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Wu W, Nguyen T, Ordaz JD, Zhang Y, Liu NK, Hu X, Liu Y, Ping X, Han Q, Wu X, Qu W, Gao S, Shields CB, Jin X, Xu XM. Transhemispheric cortex remodeling promotes forelimb recovery after spinal cord injury. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e158150. [PMID: 35552276 PMCID: PMC9309060 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the reorganization of neural circuits spared after spinal cord injury in the motor cortex and spinal cord would provide insights for developing therapeutics. Using optogenetic mapping, we demonstrated a transhemispheric recruitment of neural circuits in the contralateral cortical M1/M2 area to improve the impaired forelimb function after a cervical 5 right-sided hemisection in mice, a model mimicking the human Brown-Séquard syndrome. This cortical reorganization can be elicited by a selective cortical optogenetic neuromodulation paradigm. Areas of whisker, jaw, and neck, together with the rostral forelimb area, on the motor cortex ipsilateral to the lesion were engaged to control the ipsilesional forelimb in both stimulation and nonstimulation groups 8 weeks following injury. However, significant functional benefits were only seen in the stimulation group. Using anterograde tracing, we further revealed a robust sprouting of the intact corticospinal tract in the spinal cord of those animals receiving optogenetic stimulation. The intraspinal corticospinal axonal sprouting correlated with the forelimb functional recovery. Thus, specific neuromodulation of the cortical neural circuits induced massive neural reorganization both in the motor cortex and spinal cord, constructing an alternative motor pathway in restoring impaired forelimb function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tyler Nguyen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Josue D. Ordaz
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yiping Zhang
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Xinhua Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xingjie Ping
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiangbing Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Wenrui Qu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Xiaoming Jin
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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2
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Bothwell SW, Omileke D, Hood RJ, Pepperall DG, Azarpeykan S, Patabendige A, Spratt NJ. Altered Cerebrospinal Fluid Clearance and Increased Intracranial Pressure in Rats 18 h After Experimental Cortical Ischaemia. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:712779. [PMID: 34434088 PMCID: PMC8380845 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.712779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oedema-independent intracranial pressure (ICP) rise peaks 20-22-h post-stroke in rats and may explain early neurological deterioration. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume changes may be involved. Cranial CSF clearance primarily occurs via the cervical lymphatics and movement into the spinal portion of the cranio-spinal compartment. We explored whether impaired CSF clearance at these sites could explain ICP rise after stroke. We recorded ICP at baseline and 18-h post-stroke, when we expect changes contributing to peak ICP to be present. CSF clearance was assessed in rats receiving photothrombotic stroke or sham surgery by intraventricular tracer infusion. Tracer concentration was quantified in the deep cervical lymph nodes ex vivo and tracer transit to the spinal subarachnoid space was imaged in vivo. ICP rose significantly from baseline to 18-h post-stroke in stroke vs. sham rats [median = 5 mmHg, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.1-9.43, n = 12, vs. -0.3 mmHg, IQR = -1.9-1.7, n = 10], p = 0.03. There was a bimodal distribution of rats with and without ICP rise. Tracer in the deep cervical lymph nodes was significantly lower in stroke with ICP rise (0 μg/mL, IQR = 0-0.11) and without ICP rise (0 μg/mL, IQR = 0-4.47) compared with sham rats (4.17 μg/mL, IQR = 0.74-8.51), p = 0.02. ICP rise was inversely correlated with faster CSF transit to the spinal subarachnoid space (R = -0.59, p = 0.006, Spearman's correlation). These data suggest that reduced cranial clearance of CSF via cervical lymphatics may contribute to post-stroke ICP rise, partially compensated via increased spinal CSF outflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Bothwell
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Omileke
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Hood
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Debbie-Gai Pepperall
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Azarpeykan
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Adjanie Patabendige
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Spratt
- The School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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3
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Gallegos C, Carey M, Zheng Y, He X, Cao QL. Reaching and Grasping Training Improves Functional Recovery After Chronic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:110. [PMID: 32536855 PMCID: PMC7266985 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest locomotion training could be an effective non-invasive therapy after spinal cord injury (SCI) using primarily acute thoracic injuries. However, the majority of SCI patients have chronic cervical injuries. Regaining hand function could significantly increase their quality of life. In this study, we used a clinically relevant chronic cervical contusion to study the therapeutic efficacy of rehabilitation in forelimb functional recovery. Nude rats received a moderate C5 unilateral contusive injury and were then divided into two groups with or without Modified Montoya Staircase (MMS) rehabilitation. For the rehabilitation group, rats were trained 5 days a week starting at 8 weeks post-injury (PI) for 6 weeks. All rats were assessed for skilled forelimb functions with MMS test weekly and for untrained gross forelimb locomotion with grooming and horizontal ladder (HL) tests biweekly. Our results showed that MMS rehabilitation significantly increased the number of pellets taken at 13 and 14 weeks PI and the accuracy rates at 12 to 14 weeks PI. However, there were no significant differences in the grooming scores or the percentage of HL missteps at any time point. Histological analyses revealed that MMS rehabilitation significantly increased the number of serotonergic fibers and the amount of presynaptic terminals around motor neurons in the cervical ventral horns caudal to the injury and reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrogliosis in spinal cords caudal to the lesion. This study shows that MMS rehabilitation can modify the injury environment, promote axonal sprouting and synaptic plasticity, and importantly, improve reaching and grasping functions in the forelimb, supporting the therapeutic potential of task-specific rehabilitation for functional recovery after chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystine Gallegos
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Matthew Carey
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Summer Undergraduate Research Program, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yiyan Zheng
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Xiuquan He
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Lin Cao
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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4
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Han Q, Xie Y, Ordaz JD, Huh AJ, Huang N, Wu W, Liu N, Chamberlain KA, Sheng ZH, Xu XM. Restoring Cellular Energetics Promotes Axonal Regeneration and Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Metab 2020; 31:623-641.e8. [PMID: 32130884 PMCID: PMC7188478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Axonal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly energy-demanding process. Extrinsic insults and intrinsic restrictions lead to an energy crisis in injured axons, raising the question of whether recovering energy deficits facilitates regeneration. Here, we reveal that enhancing axonal mitochondrial transport by deleting syntaphilin (Snph) recovers injury-induced mitochondrial depolarization. Using three CNS injury mouse models, we demonstrate that Snph-/- mice display enhanced corticospinal tract (CST) regeneration passing through a spinal cord lesion, accelerated regrowth of monoaminergic axons across a transection gap, and increased compensatory sprouting of uninjured CST. Notably, regenerated CST axons form functional synapses and promote motor functional recovery. Administration of the bioenergetic compound creatine boosts CST regenerative capacity in Snph-/- mice. Our study provides mechanistic insights into intrinsic regeneration failure in CNS and suggests that enhancing mitochondrial transport and cellular energetics are promising strategies to promote regeneration and functional restoration after CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yuxiang Xie
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Josue D Ordaz
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Andrew J Huh
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ning Huang
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Naikui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kelly A Chamberlain
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zu-Hang Sheng
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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5
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V. S. H, Krishnan LK, Abelson KSP. A novel technique to develop thoracic spinal laminectomy and a methodology to assess the functionality and welfare of the contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) rat model. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219001. [PMID: 31265469 PMCID: PMC6605676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reports the advantage of a novel technique employing a motorised dental burr to assist laminectomy over the conventional manual technique at T10-T11 vertebra level in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Twenty-four female rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) conventionally laminectomised, (2) dental burr assisted laminectomised, (3) conventionally laminectomised with spinal cord contusion and (4) dental burr assisted laminectomised with spinal cord contusion. Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) score, postoperative body weights, rat grimace scale (RGS), open cage activity and rearing was studied at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days postoperatively, and area of spinal tissue affected was evaluated histologically. Laminectomised and spinal cord injured rats from dental burr groups showed significantly more weight gain and less weight loss respectively in comparison with respective conventionally laminectomised groups at various time points. Significantly higher RGS score was noticed in conventionally laminectomised animals on Day 1 in comparison to burr assisted laminectomy and presence of pain was evident until Day 7 in the conventionally spinal cord injured group. BBB score did not differ between techniques, whereas laminectomy groups showed more resting time than spinal injury groups. High rearing score was significantly higher in groups which underwent dental burr assisted technique at various time points with respect to their conventional counterparts. This study suggests that the use of dental burr assisted technique to perform laminectomy will bring refinement by producing less pain, aiding in better recovery, removing procedural artefacts without affecting the outcome of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishnan V. S.
- Division of Laboratory Animal Science, Department of Applied Biology, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lissy K. Krishnan
- Division of Thrombosis Research, Department of Applied Biology, Bio Medical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Klas S. P. Abelson
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Walker CL, Wu X, Liu NK, Xu XM. Bisperoxovanadium Mediates Neuronal Protection through Inhibition of PTEN and Activation of PI3K/AKT-mTOR Signaling after Traumatic Spinal Injuries. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:2676-2687. [PMID: 30672370 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although mechanisms involved in progression of cell death in spinal cord injury (SCI) have been studied extensively, few are clear targets for translation to clinical application. One of the best-understood mechanisms of cell survival in SCI is phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and associated downstream signaling. Clear therapeutic efficacy of a phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) inhibitor called bisperoxovanadium (bpV) has been shown in SCI, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological disease models in both neuroprotection and functional recovery. The present study aimed to elucidate mechanistic influences of bpV activity in neuronal survival in in vitro and in vivo models of SCI. Treatment with 100 nM bpV(pic) reduced cell death in a primary spinal neuron injury model (p < 0.05) in vitro, and upregulated both Akt and ribosomal protein S6 (pS6) activity (p < 0.05) compared with non-treated injured neurons. Pre-treatment of spinal neurons with a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin blocked bpV activation of Akt and ribosomal protein S6 activity, respectively. Treatment with bpV increased extracellular signal-related kinase (Erk) activity after scratch injury in vitro, and rapamycin reduced influence by bpV on Erk phosphorylation. After a cervical hemicontusive SCI, Akt phosphorylation decreased in total tissue via Western blot analysis (p < 0.01) as well as in penumbral ventral horn motor neurons throughout the first week post-injury (p < 0.05). Conversely, PTEN activity appeared to increase over this period. As observed in vitro, bpV also increased Erk activity post-SCI (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that PI3K/Akt signaling is the likely primary mechanism of bpV action in mediating neuroprotection in injured spinal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandler L Walker
- Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiangbing Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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7
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Züchner M, Lervik A, Kondratskaya E, Bettembourg V, Zhang L, Haga HA, Boulland JL. Development of a Multimodal Apparatus to Generate Biomechanically Reproducible Spinal Cord Injuries in Large Animals. Front Neurol 2019; 10:223. [PMID: 30941086 PMCID: PMC6433700 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents are widespread animal models in spinal cord injury (SCI) research. They have contributed to obtaining important information. However, some treatments only tested in rodents did not prove efficient in clinical trials. This is probably a result of significant differences in the physiology, anatomy, and complexity between humans and rodents. To bridge this gap in a better way, a few research groups use pig models for SCI. Here we report the development of an apparatus to perform biomechanically reproducible SCI in large animals, including pigs. We present the iterative process of engineering, starting with a weight-drop system to ultimately produce a spring-load impactor. This device allows a graded combination of a contusion and a compression injury. We further engineered a device to entrap the spinal cord and prevent it from escaping at the moment of the impact. In addition, it provides identical resistance around the cord, thereby, optimizing the inter-animal reproducibility. We also present other tools to straighten the vertebral column and to ease the surgery. Sensors mounted on the impactor provide information to assess the inter-animal reproducibility of the impacts. Further evaluation of the injury strength using neurophysiological recordings, MRI scans, and histology shows consistency between impacts. We conclude that this apparatus provides biomechanically reproducible spinal cord injuries in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Züchner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Lervik
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elena Kondratskaya
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vanessa Bettembourg
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lili Zhang
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Henning A Haga
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean-Luc Boulland
- Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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8
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Walker CL, Fry CME, Wang J, Du X, Zuzzio K, Liu NK, Walker MJ, Xu XM. Functional and Histological Gender Comparison of Age-Matched Rats after Moderate Thoracic Contusive Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:1974-1984. [PMID: 30489213 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) afflicts hundreds of thousands of Americans, and most SCI (∼80%) occurs in males. In experimental animal models, however, many studies used females. Funding agencies like the National Institutes of Health recommend that new proposed studies should include both genders due to variations in gender response to injuries, diseases, and treatments. However, cost and considerations for some animal models, such as SCI, affect investigators in adapting to this recommendation. Research has increased comparing gender effects in various disease and injury models, including SCI. However, most studies use weight-matched animals, which poses issues in comparing results and outcomes. The present study compared histologic and functional outcomes between age-matched male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in a moderate thoracic contusion SCI model. Cresyl violet and eosin staining showed no significant differences in lesion volume between genders after 9 weeks post-SCI (p > 0.05). Luxol fast blue-stained spared myelin was similar between genders, although slightly greater (∼6%) in spared myelin, compared with cord volume (p = 0.044). Glial reactivity and macrophage labeling in the lesion area was comparable between genders, as well. Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) functional scores were not significantly different between genders, and Hargreaves thermal hyperalgesia and Gridwalk sensorimotor analyses also were similar between genders, compared with uninjured gender controls. Analysis of covariance showed weight did not influence functional recovery as assessed through BBB (p = 0.65) or Gridwalk assessment (p = 0.63) in this study. In conclusion, our findings suggest age-matched male and female rats recover similarly in a common clinically relevant SCI model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandler L Walker
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,3 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,5 Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Colin M E Fry
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,4 Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Junmei Wang
- 5 Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiaolong Du
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kirstin Zuzzio
- 5 Department of Biomedical and Applied Sciences, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,4 Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Melissa J Walker
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- 1 Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,3 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,4 Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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9
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Li M, Mei X, Lv S, Zhang Z, Xu J, Sun D, Xu J, He X, Chi G, Li Y. Rat vibrissa dermal papilla cells promote healing of spinal cord injury following transplantation. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3929-3939. [PMID: 29581745 PMCID: PMC5863572 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation is effective for repairing spinal cord injuries (SCIs); however, there are limitations of clinical BMSC applications. Previously, we reported that dermal papilla cells (DPCs) secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor more actively than BMSCs. To analyze the therapeutic function of DPCs in SCI, primary DPCs and BMSCs were cultured from the same green fluorescence protein-transgenic rat. The cells were suspended in rat-tail collagen I and transplanted separately into completely transected spinal cord lesion sites. Grafted-cell survival was examined with a small animal in vivo imaging detection system, and lesion sites were examined histochemically. In vivo imaging revealed enhanced lesion filling and survival with DPC grafts compared with BMSC grafts on days 14 and 21 post-transplantation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that lesion area sizes in the two groups were not markedly different. In the DPC transplant group, more axons formed within the lesion sites. CD31-positive vessel-like structures were more abundant in lesion sites near the grafted cells in the DPC group. The results of the present study suggest that DPCs may be a valuable alternative source of stem cells for autologous cell therapy for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.,Department of Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xianglin Mei
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130024, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Lv
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Zechuan Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jinying Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Dongjie Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xia He
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Guangfan Chi
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yulin Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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10
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Chen C, Zhang YP, Sun Y, Xiong W, Shields LBE, Shields CB, Jin X, Xu XM. An In Vivo Duo-color Method for Imaging Vascular Dynamics Following Contusive Spinal Cord Injury. J Vis Exp 2017:56565. [PMID: 29364252 PMCID: PMC5908407 DOI: 10.3791/56565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes significant vascular disruption at the site of injury. Vascular pathology occurs immediately after SCI and continues throughout the acute injury phase. In fact, endothelial cells appear to be the first to die after a contusive SCI. The early vascular events, including increased permeability of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), induce vasogenic edema and contribute to detrimental secondary injury events caused by complex injury mechanisms. Targeting the vascular disruption, therefore, could be a key strategy to reduce secondary injury cascades that contribute to histological and functional impairments after SCI. Previous studies were mostly performed on postmortem samples and were unable to capture the dynamic changes of the vascular network. In this study, we have developed an in vivo duo-color two-photon imaging method to monitor acute vascular dynamic changes following contusive SCI. This approach allows detecting blood flow, vessel diameter, and other vascular pathologies at various sites of the same rat pre- and post-injury. Overall, this method provides an excellent venue for investigating vascular dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Yan Sun
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine; Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University
| | - Wenhui Xiong
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Christopher B Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, and Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine;
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11
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Wu X, Zhang YP, Qu W, Shields LBE, Shields CB, Xu XM. A Tissue Displacement-based Contusive Spinal Cord Injury Model in Mice. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28654063 PMCID: PMC5608444 DOI: 10.3791/54988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Producing a consistent and reproducible contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) is critical to minimizing behavioral and histological variabilities between experimental animals. Several contusive SCI models have been developed to produce injuries using different mechanisms. The severity of the SCI is based on the height that a given weight is dropped, the injury force, or the spinal cord displacement. In the current study, we introduce a novel mouse contusive SCI device, the Louisville Injury System Apparatus (LISA) impactor, which can create a displacement-based SCI with high injury velocity and accuracy. This system utilizes laser distance sensors combined with advanced software to produce graded and highly-reproducible injuries. We performed a contusive SCI at the 10th thoracic vertebral (T10) level in mice to demonstrate the step-by-step procedure. The model can also be applied to the cervical and lumbar spinal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbing Wu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Wenrui Qu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Christopher B Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville;
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery and Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine;
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12
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Aberrant LncRNA Expression Profile in a Contusion Spinal Cord Injury Mouse Model. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9249401. [PMID: 27689092 PMCID: PMC5027055 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9249401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a crucial role in cell growth, development, and various diseases related to the central nervous system. However, LncRNA differential expression profiles in spinal cord injury are yet to be reported. In this study, we profiled the expression pattern of LncRNAs using a microarray method in a contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) mouse model. Compared with a spinal cord without injury, few changes in LncRNA expression levels were noted 1 day after injury. The differential changes in LncRNA expression peaked 1 week after SCI and subsequently declined until 3 weeks after injury. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the reliability of the microarray, demonstrating that the results were reliable. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated that differentially expressed mRNAs were involved in transport, cell adhesion, ion transport, and metabolic processes, among others. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and focal adhesions were potentially implicated in SCI pathology. We constructed a dynamic LncRNA-mRNA network containing 264 LncRNAs and 949 mRNAs to elucidate the interactions between the LncRNAs and mRNAs. Overall, the results from this study indicate for the first time that LncRNAs are differentially expressed in a contusion SCI mouse model.
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