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Chen B, Tan Q, Zhang H, Chu W, Wen H, Tian X, Yang Y, Li W, Li W, Chen Y, Feng H. Contralesional Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Promotes Intact Corticospinal Tract Axonal Sprouting and Functional Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2024; 38:214-228. [PMID: 38385458 DOI: 10.1177/15459683241233261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (AtDCS), a neuromodulatory technique, has been applied to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI) in patients and was reported to promote functional improvement. We evaluated the effect of contralesional AtDCS on axonal sprouting of the intact corticospinal tract (CST) and the underlying mechanism in a TBI mouse model to provide more preclinical evidence for the use of AtDCS to treat TBI. METHODS TBI was induced in mice by a contusion device. Then, the mice were subjected to contralesional AtDCS 5 days per week followed by a 2-day interval for 7 weeks. After AtDCS, motor function was evaluated by the irregular ladder walking, narrow beam walking, and open field tests. CST sprouting was assessed by anterograde and retrograde labeling of corticospinal neurons (CSNs), and the effect of AtDCS was further validated by pharmacogenetic inhibition of axonal sprouting using clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). RESULTS TBI resulted in damage to the ipsilesional cortex, while the contralesional CST remained intact. AtDCS improved the skilled motor functions of the impaired hindlimb in TBI mice by promoting CST axon sprouting, specifically from the intact hemicord to the denervated hemicord. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of CSNs significantly increased the excitability of neurons and thus activated the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. CONCLUSIONS Contralesional AtDCS improved skilled motor following TBI, partly by promoting axonal sprouting through increased neuronal activity and thus activation of the mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beike Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Tan
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Weihua Chu
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Huizhong Wen
- Department of Neurobiology, College of Basic Medical Science, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xuelong Tian
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 904th Hospital of PLA, School of Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weina Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery and State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Neuromedicine and Neuroregenaration, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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Powers BE, Ton ST, Farrer RG, Chaudhary S, Nockels RP, Kartje GL, Tsai SY. Anti-Nogo-A Antibody Therapy Improves Functional Outcome Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2023; 37:682-693. [PMID: 37837331 PMCID: PMC10843026 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231203194] [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: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause sensorimotor deficits, and recovery is slow and incomplete. There are no effective pharmacological treatments for recovery from TBI, but research indicates potential for anti-Nogo-A antibody (Ab) therapy. This Ab neutralizes Nogo-A, an endogenous transmembrane protein that inhibits neuronal plasticity and regeneration. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment following TBI results in disinhibited axonal growth from the contralesional cortex, the establishment of new compensatory neuronal connections, and improved function. METHODS We modeled TBI in rats using the controlled cortical impact method, resulting in focal brain damage and motor deficits like those observed in humans with a moderate cortical TBI. Rats were trained on the skilled forelimb reaching task and the horizontal ladder rung walking task. They were then given a TBI, targeting the caudal forelimb motor cortex, and randomly divided into 3 groups: TBI-only, TBI + Anti-Nogo-A Ab, and TBI + Control Ab. Testing resumed 3 days after TBI and continued for 8 weeks, when rats received an injection of the anterograde neuronal tracer, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA), into the corresponding area contralateral to the TBI. RESULTS We observed significant improvement in rats that received anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment post-TBI compared to controls. Analysis of BDA-positive axons revealed that anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment resulted in cortico-rubral plasticity to the deafferented red nucleus. Conclusions. Anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment may improve functional recovery via neuronal plasticity to brain areas important for skilled movements, and this treatment shows promise to improve outcomes in humans who have suffered a TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E Powers
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | - Son T Ton
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Russ P Nockels
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Gwendolyn L Kartje
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Shih-Yen Tsai
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
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Ziesel D, Nowakowska M, Scheruebel S, Kornmueller K, Schäfer U, Schindl R, Baumgartner C, Üçal M, Rienmüller T. Electrical stimulation methods and protocols for the treatment of traumatic brain injury: a critical review of preclinical research. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:51. [PMID: 37098582 PMCID: PMC10131365 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01159-y] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disabilities resulting from cognitive and neurological deficits, as well as psychological disorders. Only recently, preclinical research on electrical stimulation methods as a potential treatment of TBI sequelae has gained more traction. However, the underlying mechanisms of the anticipated improvements induced by these methods are still not fully understood. It remains unclear in which stage after TBI they are best applied to optimize the therapeutic outcome, preferably with persisting effects. Studies with animal models address these questions and investigate beneficial long- and short-term changes mediated by these novel modalities. METHODS In this review, we present the state-of-the-art in preclinical research on electrical stimulation methods used to treat TBI sequelae. We analyze publications on the most commonly used electrical stimulation methods, namely transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), that aim to treat disabilities caused by TBI. We discuss applied stimulation parameters, such as the amplitude, frequency, and length of stimulation, as well as stimulation time frames, specifically the onset of stimulation, how often stimulation sessions were repeated and the total length of the treatment. These parameters are then analyzed in the context of injury severity, the disability under investigation and the stimulated location, and the resulting therapeutic effects are compared. We provide a comprehensive and critical review and discuss directions for future research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We find that the parameters used in studies on each of these stimulation methods vary widely, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons between stimulation protocols and therapeutic outcome. Persisting beneficial effects and adverse consequences of electrical simulation are rarely investigated, leaving many questions about their suitability for clinical applications. Nevertheless, we conclude that the stimulation methods discussed here show promising results that could be further supported by additional research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ziesel
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - M Nowakowska
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - S Scheruebel
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - K Kornmueller
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - U Schäfer
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - R Schindl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - C Baumgartner
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Üçal
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - T Rienmüller
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Duque DH, Racca JM, Manzanera Esteve IV, Yang PF, Gore JC, Chen LM. Machine-learning-based video analysis of grasping behavior during recovery from cervical spinal cord injury. Behav Brain Res 2023; 443:114150. [PMID: 36216141 PMCID: PMC10733977 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114150] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive characterizations of hand grasping behaviors after cervical spinal cord injuries are fundamental for developing rehabilitation strategies to promote recovery in spinal-cord-injured primates. We used the machine-learning-based video analysis software, DeepLabCut, to sensitively quantify kinematic aspects of grasping behavioral deficits in squirrel monkeys with C5-level spinal cord injuries. Three squirrel monkeys were trained to grasp sugar pellets from wells of varying depths before and after a left unilateral lesion of the cervical dorsal column. Using DeepLabCut, we identified post-lesion deficits in kinematic grasping behavior that included changes in digit orientation, increased variance in vertical and horizontal digit movement, and longer time to complete the task. While video-based analyses of grasping behavior demonstrated deficits in fine-scale digit function that persisted through at least 14 weeks post-injury, traditional end-point behavioral analyses showed a recovery of global hand function as evidenced by recovery of the proportion of successful retrievals by approximately 14 weeks post-injury. The combination of traditional end-point and video-based kinematic analyses provides a more comprehensive characterization of grasping behavior and highlights that global grasping performance may recover despite persistent fine-scale kinematic deficits in digit function. Machine-learning-based video analysis of kinematic digit function, in conjunction with traditional end-point behavioral analyses of grasping behavior, provide sensitive and specific indices for monitoring recovery of fine-grained hand sensorimotor behavior after spinal cord injury that can aid future studies that seek to develop targeted therapeutic interventions for improving behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hernandez Duque
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Institute of Surgery and Engineering (VISE), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jordan M Racca
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Isaac V Manzanera Esteve
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science (VUIIS), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Kosugi A, Saga Y, Kudo M, Koizumi M, Umeda T, Seki K. Time course of recovery of different motor functions following a reproducible cortical infarction in non-human primates. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1094774. [PMID: 36846141 PMCID: PMC9947718 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1094774] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A major challenge in human stroke research is interpatient variability in the extent of sensorimotor deficits and determining the time course of recovery following stroke. Although the relationship between the extent of the lesion and the degree of sensorimotor deficits is well established, the factors determining the speed of recovery remain uncertain. To test these experimentally, we created a cortical lesion over the motor cortex using a reproducible approach in four common marmosets, and characterized the time course of recovery by systematically applying several behavioral tests before and up to 8 weeks after creation of the lesion. Evaluation of in-cage behavior and reach-to-grasp movement revealed consistent motor impairments across the animals. In particular, performance in reaching and grasping movements continued to deteriorate until 4 weeks after creation of the lesion. We also found consistent time courses of recovery across animals for in-cage and grasping movements. For example, in all animals, the score for in-cage behaviors showed full recovery at 3 weeks after creation of the lesion, and the performance of grasping movement partially recovered from 4 to 8 weeks. In addition, we observed longer time courses of recovery for reaching movement, which may rely more on cortically initiated control in this species. These results suggest that different recovery speeds for each movement could be influenced by what extent the cortical control is required to properly execute each movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akito Kosugi
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Saga
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moeko Kudo
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Koizumi
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Umeda
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan,Department of Integrated Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Seki
- Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan,*Correspondence: Kazuhiko Seki ✉
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Restoring After Central Nervous System Injuries: Neural Mechanisms and Translational Applications of Motor Recovery. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1569-1587. [DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) injuries, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury, are leading causes of long-term disability. It is estimated that more than half of the survivors of severe unilateral injury are unable to use the denervated limb. Previous studies have focused on neuroprotective interventions in the affected hemisphere to limit brain lesions and neurorepair measures to promote recovery. However, the ability to increase plasticity in the injured brain is restricted and difficult to improve. Therefore, over several decades, researchers have been prompted to enhance the compensation by the unaffected hemisphere. Animal experiments have revealed that regrowth of ipsilateral descending fibers from the unaffected hemisphere to denervated motor neurons plays a significant role in the restoration of motor function. In addition, several clinical treatments have been designed to restore ipsilateral motor control, including brain stimulation, nerve transfer surgery, and brain–computer interface systems. Here, we comprehensively review the neural mechanisms as well as translational applications of ipsilateral motor control upon rehabilitation after CNS injuries.
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Wolf VL, Ergul A. Progress and challenges in preclinical stroke recovery research. Brain Circ 2021; 7:230-240. [PMID: 35071838 PMCID: PMC8757504 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_33_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant innovations in the management of acute ischemic stroke have led to an increased incidence in the long-term complications of stroke. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improvements in and refinement of rehabilitation interventions that can lead to functional and neuropsychological recovery. The goal of this review is to summarize the current progress and challenges involved with preclinical stroke recovery research. Moving forward, stroke recovery research should be placing an increased emphasis on the incorporation of comorbid diseases and biological variables in preclinical models in order to overcome translational roadblocks to establishing successful clinical rehabilitation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Lea Wolf
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Adviye Ergul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Tsai SY, Schreiber JA, Adamczyk NS, Wu JY, Ton ST, Hofler RC, Walter JS, O'Brien TE, Kartje GL, Nockels RP. Improved Functional Outcome After Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of the Impaired Forelimb Post-stroke. Front Neurol 2021; 12:610434. [PMID: 33959086 PMCID: PMC8093517 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.610434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of blood flow to the brain, i.e., ischemic stroke, results in loss of nerve cells and therefore loss of function in the effected brain regions. There is no effective treatment to improve lost function except restoring blood flow within the first several hours. Rehabilitation strategies are widely used with limited success. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of electrical stimulation on the impaired upper extremity to improve functional recovery after stroke. We developed a rodent model using an electrode cuff implant onto a single peripheral nerve (median nerve) of the paretic forelimb and applied daily electrical stimulation. The skilled forelimb reaching test was used to evaluate functional outcome after stroke and electrical stimulation. Anterograde axonal tracing from layer V pyramidal neurons with biotinylated dextran amine was done to evaluate the formation of new neuronal connections from the contralesional cortex to the deafferented spinal cord. Rats receiving electrical stimulation on the median nerve showed significant improvement in the skilled forelimb reaching test in comparison with stroke only and stroke with sham stimulation. Rats that received electrical stimulation also exhibited significant improvement in the latency to initiate adhesive removal from the impaired forelimb, indicating better sensory recovery. Furthermore, axonal tracing analysis showed a significant higher midline fiber crossing index in the cervical spinal cord of rats receiving electrical stimulation. Our results indicate that direct peripheral nerve stimulation leads to improved sensorimotor recovery in the stroke-impaired forelimb, and may be a useful approach to improve post-stroke deficits in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yen Tsai
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
| | - Jennifer A Schreiber
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | | | - Joanna Y Wu
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
| | - Son T Ton
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
| | - Ryan C Hofler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - James S Walter
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
| | - Timothy E O'Brien
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics and Institute of Environmental Sustainability, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gwendolyn L Kartje
- Edward Hines Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital, Hines, IL, United States.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago Health Science Division, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Russ P Nockels
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
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