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Neves LT, Paz LV, Wieck A, Mestriner RG, de Miranda Monteiro VAC, Xavier LL. Environmental Enrichment in Stroke Research: an Update. Transl Stroke Res 2024; 15:339-351. [PMID: 36717476 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-023-01132-w] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) refers to different forms of stimulation, where the environment is designed to improve the levels of sensory, cognitive, and motor stimuli, inducing stroke recovery in animal models. Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and neurological disability among older adults, hence the importance of developing strategies to improve recovery for such patients. This review provides an update on recent findings, compiling information regarding the parameters affected by EE exposure in both preclinical and clinical studies. During stroke recovery, EE exposure has been shown to improve both the cognitive and locomotor aspects, inducing important neuroplastic alterations, increased angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and modified gene expression, among other effects. There is a need for further research in this field, particularly in those aspects where the evidence is inconclusive. Moreover, it is necessary refine and adapt the EE paradigms for application in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tartari Neves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Lisiê Valéria Paz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Andréa Wieck
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6690 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Régis Gemerasca Mestriner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Valentina Aguiar Cardozo de Miranda Monteiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Laboratório deBiologiaCelular ETecidual, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, PUCRS. Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Av. Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12C, Sala 104, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, CEP, 90619-900, Brazil.
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MacKenzie JL, Ivanova N, Nell HJ, Giordano CR, Terlecky SR, Agca C, Agca Y, Walton PA, Whitehead SN, Cechetto DF. Microglial inflammation and cognitive dysfunction in comorbid rat models of striatal ischemic stroke and alzheimer’s disease: effects of antioxidant catalase-SKL on behavioral and cellular pathology. Neuroscience 2022; 487:47-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Zeiler SR. Should We Care About Early Post-Stroke Rehabilitation? Not Yet, but Soon. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2019; 19:13. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-019-0927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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McDonald MW, Hayward KS, Rosbergen ICM, Jeffers MS, Corbett D. Is Environmental Enrichment Ready for Clinical Application in Human Post-stroke Rehabilitation? Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:135. [PMID: 30050416 PMCID: PMC6050361 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) has been widely used as a means to enhance brain plasticity mechanisms (e.g., increased dendritic branching, synaptogenesis, etc.) and improve behavioral function in both normal and brain-damaged animals. In spite of the demonstrated efficacy of EE for enhancing brain plasticity, it has largely remained a laboratory phenomenon with little translation to the clinical setting. Impediments to the implementation of enrichment as an intervention for human stroke rehabilitation and a lack of clinical translation can be attributed to a number of factors not limited to: (i) concerns that EE is actually the "normal state" for animals, whereas standard housing is a form of impoverishment; (ii) difficulty in standardizing EE conditions across clinical sites; (iii) the exact mechanisms underlying the beneficial actions of enrichment are largely correlative in nature; (iv) a lack of knowledge concerning what aspects of enrichment (e.g., exercise, socialization, cognitive stimulation) represent the critical or active ingredients for enhancing brain plasticity; and (v) the required "dose" of enrichment is unknown, since most laboratory studies employ continuous periods of enrichment, a condition that most clinicians view as impractical. In this review article, we summarize preclinical stroke recovery studies that have successfully utilized EE to promote functional recovery and highlight the potential underlying mechanisms. Subsequently, we discuss how EE is being applied in a clinical setting and address differences in preclinical and clinical EE work to date. It is argued that the best way forward is through the careful alignment of preclinical and clinical rehabilitation research. A combination of both approaches will allow research to fully address gaps in knowledge and facilitate the implementation of EE to the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McDonald
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn S Hayward
- Stroke Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.,NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Ingrid C M Rosbergen
- Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Allied Health Services, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew S Jeffers
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dale Corbett
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Jeffers MS, Karthikeyan S, Gomez-Smith M, Gasinzigwa S, Achenbach J, Feiten A, Corbett D. Does Stroke Rehabilitation Really Matter? Part B: An Algorithm for Prescribing an Effective Intensity of Rehabilitation. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2018; 32:73-83. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968317753074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background. The proportional recovery rule suggests that current rehabilitation practices may have limited ability to influence stroke recovery. However, the appropriate intensity of rehabilitation needed to achieve recovery remains unknown. Similarities between rodent and human recovery biomarkers may allow determination of rehabilitation thresholds necessary to activate endogenous biological recovery processes. Objective. We determined the relative influence that clinically relevant biomarkers of stroke recovery exert on functional outcome. These biomarkers were then used to generate an algorithm that prescribes individualized intensities of rehabilitation necessary for recovery of function. Methods. A retrospective cohort of 593 male Sprague-Dawley rats was used to identify biomarkers that best predicted poststroke change in pellet retrieval in the Montoya staircase-reaching task using multiple linear regression. Prospective manipulation of these factors using endothelin-1-induced stroke (n = 49) was used to validate the model. Results. Rehabilitation was necessary to reliably predict recovery across the continuum of stroke severity. As infarct volume and initial impairment increased, more intensive rehabilitation was required to engage recovery. In this model, we prescribed the specific dose of daily rehabilitation required for rats to achieve significant motor recovery using the biomarkers of initial poststroke impairment and infarct volume. Conclusions. Our algorithm demonstrates an individualized approach to stroke rehabilitation, wherein imaging and functional performance measures can be used to develop an optimized rehabilitation paradigm for rats, particularly those with severe impairments. Exploring this approach in human patients could lead to an increase in the proportion of individuals experiencing recovery of lost motor function poststroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Strider Jeffers
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sudhir Karthikeyan
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariana Gomez-Smith
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Dale Corbett
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Chen S, Bennet L, McGregor AL. Delayed Varenicline Administration Reduces Inflammation and Improves Forelimb Use Following Experimental Stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2017; 26:2778-2787. [PMID: 28797614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacological activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), specifically by activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, has been shown to confer short-term improvements in outcome. Most studies have investigated administration within 24 hours of stroke, and few have investigated drugs approved for use in human patients. We investigated whether delayed administration of varenicline, a high-affinity agonist at α7 nicotinic receptors and an established therapy for nicotine addiction, decreased brain inflammation and improved functional performance in a mouse model of experimental stroke. METHODS CSF-1R-EGFP (MacGreen) mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and administered varenicline (2.5 mg/kg/d for 7 days) or saline (n = 10 per group) 3 days after stroke. Forelimb asymmetry was assessed in the Cylinder test every 2 days after surgery, and structural lesions were quantified at day 10. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the effect of varenicline on inflammation and axonal regeneration, respectively. RESULTS Varenicline-treated animals showed a significant increase in impaired forelimb use compared with saline-treated animals 10 days after stroke. Varenicline treatment was associated with reduced EGFP expression and increased GAP43 expression in the striatum of MacGreen mice. CONCLUSION Our results show that delayed administration of varenicline promotes recovery of function following experimental stroke. Motor function improvements were accompanied by decreased brain inflammation and increased axonal regeneration in nonpenumbral areas. These results suggest that the administration of an exogenous nicotinic agonist in the subacute phase following stroke may be a viable therapeutic strategy for stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ailsa L McGregor
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor and Physiotherapy after Stroke: Results of a Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial: Stem Cell Trial of Recovery EnhanceMent after Stroke-3 (STEMS-3 ISRCTN16714730). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161359. [PMID: 27610616 PMCID: PMC5017715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilises endogenous haematopoietic stem cells and enhances recovery in experimental stroke. Recovery may also be dependent on an enriched environment and physical activity. G-CSF may have the potential to enhance recovery when used in combination with physiotherapy, in patients with disability late after stroke. Methods A pilot 2 x 2 factorial randomised (1:1) placebo-controlled trial of G-CSF (double-blind), and/or a 6 week course of physiotherapy, in 60 participants with disability (mRS >1), at least 3 months after stroke. Primary outcome was feasibility, acceptability and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included death, dependency, motor function and quality of life measured 90 and 365 days after enrolment. Results Recruitment to the trial was feasible and acceptable; of 118 screened patients, 92 were eligible and 32 declined to participate. 60 patients were recruited between November 2011 and July 2013. All participants received some allocated treatment. Although 29 out of 30 participants received all 5 G-CSF/placebo injections, only 7 of 30 participants received all 18 therapy sessions. G-CSF was well tolerated but associated with a tendency to more adverse events than placebo (16 vs 10 patients, p = 0.12) and serious adverse events (SAE) (9 vs 3, p = 0.10). On average, patients received 14 (out of 18 planned) therapy sessions, interquartile range [12, 17]. Only a minority (23%) of participants completed all physiotherapy sessions, a large proportion of sessions (114 of 540, 21%) were cancelled due to patient (94, 17%) and therapist factors (20, 4%). No significant differences in functional outcomes were detected in either the G-CSF or physiotherapy group at day 90 or 365. Conclusions Delivery of G-CSF is feasible in chronic stroke. However, the study failed to demonstrate feasibility for delivering additional physiotherapy sessions late after stroke therefore a definitive study using this trial design is not supported. Future work should occur earlier after stroke, alongside on-going clinical rehabilitation. Trial Registration ISRCTN.com ISRCTN16714730
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Lin C, Shao B, Zhou Y, Niu X, Lin Y. Maternal high-fat diet influences stroke outcome in adult rat offspring. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:101-12. [PMID: 26643911 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diet-induced epigenetic modifications in early life could contribute to later health problem. However, it remains to be established whether high-fat diet (HFD) consumption during pregnancy and the suckling period could predispose the offspring to stroke. The present study investigated the influence of maternal HFD on stroke outcome in adult offspring. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal diet (5.3% fat) or a HFD (25.7% fat), just before pregnancy until the end of lactation. Male offspring were fed with the control diet or the HFD after weaning, to form four groups (control offspring fed with the control diet (C/C) or the HFD (C/HFD) and offspring of fat-fed dams fed with the control diet (HFD/C) or the HFD (HFD/HFD)). The offspring received middle cerebral artery occlusion on day 120 followed by behavioral tests (neurological deficit score, staircase-reaching test and beam-traversing test), and infarct volumes were also calculated. We found that the HFD/C rats displayed larger infarct volume and aggravated functional deficits (all P<0.05), compared with the C/C rats, indicating that maternal fat-rich diet renders the brain more susceptible to the consequences of ischemic injury. Moreover, maternal HFD offspring displayed elevated glucocorticoid concentrations following stroke, and increased glucocorticoid receptor expression. In addition, adrenalectomy reversed the effects of maternal HFD on stroke outcome when corticosterone was replaced at baseline, but not ischemic, concentrations. Furthermore, expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the ipsilateral hippocampus was decreased in the HFD/C offspring (P<0.05), compared with the C/C offspring. Taken together, maternal diet can substantially influence adult cerebrovascular health, through the programming of central BDNF expression and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChengCheng Lin
- Department of Surgery LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, ChinaFirst Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, China
| | - Bei Shao
- Department of Surgery LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, ChinaFirst Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, China
| | - YuLei Zhou
- Department of Surgery LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, ChinaFirst Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, China
| | - XiaoTing Niu
- Department of Surgery LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, ChinaFirst Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, China
| | - YuanShao Lin
- Department of Surgery LaboratoryFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, ChinaFirst Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, China
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Zeiler SR, Hubbard R, Gibson EM, Zheng T, Ng K, O'Brien R, Krakauer JW. Paradoxical Motor Recovery From a First Stroke After Induction of a Second Stroke: Reopening a Postischemic Sensitive Period. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 30:794-800. [PMID: 26721868 DOI: 10.1177/1545968315624783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Prior studies have suggested that after stroke there is a time-limited period of increased responsiveness to training as a result of heightened plasticity-a sensitive period thought to be induced by ischemia itself. Using a mouse model, we have previously shown that most training-associated recovery after a caudal forelimb area (CFA) stroke occurs in the first week and is attributable to reorganization in a medial premotor area (AGm). The existence of a stroke-induced sensitive period leads to the counterintuitive prediction that a second stroke should reopen this window and promote full recovery from the first stroke. To test this prediction, we induced a second stroke in the AGm of mice with incomplete recovery after a first stroke in CFA. METHODS Mice were trained to perform a skilled prehension (reach-to-grasp) task to an asymptotic level of performance, after which they underwent photocoagulation-induced stroke in CFA. After a 7-day poststroke delay, the mice were then retrained to asymptote. We then induced a second stroke in the AGm, and after only a 1-day delay, retrained the mice. RESULTS Recovery of prehension was incomplete when training was started after a 7-day poststroke delay and continued for 19 days. However, a second focal stroke in the AGm led to a dramatic response to 9 days of training, with full recovery to normal levels of performance. CONCLUSIONS New ischemia can reopen a sensitive period of heightened responsiveness to training and mediate full recovery from a previous stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tony Zheng
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Ng KL, Gibson EM, Hubbard R, Yang J, Caffo B, O'Brien RJ, Krakauer JW, Zeiler SR. Fluoxetine Maintains a State of Heightened Responsiveness to Motor Training Early After Stroke in a Mouse Model. Stroke 2015; 46:2951-60. [PMID: 26294676 PMCID: PMC4934654 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.115.010471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Data from both humans and animal models suggest that most recovery from motor impairment after stroke occurs in a sensitive period that lasts only weeks and is mediated, in part, by an increased responsiveness to training. Here, we used a mouse model of focal cortical stroke to test 2 hypotheses. First, we investigated whether responsiveness to training decreases over time after stroke. Second, we tested whether fluoxetine, which can influence synaptic plasticity and stroke recovery, can prolong the period over which large training-related gains can be elicited after stroke. METHODS Mice were trained to perform a skilled prehension task to an asymptotic level of performance after which they underwent stroke induction in the caudal forelimb area. The mice were then retrained after a 1- or 7-day delay with and without fluoxetine. RESULTS Recovery of prehension after a caudal forelimb area stroke was complete if training was initiated 1 day after stroke but incomplete if it was delayed by 7 days. In contrast, if fluoxetine was administered at 24 hours after stroke, then complete recovery of prehension was observed even with the 7-day training delay. Fluoxetine seemed to mediate its beneficial effect by reducing inhibitory interneuron expression in intact premotor cortex rather than through effects on infarct volume or cell death. CONCLUSIONS There is a gradient of diminishing responsiveness to motor training over the first week after stroke. Fluoxetine can overcome this gradient and maintain maximal levels of responsiveness to training even 7 days after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan L Ng
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Ellen M Gibson
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Robert Hubbard
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Juemin Yang
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Brian Caffo
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Richard J O'Brien
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - John W Krakauer
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.)
| | - Steven R Zeiler
- From the Departments of Neurology (K.L.N., E.M.G., R.H., J.W.K., S.R.Z.) and Neuroscience (J.W.K.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD (J.Y., B.C.); and Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC (R.J.O.).
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Corbett D, Jeffers M, Nguemeni C, Gomez-Smith M, Livingston-Thomas J. Lost in translation: rethinking approaches to stroke recovery. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2015; 218:413-34. [PMID: 25890148 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the preeminent cause of neurological disability. Attempts to limit brain injury after ischemic stroke with clot-dissolving drugs have met with great success but their use remains limited due to a narrow therapeutic time window and concern over serious side effects. Unfortunately, the neuroprotective strategy failed in clinical trials. A more promising approach is to promote recovery of function in people affected by stroke. Following stroke, there is a heightened critical period of plasticity that appears to be receptive to exogenous interventions (e.g., delivery of growth factors) designed to enhance neuroplasticity processes important for recovery. An emerging concept is that combinational therapies appear much more effective than single interventions in improving stroke recovery. One of the most promising interventions, with clinical feasibility, is enriched rehabilitation, a combination of environmental enrichment and task-specific therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale Corbett
- Heart & Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery and Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Matthew Jeffers
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carine Nguemeni
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariana Gomez-Smith
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Livingston-Thomas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Kerr AL, Tennant KA. Compensatory limb use and behavioral assessment of motor skill learning following sensorimotor cortex injury in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. J Vis Exp 2014. [PMID: 25045916 DOI: 10.3791/51602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse models have become increasingly popular in the field of behavioral neuroscience, and specifically in studies of experimental stroke. As models advance, it is important to develop sensitive behavioral measures specific to the mouse. The present protocol describes a skilled motor task for use in mouse models of stroke. The Pasta Matrix Reaching Task functions as a versatile and sensitive behavioral assay that permits experimenters to collect accurate outcome data and manipulate limb use to mimic human clinical phenomena including compensatory strategies (i.e., learned non-use) and focused rehabilitative training. When combined with neuroanatomical tools, this task also permits researchers to explore the mechanisms that support behavioral recovery of function (or lack thereof) following stroke. The task is both simple and affordable to set up and conduct, offering a variety of training and testing options for numerous research questions concerning functional outcome following injury. Though the task has been applied to mouse models of stroke, it may also be beneficial in studies of functional outcome in other upper extremity injury models.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recovery after stroke can occur either via reductions in impairment or through compensation. Studies in humans and nonhuman animal models show that most recovery from impairment occurs in the first 1-3 months after stroke as a result of both spontaneous reorganization and increased responsiveness to enriched environments and training. Improvement from impairment is attributable to a short-lived sensitive period of postischemic plasticity defined by unique genetic, molecular, physiological, and structural events. In contrast, compensation can occur at any time after stroke. Here, we address both the biology of the brain's postischemic sensitive period and the difficult question of what kind of training (task-specific vs. a stimulating environment for self-initiated exploration of various natural behaviors) best exploits this period. RECENT FINDINGS Data suggest that three important variables determine the degree of motor recovery from impairment: the timing, intensity, and approach to training with respect to stroke onset; the unique postischemic plasticity milieu; and the extent of cortical reorganization. SUMMARY Future work will need to further characterize the unique interaction between types of training and postischemic plasticity, and find ways to augment and prolong the sensitive period using pharmacological agents or noninvasive brain stimulation.
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Clarke J, Langdon KD, Corbett D. Early poststroke experience differentially alters periinfarct layer II and III cortex. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2014; 34:630-7. [PMID: 24398938 PMCID: PMC3982081 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2013.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Early poststroke rehabilitation effectively improves recovery of function, likely by engaging multiple plasticity processes through use-dependent activation of neural circuits. The loci of such neuroplastic reorganization have not been examined during the initial phase of behavioral recovery. In the current study, we sought to evaluate sub-components of rehabilitation and to identify brain sites first engaged by early rehabilitation. Rats were subjected to endothelin-1 ischemia and placed in either enriched environment (EE), daily reach training (RT), combination of enriched environment and reach training (ER), or standard housing (ST) starting 7 days post ischemia. Functional and histopathological assessments were made after 2, 5, and 10 days of treatment. Animals exposed to 10 days of ER treatment exhibited significantly more use-dependent neuronal activity (FosB/ΔFosB expression) in perilesional cortex than those exposed to EE, RT, or ST treatments. Similar trends were observed in both perilesional striatum and contralesional forelimb motor cortex. This use-dependent plasticity was not explained by differences in neuronal death, inflammation, or lesion volume. The increased activity likely contributes to the neuroplastic changes and functional recovery observed after extended periods of rehabilitation. Importantly, EE or RT alone did not lead to enhanced activity suggesting that combination therapy is necessary to promote maximum recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Clarke
- 1] BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada [2] Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristopher D Langdon
- 1] BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada [2] Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale Corbett
- 1] BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada [2] Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada [3] Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada [4] Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Wu X, Zhao H, Min L, Zhang C, Liu P, Luo Y. Effects of 2-Deoxyglucose on ischemic brain injuries in rats. Int J Neurosci 2014; 124:666-72. [PMID: 24274326 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2013.868807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) administration enhances tolerance and exerts neuroprotection against ischemic injury or oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of 2-DG on ischemic brain injuries in rats and determined whether the effects are related to sublethal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. METHODS 2-DG was administered systemically 7 d before the rats were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia (2 h) followed by reperfusion. Neurological score and infarct volume were evaluated, and protein expression of ER molecular chaperone glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and X-box protein-1 (XBP-1) was determined at different time points after reperfusion. RESULTS 2-DG pretreatment significantly decreased neurological scores after reperfusion for 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, reduced infarct volume at 24 h after reperfusion compared to the corresponding control groups. ER molecular chaperone GRP78 and XBP-1 increased in 2-DG pretreatment group as compared to the control. CONCLUSION Pretreatment with 2-DG improves the neurological function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Increased expression of ER chaperone GRP78 and activation of XBP-1 may contribute to the protective effect of 2-DG against brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Wu
- 1Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
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16
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Bai Y, Hu Y, Wu Y, Zhu Y, He Q, Jiang C, Sun L, Fan W. A prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial on the effect of early rehabilitation on daily activities and motor function of patients with hemorrhagic stroke. J Clin Neurosci 2012; 19:1376-9. [PMID: 22819061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2011.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 10/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate whether early rehabilitation has a positive impact on the recovery of the activities of daily living and motor function after intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke, 364 patients with hemorrhagic stroke were selected and randomly divided into a rehabilitation group and a control group. The rehabilitation group underwent a standardized, three-stage rehabilitation program. The control group was treated with standard hospital ward, internal medical intervention. The simplified Fugl-Myere assessment scale (FMA) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were administered at various time points. The magnitude of improvement was significantly higher in the rehabilitation group than in the control group for both the FMA (p<0.05) and MBI scores (p<0.05). The greatest improvement was observed in the first month post-stroke. Thus, our study shows that early rehabilitation can significantly improve the daily activities and motor functions of patients with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuLong Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Middle Road, Shanghai 200040, China
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17
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Krakauer JW, Carmichael ST, Corbett D, Wittenberg GF. Getting neurorehabilitation right: what can be learned from animal models? Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2012; 26:923-31. [PMID: 22466792 DOI: 10.1177/1545968312440745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 371] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Animal models suggest that a month of heightened plasticity occurs in the brain after stroke, accompanied by most of the recovery from impairment. This period of peri-infarct and remote plasticity is associated with changes in excitatory/inhibitory balance and the spatial extent and activation of cortical maps and structural remodeling. The best time for experience and training to improve outcome is unclear. In animal models, very early (<5 days from onset) and intense training may lead to increased histological damage. Conversely, late rehabilitation (>30 days) is much less effective both in terms of outcome and morphological changes associated with plasticity. In clinical practice, rehabilitation after disabling stroke involves a relatively brief period of inpatient therapy that does not come close to matching intensity levels investigated in animal models and includes the training of compensatory strategies that have minimal impact on impairment. Current rehabilitation treatments have a disappointingly modest effect on impairment early or late after stroke. Translation from animal models will require the following: (1) substantial increases in the intensity and dosage of treatments offered in the first month after stroke with an emphasis on impairment; (2) combinational approaches such as noninvasive brain stimulation with robotics, based on current understanding of motor learning and brain plasticity; and (3) research that emphasizes mechanistic phase II studies over premature phase III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Krakauer
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Faraji J, Sutherland RJ, Metz GA. Stress precipitates functional deficits following striatal silent stroke: A synergistic effect. Exp Neurol 2011; 232:251-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Revised: 09/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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19
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Krisa L, Frederick KL, Canver JC, Stackhouse SK, Shumsky JS, Murray M. Amphetamine-enhanced motor training after cervical contusion injury. J Neurotrauma 2011; 29:971-89. [PMID: 21651384 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2011.1767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individually, motor training, pharmacological interventions, and housing animals in an enriched environment (EE) following spinal cord injury (SCI) result in limited functional improvement but, when combined, may enhance motor function. Here, we tested amphetamine (AMPH)-enhanced skilled motor training following a unilateral C3-C4 contusion injury on the qualitative components of reaching and on skilled forelimb function, as assessed using single-pellet and staircase reaching tasks. Kinematic analysis evaluated the quality of the reach, and unskilled locomotor function was also tested. Animals receiving AMPH and skilled forelimb training performed better than operated control animals on qualitative reaching, but not on skilled reaching. Those that received the combination treatment and were housed in EE cages showed significantly less improvement in qualitative reaching and grasping. Kinematic analysis revealed a decrease in digit abduction during skilled reaching among all groups, with no differences among groups. Kinematics provided no evidence that improved function was related to improved quality of reach. There was no evidence of neuroprotection in the cervical spinal cord. The absence of evidence for kinematic improvement or neuroprotection suggested that AMPH-enhanced motor training is due primarily to supraspinal effects, an enhancement of attention during skilled motor training, or plasticity in supraspinal circuitry involved with motor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Krisa
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
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20
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The role of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling in peripheral stimulation-induced cerebral neurovascular regeneration after ischemic stroke in mice. Exp Brain Res 2011; 214:503-13. [PMID: 21922279 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-011-2849-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide but effective treatments are limited. Strategies to enhance neurovascular remodeling following stroke provide promising opportunities to improve tissue repair and functional recovery. We have previously demonstrated that whisker activity promotes central angiogenesis in rodent models of whisker-barrel cortex stroke. However, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of neurovascular plasticity by peripheral stimulation are not well-defined. Here, we report that angiogenesis and neurogenesis occur concurrently after cerebral ischemia and whisker stimulation in mice. We show that neuroblasts expressing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) migrate along the vessels. Blocking VEGFR2 with the selective inhibitor SU5416 (semaxinib) attenuates ischemia-induced regenerative responses and completely prevents whisker stimulation-induced neurovascular remodeling. These results suggest that VEGFR2-mediated signaling plays an important role in promoting post-ischemia neurovascular remodeling and provides a link between angiogenesis and neurogenesis.
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MacLellan CL, Keough MB, Granter-Button S, Chernenko GA, Butt S, Corbett D. A critical threshold of rehabilitation involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor is required for poststroke recovery. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2011; 25:740-8. [PMID: 21705652 DOI: 10.1177/1545968311407517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enriched rehabilitation (ER; environmental enrichment plus skilled reaching) improves recovery after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in rats. Fundamental issues such as whether ER is effective in other models, optimal rehabilitation intensity, and underlying recovery mechanisms have not been fully assessed. OBJECTIVE The authors tested whether the efficacy of ER varies with ischemia model and assessed the importance of rehabilitation intensity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in recovery. METHODS Rats in experiment 1 received 8 weeks of ER or remained in standard housing. Functional outcome was assessed with the staircase and cylinder tasks. Surprisingly, ER provided no functional benefit in any model. In this experiment, ER was delivered during the light phase, whereas other studies delivered ER in the dark phase of the light cycle. It was hypothesized that in the light, rats engaged in less rehabilitation or alternatively that BDNF was lower. Experiment 2 tested these hypotheses. Following MCAo, rats received ER in either the light or dark phase of the light cycle. Functional outcome was assessed and BDNF levels were measured in the motor cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS Recovery was accompanied by increased BDNF. This occurred only in rats that received ER in the dark and these animals reached more than those in the light condition. CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that there is a critical threshold of rehabilitation, below which recovery will not occur, and that BDNF mediates functional recovery. The use of intensive rehabilitation therapies for stroke patients is strongly supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L MacLellan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Long-term exposure to high fat diet is bad for your brain: exacerbation of focal ischemic brain injury. Neuroscience 2011; 182:82-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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