pathology Department, Colentina University Hospital, 19-21 Sos. Stefan cel Mare, 020125 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Monica Neagu
- Pathology Department, Colentina University Hospital, 19-21 Sos. Stefan cel Mare, 020125 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-93 Splaiul Independentei, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
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Wang P, Yin R, Wang S, Zhou T, Zhang Y, Xiao M, Wang H, Xu G. Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Treadmill Training on Recovery of Motor Function in a Rat Model of Partial Spinal Cord Injury. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931601. [PMID: 34304239 PMCID: PMC8317583 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and treadmill training (TT) on motor function recovery in rats with partial spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty rats with moderate partial SCI at the 9th thoracic vertebral level induced by a Louisville Injury System Apparatus impactor were randomly allocated to 5 groups: Sham surgery (Intact); Sham rTMS without TT (S-rTMS/Non-TT); Sham rTMS with TT (S-rTMS/TT); rTMS without TT (rTMS/Non-TT); and rTMS with TT (rTMS/TT). Interventions commenced 8 days after SCI and continued for 8 weeks. Outcomes studied were Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor scale scores, grid walking test, and biochemical analysis of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synapsin I (SYN), and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) in the motor cortex and spinal cord. RESULTS The rTMS/TT contributed to greater Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.01), S-rTMS/TT (P<0.05), and rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.05), and showed obviously reduced numbers of foot drops compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT (P<0.05). The rTMS/TT significantly increased the expressions of BDNF, SYN, and PSD-95 compared with the S-rTMS/Non-TT, both in the motor cortex (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001, respectively) and spinal cord (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In a modified rat model of SCI, combined rTMS with TT improved motor function, indicating that this combined approach promoted adaptive neuroplasticity between the motor cortex and the spinal cord. A combined app roach to improving motor function following SCI requires further evaluation to determine the possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiangsu Shengze Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ruian Yin
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shuangyan Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hongxing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jiangsu Shengze Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Guangxu Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1 affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
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Gong C, Zheng X, Guo F, Wang Y, Zhang S, Chen J, Sun X, Shah SZA, Zheng Y, Li X, Yin Y, Li Q, Huang X, Guo T, Han X, Zhang SC, Wang W, Chen H. Human spinal GABA neurons alleviate spasticity and improve locomotion in rats with spinal cord injury. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108889. [PMID: 33761348 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in spasticity. There is currently no effective therapy for spasticity. Here, we describe a method to efficiently differentiate human pluripotent stem cells from spinal GABA neurons. After transplantation into the injured rat spinal cord, the DREADD (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug)-expressing spinal progenitors differentiate into GABA neurons, mitigating spasticity-like response of the rat hindlimbs and locomotion deficits in 3 months. Administering clozapine-N-oxide, which activates the grafted GABA neurons, further alleviates spasticity-like response, suggesting an integration of grafted GABA neurons into the local neural circuit. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of the spinal GABA neurons for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChenZi Gong
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaolong Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - FangLiang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - YaNan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - XueJiao Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Sayed Zulfiqar Ali Shah
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - YiFeng Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiao Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Yatao Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - XiaoLin Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Tiecheng Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaohua Han
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Program in Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Zholudeva LV, Abraira VE, Satkunendrarajah K, McDevitt TC, Goulding MD, Magnuson DSK, Lane MA. Spinal Interneurons as Gatekeepers to Neuroplasticity after Injury or Disease. J Neurosci 2021; 41:845-854. [PMID: 33472820 PMCID: PMC7880285 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1654-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal interneurons are important facilitators and modulators of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions in the intact CNS. This heterogeneous population of neurons is now widely appreciated to be a key component of plasticity and recovery. This review highlights our current understanding of spinal interneuron heterogeneity, their contribution to control and modulation of motor and sensory functions, and how this role might change after traumatic spinal cord injury. We also offer a perspective for how treatments can optimize the contribution of interneurons to functional improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria E Abraira
- Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey, 08854
| | - Kajana Satkunendrarajah
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, 53226
- Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53295
| | - Todd C McDevitt
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, 94158
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94143
| | | | - David S K Magnuson
- University of Louisville, Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Louisville, Kentucky, 40208
| | - Michael A Lane
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, and the Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19129
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14
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Correction to: Effect of Simultaneous Combined Treadmill Training and Magnetic Stimulation on Spasticity and Gait Impairments after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury by Hou, J., et al., (2020). J. Neurotrauma 37, 1999-2013 (DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6961). J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:2345-2349. [PMID: 33021902 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6961.correx] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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