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Garcia TA, Jonak CR, Binder DK. The Role of Aquaporins in Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:1701. [PMID: 37443735 PMCID: PMC10340765 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Edema formation following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) exacerbates secondary injury, and the severity of edema correlates with worse neurological outcome in human patients. To date, there are no effective treatments to directly resolve edema within the spinal cord. The aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channel is found on plasma membranes of astrocytic endfeet in direct contact with blood vessels, the glia limitans in contact with the cerebrospinal fluid, and ependyma around the central canal. Local expression at these tissue-fluid interfaces allows AQP4 channels to play an important role in the bidirectional regulation of water homeostasis under normal conditions and following trauma. In this review, we consider the available evidence regarding the potential role of AQP4 in edema after SCI. Although more work remains to be carried out, the overall evidence indicates a critical role for AQP4 channels in edema formation and resolution following SCI and the therapeutic potential of AQP4 modulation in edema resolution and functional recovery. Further work to elucidate the expression and subcellular localization of AQP4 during specific phases after SCI will inform the therapeutic modulation of AQP4 for the optimization of histological and neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terese A. Garcia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Carrie R. Jonak
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Devin K. Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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2
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Rau J, Weise L, Moore R, Terminel M, Brakel K, Cunningham R, Bryan J, Stefanov A, Hook MA. Intrathecal minocycline does not block the adverse effects of repeated, intravenous morphine administration on recovery of function after SCI. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114255. [PMID: 36279935 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are among the most effective analgesics for the management of pain in the acute phase of a spinal cord injury (SCI), and approximately 80% of patients are treated with morphine in the first 24 h following SCI. We have found that morphine treatment in the first 7 days after SCI increases symptoms of pain at 42 days post-injury and undermines the recovery of locomotor function in a rodent model. Prior research has implicated microglia/macrophages in opioid-induced hyperalgesia and the development of neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that glial activation may also underlie the development of morphine-induced pain and cell death after SCI. Supporting this hypothesis, our previous studies found that intrathecal and intravenous morphine increase the number of activated microglia and macrophages present at the spinal lesion site, and that the adverse effects of intrathecal morphine can be blocked with intrathecal minocycline. Recognizing that the cellular expression of opioid receptors, and the intracellular signaling pathways engaged, can change with repeated administration of opioids, the current study tested whether minocycline was also protective with repeated intravenous morphine administration, more closely simulating clinical treatment. Using a rat model of SCI, we co-administered intravenous morphine and intrathecal minocycline for the first 7 days post injury and monitored sensory and locomotor recovery. Contrary to our hypothesis and previous findings with intrathecal morphine, we found that minocycline did not prevent the negative effects of morphine. Surprisingly, we also found that intrathecal minocycline alone is detrimental for locomotor recovery after SCI. Using ex vivo cell cultures, we investigated how minocycline and morphine altered microglia/macrophage function. Commensurate with published studies, we found that minocycline blocked the effects of morphine on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines but, like morphine, it increased glial phagocytosis. While phagocytosis is critical for the removal of cellular and extracellular debris at the spinal injury site, increased phagocytosis after injury has been linked to the clearance of stressed but viable neurons and protracted inflammation. In sum, our data suggest that both morphine and minocycline alter the acute immune response, and reduce locomotor recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephina Rau
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Address: 301 Old Main Drive, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Lara Weise
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
| | - Robbie Moore
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 2, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
| | - Mabel Terminel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Address: 301 Old Main Drive, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kiralyn Brakel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Address: 301 Old Main Drive, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rachel Cunningham
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Jessica Bryan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Address: 301 Old Main Drive, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Alexander Stefanov
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Address: 301 Old Main Drive, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Michelle A Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Address: 8447 Riverside Parkway, Medical and Research Education Building 1, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Address: 301 Old Main Drive, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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3
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Xing C, Jia Z, Qu H, Liu S, Jiang W, Zhong H, Zhou M, Zhu S, Ning G, Feng S. Correlation Analysis Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Anatomical Assessment and Behavioral Outcome in a Rat Contusion Model of Chronic Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:838786. [PMID: 35527814 PMCID: PMC9069114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.838786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although plenty of evidences from preclinical studies have led to potential treatments for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), the failure to translate promising preclinical findings into clinical advances has long puzzled researchers. Thus, a more reliable combination of anatomical assessment and behavioral testing is urgently needed to improve the translational worth of preclinical studies. To address this issue, the present study was designed to relate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based anatomical assessment to behavioral outcome in a rat contusion model. Rats underwent contusion with three different heights to simulate various severities of SCI, and their locomotive functions were evaluated by the grid-walking test, Louisville swim scale (LSS), especially catwalk gait analysis system and basic testing, and Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score. The results showed that the lesion area (LA) is a better indicator for damage assessment compared with other parameters in sagittal T2-weighted MRI (T2WI). Although two samples are marked as outliers by the box plot analysis, LA correlated closely with all of the behavioral testing without ceiling effect and floor effect. Moreover, with a moderate severity of SCI in a contusion height of 25 mm, the smaller the LA of the spinal cord measured on sagittal T2WI the better the functional performance, the smaller the cavity region and glial scar, the more spared the myelin, the higher the volatility, and the thicker the bladder wall. We found that LA significantly related with behavior outcomes, which indicated that LA could be a proxy of damage assessment. The combination of sagittal T2WI and four types of behavioral testing can be used as a reliable scheme to evaluate the prognosis for preclinical studies of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Zeyu Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Haodong Qu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Wang Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Shibo Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangzhi Ning
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin, China
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4
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Borrell JA, Krizsan-Agbas D, Nudo RJ, Frost SB. Activity dependent stimulation increases synaptic efficacy in spared pathways in an anesthetized rat model of spinal cord contusion injury. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2022; 40:17-33. [PMID: 35213336 PMCID: PMC9108576 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-211214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Closed-loop neuromodulation systems have received increased attention in recent years as potential therapeutic approaches for treating neurological injury and disease. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS), triggered by action potentials (spikes) recorded in motor cortex, to alter synaptic efficacy in descending motor pathways in an anesthetized rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS Experiments were carried out in adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats with a moderate contusion injury at T8. For activity-dependent stimulation (ADS) sessions, a recording microelectrode was used to detect neuronal spikes in motor cortex that triggered ISMS in the spinal cord grey matter. SCI rats were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups differing by: a) cortical spike-ISMS stimulus delay (10 or 25 ms) and b) number of ISMS pulses (1 or 3). Four weeks after SCI, ADS sessions were conducted in three consecutive 1-hour conditioning bouts for a total of 3 hours. At the end of each conditioning bout, changes in synaptic efficacy were assessed using intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) to examine the number of spikes evoked in spinal cord neurons during 5-minute test bouts. A multichannel microelectrode recording array was used to record cortically-evoked spike activity from multiple layers of the spinal cord. RESULTS The results showed that ADS resulted in an increase in cortically-evoked spikes in spinal cord neurons at specific combinations of spike-ISMS delays and numbers of pulses. Efficacy in descending motor pathways was increased throughout all dorsoventral depths of the hindlimb spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS These results show that after an SCI, ADS can increase synaptic efficacy in spared pathways between motor cortex and spinal cord. This study provides further support for the potential of ADS therapy as an effective method for enhancing descending motor control after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Borrell
- Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Landon Center on Aging, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Dora Krizsan-Agbas
- Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Randolph J. Nudo
- Landon Center on Aging, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Shawn B. Frost
- Landon Center on Aging, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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5
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Long-Term Effects of Neural Precursor Cell Transplantation on Secondary Injury Processes and Functional Recovery after Severe Cervical Contusion-Compression Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313106. [PMID: 34884911 PMCID: PMC8658203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a devastating event without adequate treatment options despite decades of research. In this context, the usefulness of common preclinical SCI models has been criticized. We, therefore, aimed to use a clinically relevant animal model of severe cervical SCI to assess the long-term effects of neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation on secondary injury processes and functional recovery. To this end, we performed a clip contusion-compression injury at the C6 level in 40 female Wistar rats and a sham surgery in 10 female Wistar rats. NPCs, isolated from the subventricular zone of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing transgenic rat embryos, were transplanted ten days after the injury. Functional recovery was assessed weekly, and FluoroGold (FG) retrograde fiber-labeling, as well as manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI), were performed prior to the sacrifice of the animals eight weeks after SCI. After cryosectioning of the spinal cords, immunofluorescence staining was conducted. Results were compared between the treatment groups (NPC, Vehicle, Sham) and statistically analyzed (p < 0.05 was considered significant). Despite the severity of the injury, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality during the experiment, long-term survival of the engrafted NPCs with a predominant differentiation into oligodendrocytes could be observed after eight weeks. While myelination of the injured spinal cord was not significantly improved, NPC treated animals showed a significant increase of intact perilesional motor neurons and preserved spinal tracts compared to untreated Vehicle animals. These findings were associated with enhanced preservation of intact spinal cord tissue. However, reactive astrogliosis and inflammation where not significantly reduced by the NPC-treatment. While differences in the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) score and the Gridwalk test remained insignificant, animals in the NPC group performed significantly better in the more objective CatWalk XT gait analysis, suggesting some beneficial effects of the engrafted NPCs on the functional recovery after severe cervical SCI.
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6
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Pitzer C, Kurpiers B, Eltokhi A. Gait performance of adolescent mice assessed by the CatWalk XT depends on age, strain and sex and correlates with speed and body weight. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21372. [PMID: 34725364 PMCID: PMC8560926 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The automatization of behavioral tests assessing motor activity in rodent models is important for providing robust and reproducible results and evaluating new therapeutics. The CatWalk system is an observer-independent, automated and computerized technique for the assessment of gait performance in rodents. This method has previously been used in adult rodent models of CNS-based movement disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. As motor and gait abnormalities in neuropsychiatric disorders are observed during infancy and adolescence, it became important to validate the CatWalk XT in the gait analysis of adolescent mice and unravel factors that may cause variations in gait performance. Three adolescent wild-type inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6N, DBA/2 and FVB/N, were tested using the CatWalk XT (Version 10.6) for suitable detection settings to characterize several gait parameters at P32 and P42. The same detection settings being suitable for C57BL/6N and DBA/2 mice allowed a direct comparison between the two strains. On the other hand, due to their increased body weight and size, FVB/N mice required different detection settings. The CatWalk XT reliably measured the temporal, spatial, and interlimb coordination parameters in the investigated strains during adolescence. Additionally, significant effects of sex, development, speed and body weight within each strain confirmed the sensitivity of motor and gait functions to these factors. The CatWalk gait analysis of rodents during adolescence, taking the effect of age, strain, sex, speed and body weight into consideration, will decrease intra-laboratory discrepancies and increase the face validity of rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pitzer
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Barbara Kurpiers
- Interdisciplinary Neurobehavioral Core, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Eltokhi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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7
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Strain MM, Johnston DT, Baine RE, Reynolds JA, Huang YJ, Henwood MK, Fauss GN, Davis JA, Miranda RC, West CR, Grau JW. Hemorrhage and Locomotor Deficits Induced by Pain Input after Spinal Cord Injury Are Partially Mediated by Changes in Hemodynamics. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:3406-3430. [PMID: 34652956 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptive input diminishes recovery and increases lesion area after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Recent work has linked these effects to the expansion of hemorrhage at the site of injury. The current article examines whether these adverse effects are linked to a pain-induced rise in blood pressure (BP) and/or flow. Male rats with a low-thoracic SCI were treated with noxious input (electrical stimulation [shock] or capsaicin) soon after injury. Locomotor recovery and BP were assessed throughout. Tissues were collected 3 h, 24 h, or 21 days later. Both electrical stimulation and capsaicin undermined locomotor function and increased the area of hemorrhage. Changes in BP/flow varied depending on type of noxious input, with only shock producing changes in BP. Providing behavioral control over the termination of noxious stimulation attenuated the rise in BP and hemorrhage. Pretreatment with the α-1 adrenergic receptor inverse agonist, prazosin, reduced the stimulation-induced rise in BP and hemorrhage. Prazosin also attenuated the adverse effect that noxious stimulation has on long-term recovery. Administration of the adrenergic agonist, norepinephrine 1 day after injury induced an increase in BP and disrupted locomotor function, but had little effect on hemorrhage. Further, inducing a rise in BP/flow using norepinephrine undermined long-term recovery and increased tissue loss. Mediational analyses suggest that the pain-induced rise in blood flow may foster hemorrhage after SCI. Increased BP appears to act through an independent process to adversely affect locomotor performance, tissue sparing, and long-term recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misty M Strain
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - David T Johnston
- Cellular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel E Baine
- Cellular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Joshua A Reynolds
- Cellular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Melissa K Henwood
- Cellular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gizelle N Fauss
- Cellular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jacob A Davis
- Cellular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher R West
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James W Grau
- Cellular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, and College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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8
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Bannerman CA, Douchant K, Sheth PM, Ghasemlou N. The gut-brain axis and beyond: Microbiome control of spinal cord injury pain in humans and rodents. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2021; 9:100059. [PMID: 33426367 PMCID: PMC7779861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2020.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating injury to the central nervous system in which 60 to 80% of patients experience chronic pain. Unfortunately, this pain is notoriously difficult to treat, with few effective options currently available. Patients are also commonly faced with various compounding injuries and medical challenges, often requiring frequent hospitalization and antibiotic treatment. Change in the gut microbiome from the "normal" state to one of imbalance, referred to as gut dysbiosis, has been found in both patients and rodent models following SCI. Similarities exist in the bacterial changes observed after SCI and other diseases with chronic pain as an outcome. These changes cause a shift in the regulation of inflammation, causing immune cell activation and secretion of inflammatory mediators that likely contribute to the generation/maintenance of SCI pain. Therefore, correcting gut dysbiosis may be used as a tool towards providing patients with effective pain management and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A. Bannerman
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katya Douchant
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prameet M. Sheth
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Microbiology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Gastrointestinal Disease Research Unit, Kingston Health Sciences Center, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nader Ghasemlou
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Khaing ZZ, Cates LN, Dewees DM, Hyde JE, Gaing A, Birjandian Z, Hofstetter CP. Effect of Durotomy versus Myelotomy on Tissue Sparing and Functional Outcome after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2020; 38:746-755. [PMID: 33121382 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Various surgical strategies have been developed to alleviate elevated intraspinal pressure (ISP) following acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Surgical decompression of either the dural (durotomy) or the dural and pial (myelotomy) lining of the spinal cord has been proposed. However, a direct comparison of these two strategies is lacking. Here, we compare the histological and functional effects of durotomy alone and durotomy plus myelotomy in a rodent model of acute thoracic tSCI. Our results indicate that tSCI causes local tissue edema and significantly elevates ISP (7.4 ± 0.3 mmHg) compared with physiological ISP (1.7 ± 0.4 mmHg; p < 0.001). Both durotomy alone and durotomy plus myelotomy effectively mitigate elevated local ISP (p < 0.001). Histological examination at 10 weeks after tSCI revealed that durotomy plus myelotomy promoted spinal tissue sparing by 13.7% compared with durotomy alone, and by 25.9% compared with tSCI-only (p < 0.0001). Both types of decompression surgeries elicited a significant beneficial impact on gray matter sparing (p < 0.01). Impressively, durotomy plus myelotomy surgery increased preservation of motor neurons by 174.3% compared with tSCI-only (p < 0.05). Durotomy plus myelotomy surgery also significantly promoted recovery of hindlimb locomotor function in an open-field test (p < 0.001). Interestingly, only durotomy alone resulted in favorable recovery of bladder and Ladder Walk performance. Combined, our data suggest that durotomy plus myelotomy following acute tSCI facilitates tissue sparing and recovery of locomotor function. In the future, biomarkers identifying spinal cord injuries that can benefit from either durotomy alone or durotomy plus myelotomy need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zin Z Khaing
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsay N Cates
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dane M Dewees
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Hyde
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ashley Gaing
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Zeinab Birjandian
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christoph P Hofstetter
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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10
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Jannesar S, Salegio EA, Beattie MS, Bresnahan JC, Sparrey CJ. Correlating Tissue Mechanics and Spinal Cord Injury: Patient-Specific Finite Element Models of Unilateral Cervical Contusion Spinal Cord Injury in Non-Human Primates. J Neurotrauma 2020; 38:698-717. [PMID: 33066716 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-human primate (NHP) models are the closest approximation of human spinal cord injury (SCI) available for pre-clinical trials. The NHP models, however, include broader morphological variability that can confound experimental outcomes. We developed subject-specific finite element (FE) models to quantify the relationship between impact mechanics and SCI, including the correlations between FE outcomes and tissue damage. Subject-specific models of cervical unilateral contusion SCI were generated from pre-injury MRIs of six NHPs. Stress and strain outcomes were compared with lesion histology using logit analysis. A parallel generic model was constructed to compare the outcomes of subject-specific and generic models. The FE outcomes were correlated more strongly with gray matter damage (0.29 < R2 < 0.76) than white matter (0.18 < R2 < 0.58). Maximum/minimum principal strain, Von-Mises and Tresca stresses showed the strongest correlations (0.31 < R2 < 0.76) with tissue damage in the gray matter while minimum principal strain, Von-Mises stress, and Tresca stress best predicted white matter damage (0.23 < R2 < 0.58). Tissue damage thresholds varied for each subject. The generic FE model captured the impact biomechanics in two of the four models; however, the correlations between FE outcomes and tissue damage were weaker than the subject-specific models (gray matter [0.25 < R2 < 0.69] and white matter [R2 < 0.06] except for one subject [0.26 < R2 < 0.48]). The FE mechanical outputs correlated with tissue damage in spinal cord white and gray matters, and the subject-specific models accurately mimicked the biomechanics of NHP cervical contusion impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Jannesar
- Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ernesto A Salegio
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael S Beattie
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jacqueline C Bresnahan
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carolyn J Sparrey
- Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.,International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Kremer M, Becker LJ, Barrot M, Yalcin I. How to study anxiety and depression in rodent models of chronic pain? Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:236-270. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Kremer
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Léa J. Becker
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Michel Barrot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
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12
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Differences in Morphometric Measures of the Uninjured Porcine Spinal Cord and Dural Sac Predict Histological and Behavioral Outcomes after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3005-3017. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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13
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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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14
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Aceves M, Terminel MN, Okoreeh A, Aceves AR, Gong YM, Polanco A, Sohrabji F, Hook MA. Morphine increases macrophages at the lesion site following spinal cord injury: Protective effects of minocycline. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 79:125-138. [PMID: 30684649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are among the most effective and widely prescribed medications for the treatment of pain following spinal cord injury (SCI). Spinally-injured patients receive opioids within hours of arrival at the emergency room, and prolonged opioid regimens are often employed for the management of post-SCI chronic pain. However, previous studies in our laboratory suggest that the effects of opioids such as morphine may be altered in the pathophysiological context of neurotrauma. Specifically, we have shown that morphine administration in a rodent model of SCI increases mortality and tissue loss at the injury site, and decreases recovery of motor and sensory function, and overall health, even weeks after treatment. The literature suggests that opioids may produce these adverse effects by acting as endotoxins and increasing glial activation and inflammation. To better understand the effects of morphine following SCI, in this study we used flow cytometry to assess immune-competent cells at the lesion site. We observed a morphine-induced increase in the overall number of CD11b+ cells, with marked effects on microglia, in SCI subjects. Next, to investigate whether this increase in the inflammatory profile is necessary to produce morphine's effects, we challenged morphine treatment with minocycline. We found that pre-treatment with minocycline reduced the morphine-induced increase in microglia at the lesion site. More importantly, minocycline also blocked the adverse effects of morphine on recovery of function without disrupting the analgesic efficacy of this opioid. Together, our findings suggest that following SCI, morphine may exacerbate the inflammatory response, increasing cell death at the lesion site and negatively affecting functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Aceves
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
| | - Mabel N Terminel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
| | - Andre Okoreeh
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
| | - Alejandro R Aceves
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
| | - Yan Ming Gong
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
| | - Alan Polanco
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
| | - Farida Sohrabji
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
| | - Michelle A Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, United States.
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15
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Ahmed RU, Alam M, Zheng YP. Experimental spinal cord injury and behavioral tests in laboratory rats. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01324. [PMID: 30906898 PMCID: PMC6411514 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in some serious neurophysiological consequences that alter healthy body functions and devastate the quality of living of individuals. To find a cure for SCI, researchers around the world are working on different neurorepair and neurorehabilitation modalities. To test a new treatment for SCI as well as to understand the mechanism of recovery, animal models are being widely used. Among them, SCI rat models are arguably the most prominent. Furthermore, it is important to select a suitable behavioral test to evaluate both the motor and sensory recovery following any therapeutic intervention. In this paper, we review the rat models of spinal injury and commonly used behavioral tests to serve as a useful guideline for neuroscientists in the field of SCI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakib Uddin Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Monzurul Alam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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16
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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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17
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Diogo CC, da Costa LM, Pereira JE, Filipe V, Couto PA, Geuna S, Armada-da-Silva PA, Maurício AC, Varejão ASP. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis to evaluate functional recovery in thoracic spinal cord injured rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:18-28. [PMID: 30611796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The recovery of walking function following spinal cord injury (SCI) is of major importance to patients and clinicians. In experimental SCI studies, a rat model is widely used to assess walking function, following thoracic spinal cord lesion. In an effort to provide a resource which investigators can refer to when seeking the most appropriate functional assay, the authors have compiled and categorized the behavioral assessments used to measure the deficits and recovery of the gait in thoracic SCI rats. These categories include kinematic and kinetic measurements. Within this categorization, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of measurement. The present review includes the type of outcome data that they produce, the technical difficulty and the time required to potentially train the animals to perform them, and the need for expensive or highly specialized equipment. The use of multiple kinematic and kinetic parameters is recommended to identify subtle deficits and processes involved in the compensatory mechanisms of walking function after experimental thoracic SCI in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Cardoso Diogo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Maltez da Costa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José Eduardo Pereira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Vítor Filipe
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; INESC TEC, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200 - 465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Alexandre Couto
- Department of Engineering, School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Paulo A Armada-da-Silva
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Dafundo, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal; CIPER-FMH: Centro Interdisciplinar de Estudo de Performance Humana, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana (FMH), Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa), Estrada da Costa, 1499-002, Cruz Quebrada - Dafundo, Portugal
| | - Ana Colette Maurício
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Animal Science and Study Centre (CECA), Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agroenvironment of the University of Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401, Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur S P Varejão
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; CECAV, Centre for Animal Sciences and Veterinary Studies, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
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18
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Qian J, Wu W, Xiong W, Chai Z, Xu XM, Jin X. Longitudinal Optogenetic Motor Mapping Revealed Structural and Functional Impairments and Enhanced Corticorubral Projection after Contusive Spinal Cord Injury in Mice. J Neurotrauma 2018; 36:485-499. [PMID: 29848155 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Current evaluation of impairment and repair after spinal cord injury (SCI) is largely dependent on behavioral assessment and histological analysis of injured tissue and pathways. Here, we evaluated whether transcranial optogenetic mapping of motor cortex could reflect longitudinal structural and functional damage and recovery after SCI. In Thy1-Channelrhodopsin2 transgenic mice, repeated motor mappings were made by recording optogenetically evoked electromyograms (EMGs) of a hindlimb at baseline and 1 day and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after mild, moderate, and severe spinal cord contusion. Injuries caused initial decreases in EMG amplitude, losses of motor map, and subsequent partial recoveries, all of which corresponded to injury severity. Reductions in map size were positively correlated with motor performance, as measured by Basso Mouse Scale, rota-rod, and grid walk tests, at different time points, as well as with lesion area at spinal cord epicenter at 6 weeks post-SCI. Retrograde tracing with Fluoro-Gold showed decreased numbers of cortico- and rubrospinal neurons, with the latter being negatively correlated with motor map size. Combined retro- and anterograde tracing and immunostaining revealed more neurons activated in red nucleus by cortical stimulation and enhanced corticorubral axons and synapses in red nucleus after SCI. Electrophysiological recordings showed lower threshold and higher amplitude of corticorubral synaptic response after SCI. We conclude that transcranial optogenetic motor mapping is sensitive and efficient for longitudinal evaluation of impairment and plasticity of SCI, and that spinal cord contusion induces stronger anatomical and functional corticorubral connection that may contribute to spontaneous recovery of motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Qian
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,2 Department of Spinal Surgery and Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wu
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Wenhui Xiong
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Zhi Chai
- 3 Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiaoming Jin
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Department of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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19
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Faw TD, Lerch JK, Thaxton TT, Deibert RJ, Fisher LC, Basso DM. Unique Sensory and Motor Behavior in Thy1-GFP-M Mice before and after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:2167-2182. [PMID: 29385890 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorimotor recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) is of utmost importance to injured individuals and will rely on improved understanding of SCI pathology and recovery. Novel transgenic mouse lines facilitate discovery, but must be understood to be effective. The purpose of this study was to characterize the sensory and motor behavior of a common transgenic mouse line (Thy1-GFP-M) before and after SCI. Thy1-GFP-M positive (TG+) mice and their transgene negative littermates (TG-) were acquired from two sources (in-house colony, n = 32, Jackson Laboratories, n = 4). C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice (Jackson Laboratories, n = 10) were strain controls. Moderate-severe T9 contusion (SCI) or transection (TX) occurred in TG+ (SCI, n = 25, TX, n = 5), TG- (SCI, n = 5), and WT (SCI, n = 10) mice. To determine responsiveness to rehabilitation, a cohort of TG+ mice with SCI (n = 4) had flat treadmill (TM) training 42-49 days post-injury (dpi). To characterize recovery, we performed Basso Mouse Scale, Grid Walk, von Frey Hair, and Plantar Heat Testing before and out to day 42 post-SCI. Open field locomotion was significantly better in the Thy1 SCI groups (TG+ and TG-) compared with WT by 7 dpi (p < 0.01) and was maintained through 42 dpi (p < 0.01). These unexpected locomotor gains were not apparent during grid walking, indicating severe impairment of precise motor control. Thy1 derived mice were hypersensitive to mechanical stimuli at baseline (p < 0.05). After SCI, mechanical hyposensitivity emerged in Thy1 derived groups (p < 0.001), while thermal hyperalgesia occurred in all groups (p < 0.001). Importantly, consistent findings across TG+ and TG- groups suggest that the effects are mediated by the genetic background rather than transgene manipulation itself. Surprisingly, TM training restored mechanical and thermal sensation to baseline levels in TG+ mice with SCI. This behavioral profile and responsiveness to chronic training will be important to consider when choosing models to study the mechanisms underlying sensorimotor recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Faw
- 1 Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jessica K Lerch
- 3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,4 Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tyler T Thaxton
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rochelle J Deibert
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lesley C Fisher
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - D Michele Basso
- 2 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.,3 Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
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20
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Abdullahi D, Annuar AA, Mohamad M, Aziz I, Sanusi J. Experimental spinal cord trauma: a review of mechanically induced spinal cord injury in rat models. Rev Neurosci 2018; 28:15-20. [PMID: 27845888 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that animal spinal cord compression (using methods such as clips, balloons, spinal cord strapping, or calibrated forceps) mimics the persistent spinal canal occlusion that is common in human spinal cord injury (SCI). These methods can be used to investigate the effects of compression or to know the optimal timing of decompression (as duration of compression can affect the outcome of pathology) in acute SCI. Compression models involve prolonged cord compression and are distinct from contusion models, which apply only transient force to inflict an acute injury to the spinal cord. While the use of forceps to compress the spinal cord is a common choice due to it being inexpensive, it has not been critically assessed against the other methods to determine whether it is the best method to use. To date, there is no available review specifically focused on the current compression methods of inducing SCI in rats; thus, we performed a systematic and comprehensive publication search to identify studies on experimental spinalization in rat models, and this review discusses the advantages and limitations of each method.
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21
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Zhang C, Rong W, Zhang GH, Wang AH, Wu CZ, Huo XL. Early electrical field stimulation prevents the loss of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons and muscle atrophy following spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:869-876. [PMID: 29863018 PMCID: PMC5998640 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.232483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that early application of electrical field stimulation (EFS) with the anode at the lesion and the cathode distal to the lesion reduced injury potential, inhibited secondary injury and was neuroprotective in the dorsal corticospinal tract after spinal cord injury (SCI). The objective of this study was to further evaluate the effect of EFS on protection of anterior horn motoneurons and their target musculature after SCI and its mechanism. Rats were randomized into three equal groups. The EFS group received EFS for 30 minutes immediately after injury at T10. SCI group rats were only subjected to SCI and sham group rats were only subjected to laminectomy. Luxol fast blue staining demonstrated that spinal cord tissue in the injury center was better protected; cross-sectional area and perimeter of injured tissue were significantly smaller in the EFS group than in the SCI group. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of spinal cord anterior horn motoneurons was greater and the number of abnormal neurons reduced in the EFS group compared with the SCI group. Wet weight and cross-sectional area of vastus lateralis muscles were smaller in the SCI group to in the sham group. However, EFS improved muscle atrophy and behavioral examination showed that EFS significantly increased the angle in the inclined plane test and Tarlov's motor grading score. The above results confirm that early EFS can effectively impede spinal cord anterior horn motoneuron loss, promote motor function recovery and reduce muscle atrophy in rats after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Rong
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Hao Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ai-Hua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Zhe Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Huo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Liu CB, Yang DG, Meng QR, Li DP, Yang ML, Sun W, Zhang WH, Cai C, Du LJ, Li J, Gao F, Yu Y, Zhang X, Zuo ZT, Li JJ. Dynamic correlation of diffusion tensor imaging and neurological function scores in beagles with spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:877-886. [PMID: 29863019 PMCID: PMC5998642 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.232485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring the relationship between different structure of the spinal cord and functional assessment after spinal cord injury is important. Quantitative diffusion tensor imaging can provide information about the microstructure of nerve tissue and can quantify the pathological damage of spinal cord white matter and gray matter. In this study, a custom-designed spinal cord contusion-impactor was used to damage the T10 spinal cord of beagles. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to observe changes in the whole spinal cord, white matter, and gray matter, and the Texas Spinal Cord Injury Score was used to assess changes in neurological function at 3 hours, 24 hours, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after injury. With time, fractional anisotropy values after spinal cord injury showed a downward trend, and the apparent diffusion coefficient, mean diffusivity, and radial diffusivity first decreased and then increased. The apparent diffusion-coefficient value was highly associated with the Texas Spinal Cord Injury Score for the whole spinal cord (R = 0.919, P = 0.027), white matter (R = 0.932, P = 0.021), and gray matter (R = 0.882, P = 0.048). Additionally, the other parameters had almost no correlation with the score (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the highest and most significant correlation between diffusion parameters and neurological function was the apparent diffusion-coefficient value for white matter, indicating that it could be used to predict the recovery of neurological function accurately after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Bin Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - De-Gang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Qian-Ru Meng
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Da-Peng Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Liang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Hao Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Cai
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Tao Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; The Innovation Center of Excellence on Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Function Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; China Rehabilitation Science Institute; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
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23
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Nardone R, Florea C, Höller Y, Brigo F, Versace V, Lochner P, Golaszewski S, Trinka E. Rodent, large animal and non-human primate models of spinal cord injury. ZOOLOGY 2017; 123:101-114. [PMID: 28720322 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In this narrative review we aimed to assess the usefulness of the different animal models in identifying injury mechanisms and developing therapies for humans suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI). Results obtained from rodent studies are useful but, due to the anatomical, molecular and functional differences, confirmation of these findings in large animals or non-human primates may lead to basic discoveries that cannot be made in rodent models and that are more useful for developing treatment strategies in humans. SCI in dogs can be considered as intermediate between rodent models and human clinical trials, but the primate models could help to develop appropriate methods that might be more relevant to humans. Ideally, an animal model should meet the requirements of availability and repeatability as well as reproduce the anatomical features and the clinical pathological changing process of SCI. An animal model that completely simulates SCI in humans does not exist. The different experimental models of SCI have advantages and disadvantages for investigating the different aspects of lesion development, recovery mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. The potential advantages of non-human primate models include genetic similarities, similar caliber/length of the spinal cord as well as biological and physiological responses to injury which are more similar to humans. Among the potential disadvantages, high operating costs, infrastructural requirements and ethical concerns should be considered. The translation from experimental repair strategies to clinical applications needs to be investigated in future carefully designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Nardone
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria; Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Via Rossini 5, I-39012, Merano, Italy; Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Cristina Florea
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Yvonne Höller
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Franz Tappeiner Hospital, Via Rossini 5, I-39012, Merano, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Neurology, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, I-37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Viviana Versace
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno, Via Santa Margherita 24, I-39049, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Lochner
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrberger-Str. 100, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Golaszewski
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria; Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria
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24
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Khaing ZZ, Cates LN, Fischedick AE, McClintic AM, Mourad PD, Hofstetter CP. Temporal and Spatial Evolution of Raised Intraspinal Pressure after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:645-651. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zin Z. Khaing
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lindsay N. Cates
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amanda E. Fischedick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Abbi M. McClintic
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Pierre D. Mourad
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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25
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Rong W, Pan YW, Cai X, Song F, Zhao Z, Xiao SH, Zhang C. The mechanism of Naringin-enhanced remyelination after spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:470-477. [PMID: 28469664 PMCID: PMC5399727 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.202923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that intragastric administration of naringin improved remyelination in rats with spinal cord injury and promoted the recovery of neurological function of the injured spinal cord. This study sought to reveal the mechanisms by which naringin improves oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and maturation, and promotes remyelination. Spinal cord injury was induced in rats by the weight-drop method. Naringin was intragastrically administered daily (20, 40 mg/kg) for 4 weeks after spinal cord injury induction. Behavioral assessment, histopathological staining, immunofluorescence spectroscopy, ultrastructural analysis and biochemical assays were employed. Naringin treatment remarkably mitigated demyelination in the white matter, increased the quality of myelinated nerve fibers and myelin sheath thickness, promoted oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation by upregulating the expression of NKx2.2 and 2′3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase, and inhibited β-catenin expression and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) phosphorylation. These findings indicate that naringin treatment regulates oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and promotes remyelination after spinal cord injury through the β-catenin/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Rong
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Wei Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Song
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Beijing, China
| | - Song-Hua Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetism, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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26
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Aceves M, Bancroft EA, Aceves AR, Hook MA. Nor-Binaltorphimine Blocks the Adverse Effects of Morphine after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2016; 34:1164-1174. [PMID: 27736318 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids are frequently used for the treatment of pain following spinal cord injury (SCI). Unfortunately, we have shown that morphine administered in the acute phase of SCI results in significant, adverse secondary consequences including compromised locomotor and sensory recovery. Similarly, we showed that selective activation of the κ-opioid receptor (KOR), even at a dose 32-fold lower than morphine, is sufficient to attenuate recovery of locomotor function. In the current study, we tested whether activation of the KOR is necessary to produce morphine's adverse effects using nor-Binaltorphimine (norBNI), a selective KOR antagonist. Rats received a moderate spinal contusion (T12) and 24 h later, baseline locomotor function and nociceptive reactivity were assessed. Rats were then administered norBNI (0, 0.02, 0.08, or 0.32 μmol) followed by morphine (0 or 0.32 μmol). Nociception was reassessed 30 min after drug treatment, and recovery was evaluated for 21 days. The effects of norBNI on morphine-induced attenuation of recovery were dose dependent. At higher doses, norBNI blocked the adverse effects of morphine on locomotor recovery, but analgesia was also significantly decreased. Conversely, at low doses, analgesia was maintained, but the adverse effects on recovery persisted. A moderate dose of norBNI, however, adequately protected against morphine's adverse effects without eliminating its analgesic efficacy. This suggests that activation of the KOR system plays a significant role in the morphine-induced attenuation of recovery. Our research suggests that morphine, and other opioid analgesics, may be contraindicated for the SCI population. Blocking KOR activity may be a viable strategy for improving the safety of clinical opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Aceves
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - Eric A Bancroft
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - Alejandro R Aceves
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - Michelle A Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
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27
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Hook MA, Woller SA, Bancroft E, Aceves M, Funk MK, Hartman J, Garraway SM. Neurobiological Effects of Morphine after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2016; 34:632-644. [PMID: 27762659 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used commonly to manage pain in the early phase of spinal cord injury (SCI). Despite its analgesic efficacy, however, our studies suggest that intrathecal morphine undermines locomotor recovery and increases lesion size in a rodent model of SCI. Similarly, intravenous (IV) morphine attenuates locomotor recovery. The current study explores whether IV morphine also increases lesion size after a spinal contusion (T12) injury and quantifies the cell types that are affected by early opioid administration. Using an experimenter-administered escalating dose of IV morphine across the first seven days post-injury, we quantified the expression of neuron, astrocyte, and microglial markers at the injury site. SCI decreased NeuN expression relative to shams. In subjects with SCI treated with IV morphine, virtually no NeuN+ cells remained across the rostral-caudal extent of the lesion. Further, whereas SCI per se increased the expression of astrocyte and microglial markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein and OX-42, respectively), morphine treatment decreased the expression of these markers. These cellular changes were accompanied by attenuation of locomotor recovery (Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan scores), decreased weight gain, and the development of opioid-induced hyperalgesia (increased tactile reactivity) in morphine-treated subjects. These data suggest that morphine use is contraindicated in the acute phase of a spinal injury. Faced with a lifetime of intractable pain, however, simply removing any effective analgesic for the management of SCI pain is not an ideal option. Instead, these data underscore the critical need for further understanding of the molecular pathways engaged by conventional medications within the pathophysiological context of an injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Hook
- 1 Texas A&M University Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas.,2 Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - Sarah A Woller
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, University of California , San Diego, California
| | - Eric Bancroft
- 2 Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - Miriam Aceves
- 1 Texas A&M University Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas.,2 Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - Mary Katherine Funk
- 2 Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - John Hartman
- 2 Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
| | - Sandra M Garraway
- 4 Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, Georgia
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28
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Fonseca AFBDA, Scheffer JP, Coelho BP, Aiello G, Guimarães AG, Gama CRB, Vescovini V, Cabral PGA, Oliveira ALA. Technique of spinal cord compression induced by inflation of epidural balloon catheter in rabbits (Oryctologus cuniculus): efficient and easy to use model. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2016; 88:1511-7. [PMID: 27556225 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201620160060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of spinal cord injury are high impact trauma, which often result in some motor impairment, sensory or autonomic a greater or lesser extent in the distal areas the level of trauma. In terms of survival and complications due to sequelae, veterinary patients have a poor prognosis unfavorable. Therefore justified the study of experimental models of spinal cord injury production that could provide more support to research potential treatments for spinal cord injuries in medicine and veterinary medicine. Preclinical studies of acute spinal cord injury require an experimental animal model easily reproducible. The most common experimental animal model is the rat, and several techniques for producing a spinal cord injury. The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the effectiveness of acute spinal cord injury production technique through inflation of Fogarty(r) catheter using rabbits as an experimental model because it is a species that has fewer conclusive publications and contemplating. The main requirements of a model as low cost, handling convenience, reproducibility and uniformity. The technique was adequate for performing preclinical studies in neuro-traumatology area, effectively leading to degeneration and necrosis of the nervous tissue fostering the emergence of acute paraplegia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio F B DA Fonseca
- Unidade de Experimentação Animal/UEA, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Jussara P Scheffer
- Unidade de Experimentação Animal/UEA, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Barbara P Coelho
- Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Graciane Aiello
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, 1000, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - Arthur G Guimarães
- Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Carlos R B Gama
- Fundação Educacional Serra dos Órgãos, Av. Alberto Torres, 111, Alto, 25964-000 Teresópolis, RJ, Brasil
| | - Victor Vescovini
- Unidade de Experimentação Animal/UEA, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Paula G A Cabral
- Unidade de Experimentação Animal/UEA, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - André L A Oliveira
- Unidade de Experimentação Animal/UEA, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
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29
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Abstract
Apoptosis is the morphological counterpart of active, genetically programmed cell death and is important in development, immune function, and carcinogenesis. Recent data suggest that apoptosis may be important in neurodegenerative disorders, ischemic brain injury, and neurotrauma as well. Here we review very recent data from our laboratory and others that show that at least some of the pronounced secondary injury that follows spinal cord injury (SCI) may be caused by apoptosis and associated intracellular death pathways. Both neurons and glia seem to die by apoptosis; the response of oligodendrocytes in long tracts undergoing Wallerian degeneration is particularly long lived and may be responsible for chronic demyelination and some of the dysfunction in chronic SCI. These findings suggest that the therapeutic window for treatment of acute SCI may extend into the chronic phase. In addition, proliferation of ependymal cells occurs in concert with cell death, suggesting that both degeneration and repair may occur at the same time. Therapies aimed at altering the balance between these cellular events may be useful for future treatments of SCI. NEURO SCIENTIST 4:163-171, 1998
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Beattie
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy (MSB, SLS, JCB) and Division of Neurosurgery (MSB) The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health Columbus, Ohio
| | - Sheri L. Shuman
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy (MSB, SLS, JCB) and Division of Neurosurgery (MSB) The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jacqueline C. Bresnahan
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy (MSB, SLS, JCB) and Division of Neurosurgery (MSB) The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health Columbus, Ohio
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30
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Sparrey CJ, Salegio EA, Camisa W, Tam H, Beattie MS, Bresnahan JC. Mechanical Design and Analysis of a Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Contusion Injury Model in Non-Human Primates. J Neurotrauma 2016; 33:1136-49. [PMID: 26670940 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.3974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primate (NHP) models of spinal cord injury better reflect human injury and provide a better foundation to evaluate potential treatments and functional outcomes. We combined finite element (FE) and surrogate models with impact data derived from in vivo experiments to define the impact mechanics needed to generate a moderate severity unilateral cervical contusion injury in NHPs (Macaca mulatta). Three independent variables (impactor displacement, alignment, and pre-load) were examined to determine their effects on tissue level stresses and strains. Mechanical measures of peak force, peak displacement, peak energy, and tissue stiffness were analyzed as potential determinants of injury severity. Data generated from FE simulations predicted a lateral shift of the spinal cord at high levels of compression (>64%) during impact. Submillimeter changes in mediolateral impactor position over the midline increased peak impact forces (>50%). Surrogate cords established a 0.5 N pre-load protocol for positioning the impactor tip onto the dural surface to define a consistent dorsoventral baseline position before impact, which corresponded with cerebrospinal fluid displacement and entrapment of the spinal cord against the vertebral canal. Based on our simulations, impactor alignment and pre-load were strong contributors to the variable mechanical and functional outcomes observed in in vivo experiments. Peak displacement of 4 mm after a 0.5N pre-load aligned 0.5-1.0 mm over the midline should result in a moderate severity injury; however, the observed peak force and calculated peak energy and tissue stiffness are required to properly characterize the severity and variability of in vivo NHP contusion injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Sparrey
- 1 Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University , Surrey, British Columbia, Canada .,2 International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ernesto A Salegio
- 3 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - William Camisa
- 4 Taylor Collaboration, St Mary's Medical Center , San Francisco, California
| | - Horace Tam
- 1 Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University , Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Beattie
- 3 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - Jacqueline C Bresnahan
- 3 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
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31
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Unilateral microinjection of acrolein into thoracic spinal cord produces acute and chronic injury and functional deficits. Neuroscience 2016; 326:84-94. [PMID: 27058147 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although lipid peroxidation has long been associated with spinal cord injury (SCI), the specific role of lipid peroxidation-derived byproducts such as acrolein in mediating damage remains to be fully understood. Acrolein, an α-β unsaturated aldehyde, is highly reactive with proteins, DNA, and phospholipids and is considered as a second toxic messenger that disseminates and augments initial free radical events. Previously, we showed that acrolein increased following traumatic SCI and injection of acrolein induced tissue damage. Here, we demonstrate that microinjection of acrolein into the thoracic spinal cord of adult rats resulted in dose-dependent tissue damage and functional deficits. At 24h (acute) after the microinjection, tissue damage, motoneuron loss, and spinal cord swelling were observed on sections stained with Cresyl Violet. Luxol fast blue staining further showed that acrolein injection resulted in dose-dependent demyelination. At 8weeks (chronic) after the microinjection, cord shrinkage, astrocyte activation, and macrophage infiltration were observed along with tissue damage, neuron loss, and demyelination. These pathological changes resulted in behavioral impairments as measured by both the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and grid walking analysis. Electron microscopy further demonstrated that acrolein induced axonal degeneration, demyelination, and macrophage infiltration. These results, combined with our previous reports, strongly suggest that acrolein may play a critical causal role in the pathogenesis of SCI and that targeting acrolein could be an attractive strategy for repair after SCI.
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32
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Hansen CN, Faw TD, White S, Buford JA, Grau JW, Basso DM. Sparing of Descending Axons Rescues Interneuron Plasticity in the Lumbar Cord to Allow Adaptive Learning After Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury. Front Neural Circuits 2016; 10:11. [PMID: 26973469 PMCID: PMC4773638 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2016.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the role of spared axons on structural and behavioral neuroplasticity in the lumbar enlargement after a thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). Previous work has demonstrated that recovery in the presence of spared axons after an incomplete lesion increases behavioral output after a subsequent complete spinal cord transection (TX). This suggests that spared axons direct adaptive changes in below-level neuronal networks of the lumbar cord. In response to spared fibers, we postulate that lumbar neuron networks support behavioral gains by preventing aberrant plasticity. As such, the present study measured histological and functional changes in the isolated lumbar cord after complete TX or incomplete contusion (SCI). To measure functional plasticity in the lumbar cord, we used an established instrumental learning paradigm (ILP). In this paradigm, neural circuits within isolated lumbar segments demonstrate learning by an increase in flexion duration that reduces exposure to a noxious leg shock. We employed this model using a proof-of-principle design to evaluate the role of sparing on lumbar learning and plasticity early (7 days) or late (42 days) after midthoracic SCI in a rodent model. Early after SCI or TX at 7 days, spinal learning was unattainable regardless of whether the animal recovered with or without axonal substrate. Failed learning occurred alongside measures of cell soma atrophy and aberrant dendritic spine expression within interneuron populations responsible for sensorimotor integration and learning. Alternatively, exposure of the lumbar cord to a small amount of spared axons for 6 weeks produced near-normal learning late after SCI. This coincided with greater cell soma volume and fewer aberrant dendritic spines on interneurons. Thus, an opportunity to influence activity-based learning in locomotor networks depends on spared axons limiting maladaptive plasticity. Together, this work identifies a time dependent interaction between spared axonal systems and adaptive plasticity in locomotor networks and highlights a critical window for activity-based rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N. Hansen
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
- Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy D. Faw
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
- Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
| | - Susan White
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
| | - John A. Buford
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
- Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
| | - James W. Grau
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX, USA
| | - D. Michele Basso
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
- Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State UniversityColumbus, OH, USA
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Aceves M, Mathai BB, Hook MA. Evaluation of the effects of specific opioid receptor agonists in a rodent model of spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2016; 54:767-777. [PMID: 26927293 PMCID: PMC5009008 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2016.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective The current study aimed to evaluate the contribution(s) of specific
opioid receptor systems to the analgesic and detrimental effects of
morphine, observed after spinal cord injury in prior studies. Study Design We used specific opioid receptor agonists to assess the effects of
µ- (DAMGO), δ- (DPDPE), and κ- (GR89696) opioid
receptor activation on locomotor (BBB, tapered beam, ladder tests) and
sensory (girdle, tactile, and tail-flick tests) recovery in a rodent
contusion model (T12). We also tested the contribution of non-classic opioid
binding using [+]- morphine. Methods First, a dose-response curve for analgesic efficacy was generated for
each opioid agonist. Baseline locomotor and sensory reactivity was assessed
24 h after injury. Subjects were then treated with an intrathecal dose of a
specific agonist and re-tested after 30 min. To evaluate effects on
recovery, subjects were treated with a single dose of an agonist and both
locomotor and sensory function were monitored for 21 d. Results All agonists for the classic opioid receptors, but not the [+]-
morphine enantiomer, produced antinociception at a concentration equivalent
to a dose of morphine previously shown to produce strong analgesic effects
(0.32 μmol). DAMGO and [+]- morphine did not affect long-term
recovery. GR89696, however, significantly undermined recovery of locomotor
function at all doses tested. Conclusions Based on these data, we hypothesize that the analgesic efficacy of
morphine is primarily mediated by binding to the classic μ-opioid
receptor. Conversely, the adverse effects of morphine may be linked to
activation of the κ-opioid receptor. Ultimately, elucidating the
molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of morphine is imperative in
order to develop safe and effective pharmacological interventions in a
clinical setting. Setting USA
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aceves
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - B B Mathai
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - M A Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
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Salegio EA, Bresnahan JC, Sparrey CJ, Camisa W, Fischer J, Leasure J, Buckley J, Nout-Lomas YS, Rosenzweig ES, Moseanko R, Strand S, Hawbecker S, Lemoy MJ, Haefeli J, Ma X, Nielson JL, Edgerton VR, Ferguson AR, Tuszynski MH, Beattie MS. A Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Contusion Injury Model in Non-Human Primates (Macaca mulatta). J Neurotrauma 2016; 33:439-59. [PMID: 26788611 PMCID: PMC4799702 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.3956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a non-human primate (NHP) model of spinal cord injury (SCI) based on mechanical and computational modeling is described. We scaled up from a rodent model to a larger primate model using a highly controllable, friction-free, electronically-driven actuator to generate unilateral C6-C7 spinal cord injuries. Graded contusion lesions with varying degrees of functional recovery, depending upon pre-set impact parameters, were produced in nine NHPs. Protocols and pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to optimize the predictability of outcomes by matching impact protocols to the size of each animal's spinal canal, cord, and cerebrospinal fluid space. Post-operative MRI confirmed lesion placement and provided information on lesion volume and spread for comparison with histological measures. We evaluated the relationships between impact parameters, lesion measures, and behavioral outcomes, and confirmed that these relationships were consistent with our previous studies in the rat. In addition to providing multiple univariate outcome measures, we also developed an integrated outcome metric describing the multivariate cervical SCI syndrome. Impacts at the higher ranges of peak force produced highly lateralized and enduring deficits in multiple measures of forelimb and hand function, while lower energy impacts produced early weakness followed by substantial recovery but enduring deficits in fine digital control (e.g., pincer grasp). This model provides a clinically relevant system in which to evaluate the safety and, potentially, the efficacy of candidate translational therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto A Salegio
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - Jacqueline C Bresnahan
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - Carolyn J Sparrey
- 2 School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University , Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - William Camisa
- 3 Taylor Collaboration, St. Mary's Medical Center , San Francisco, California
| | - Jason Fischer
- 3 Taylor Collaboration, St. Mary's Medical Center , San Francisco, California
| | - Jeremi Leasure
- 3 Taylor Collaboration, St. Mary's Medical Center , San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer Buckley
- 4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
| | - Yvette S Nout-Lomas
- 5 College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Ephron S Rosenzweig
- 6 Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego , San Diego, California; Veterans Administration Medical Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Rod Moseanko
- 7 California National Primate Research Center, University of California at Davis , Davis, California
| | - Sarah Strand
- 7 California National Primate Research Center, University of California at Davis , Davis, California
| | - Stephanie Hawbecker
- 7 California National Primate Research Center, University of California at Davis , Davis, California
| | - Marie-Josee Lemoy
- 7 California National Primate Research Center, University of California at Davis , Davis, California
| | - Jenny Haefeli
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - Xiaokui Ma
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - Jessica L Nielson
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - V R Edgerton
- 8 Departments of Physiological Science and Neurology, University of California at Los Angeles , Los Angeles, California
| | - Adam R Ferguson
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- 6 Department of Neurosciences, University of California at San Diego , San Diego, California; Veterans Administration Medical Center, La Jolla, California
| | - Michael S Beattie
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco , San Francisco, California
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35
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Ewan EE, Hagg T. Intrathecal Acetyl-L-Carnitine Protects Tissue and Improves Function after a Mild Contusive Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. J Neurotrauma 2015; 33:269-77. [PMID: 26415041 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary and secondary ischemia after spinal cord injury (SCI) contributes to tissue and axon degeneration, which may result from decreased energy substrate availability for cellular and axonal mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Therefore, providing spinal tissue with an alternative energy substrate during ischemia may be neuroprotective after SCI. To assess this, rats received a mild contusive SCI (120 kdyn, Infinite Horizons impactor) at thoracic level 9 (T9), which causes loss of ∼ 80% of the ascending sensory dorsal column axonal projections to the gracile nucleus. Immediately afterwards, the energy substrate acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC; 1 mg/day) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was infused intrathecally (sub-arachnoid) for 6 days via an L5/6 catheter attached to a subcutaneous Alzet pump. ALC treatment improved overground locomotor function (Basso-Beattie-Breshnahan [BBB] score 18 vs. 13) at 6 days, total spared epicenter (71% vs. 57%) and penumbra white matter (90% vs. 85%), ventral penumbra microvessels (108% vs. 79%), and penumbra motor neurons (42% vs. 15%) at 15 days post-SCI, compared with PBS treatment. However, the ascending sensory projections (anterogradely traced with cholera toxin B from the sciatic nerves) and dorsal column white matter and perfused blood vessels were not protected. Furthermore, grid walking, a task we have shown to be dependent on dorsal column function, was not improved. Thus, mitochondrial substrate replacement may only be efficacious in areas of lesser or temporary ischemia, such as the ventral spinal cord and injury penumbra in this study. The current data also support our previous evidence that microvessel loss is central to secondary tissue degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Ewan
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center and Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville , Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Theo Hagg
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center and Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville , Louisville, Kentucky
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36
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Priest CA, Manley NC, Denham J, Wirth ED, Lebkowski JS. Preclinical safety of human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitors supporting clinical trials in spinal cord injury. Regen Med 2015; 10:939-58. [DOI: 10.2217/rme.15.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To characterize the preclinical safety profile of a human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cell therapy product (AST-OPC1) in support of its use as a treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials & methods: The phenotype and functional capacity of AST-OPC1 was characterized in vitro and in vivo. Safety and toxicology of AST-OPC1 administration was assessed in rodent models of thoracic SCI. Results: These results identify AST-OPC1 as an early-stage oligodendrocyte progenitor population capable of promoting neurite outgrowth in vitro and myelination in vivo. AST-OPC1 administration did not cause any adverse clinical observations, toxicities, allodynia or tumors. Conclusion: These results supported initiation of a Phase I clinical trial in patients with sensorimotor complete thoracic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Priest
- Geron Corporation, 149 Commonwealth St., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, 210 King St., San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
| | - Nathan C Manley
- Asterias Biotherapeutics Inc., 230 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Jerrod Denham
- Geron Corporation, 149 Commonwealth St., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Dark Horse Consulting, 1999 South Bascom Ave Suite 700, Campbell, CA 95008, USA
| | - Edward D Wirth
- Geron Corporation, 149 Commonwealth St., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Asterias Biotherapeutics Inc., 230 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Jane S Lebkowski
- Geron Corporation, 149 Commonwealth St., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Asterias Biotherapeutics Inc., 230 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
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37
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Mondello SE, Sunshine MD, Fischedick AE, Moritz CT, Horner PJ. A Cervical Hemi-Contusion Spinal Cord Injury Model for the Investigation of Novel Therapeutics Targeting Proximal and Distal Forelimb Functional Recovery. J Neurotrauma 2015; 32:1994-2007. [PMID: 25929319 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2014.3792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical spinal cord contusion is the most common human spinal cord injury, yet few rodent models replicate the pathophysiological and functional sequela of this injury. Here, we modified an electromechanical injury device and characterized the behavioral and histological changes occurring in response to a lateralized C4 contusion injury in rats. A key feature of the model includes a non-injurious touch phase where the spinal cord surface is dimpled with a consistent starting force. Animals were either left intact as a control, received a non-injury-producing touch on the surface of the cord ("sham"), or received a 0.6 mm or a 0.8 mm displacement injury. Rats were then tested on the forelimb asymmetry use test, CatWalk, and the Irvine, Beatties, and Bresnahan (IBB) cereal manipulation task to assess proximal and distal upper limb function for 12 weeks. Injuries of moderate (0.6 mm) and large (0.8 mm) displacement showed consistent differences in forelimb asymmetry, metrics of the CatWalk, and sub-scores of the IBB. Overall findings indicated long lasting proximal and distal upper limb deficits following 0.8 mm injury but transient proximal with prolonged distal limb deficits following 0.6 mm injury. Significant differences in loss of ipsilateral unmyelinated and myelinated white matter was detected between injury severities. Demyelination was primarily localized to the dorsolateral region of the hemicord and extended further rostral following 0.8 mm injury. These findings establish the C4 hemi-contusion injury as a consistent, graded model for testing novel treatments targeting forelimb functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Mondello
- 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.,2 The Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering , Seattle, Washington.,4 The Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine , Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael D Sunshine
- 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Amanda E Fischedick
- 3 Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.,4 The Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine , Seattle, Washington
| | - Chet T Moritz
- 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.,2 The Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering , Seattle, Washington.,5 Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Philip J Horner
- 3 Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington.,4 The Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine , Seattle, Washington
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38
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Pallier PN, Poddighe L, Zbarsky V, Kostusiak M, Choudhury R, Hart T, Burguillos MA, Musbahi O, Groenendijk M, Sijben JW, deWilde MC, Quartu M, Priestley JV, Michael-Titus AT. A nutrient combination designed to enhance synapse formation and function improves outcome in experimental spinal cord injury. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 82:504-515. [PMID: 26388399 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury leads to major neurological impairment for which there is currently no effective treatment. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Fortasyn® Connect in Alzheimer's disease. Fortasyn® Connect is a specific multi-nutrient combination containing DHA, EPA, choline, uridine monophosphate, phospholipids, and various vitamins. We examined the effect of Fortasyn® Connect in a rat compression model of spinal cord injury. For 4 or 9 weeks following the injury, rats were fed either a control diet or a diet enriched with low, medium, or high doses of Fortasyn® Connect. The medium-dose Fortasyn® Connect-enriched diet showed significant efficacy in locomotor recovery after 9 weeks of supplementation, along with protection of spinal cord tissue (increased neuronal and oligodendrocyte survival, decreased microglial activation, and preserved axonal integrity). Rats fed the high-dose Fortasyn® Connect-enriched diet for 4 weeks showed a much greater enhancement of locomotor recovery, with a faster onset, than rats fed the medium dose. Bladder function recovered quicker in these rats than in rats fed the control diet. Their spinal cord tissues showed a smaller lesion, reduced neuronal and oligodendrocyte loss, decreased neuroinflammatory response, reduced astrocytosis and levels of inhibitory chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans, and better preservation of serotonergic axons than those of rats fed the control diet. These results suggest that this multi-nutrient preparation has a marked therapeutic potential in spinal cord injury, and raise the possibility that this original approach could be used to support spinal cord injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick N Pallier
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | | | - Virginia Zbarsky
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Milosz Kostusiak
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Rasall Choudhury
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Thomas Hart
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Miguel A Burguillos
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Omar Musbahi
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Martine Groenendijk
- Nutricia Research - Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John W Sijben
- Nutricia Research - Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn C deWilde
- Nutricia Research - Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - John V Priestley
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Adina T Michael-Titus
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, Whitechapel, London E1 2AT, UK.
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39
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Abstract
Four different spinal cord injury (SCI) models (hemisection, contusion, transection, and segment resection) were produced in male Sprague-Dawley rats to determine the most suitable animal model of SCI by analyzing the changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters both qualitatively and quantitatively in vivo. Radiological examinations were performed before surgery and weekly within 4 weeks after surgery to obtain DTI tractography, MRI routine images, and DTI data of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale was used to evaluate the locomotor outcomes. We found that DTI tractography tracked nerve fibers and showed conspicuous changes in the injured spinal cord in all the model groups, which confirmed that our modeling was successful. A decrease in FA values and an increase in ADC were observed in all the model groups after surgery. There were significant differences in FA and ADC between weeks 1 and 4 in both hemisection and contusion groups (P<0.05), whereas the differences in the transection and segment resection groups were not as remarkable (P>0.05). Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores further proved the results because of a significant, positive correlation of the scores with FA (R=0.899, P<0.01) and a significant, negative correlation of the scores with ADC (R=-0.829, P<0.01). Therefore, the transection model, which is more quantified and stable within 4 weeks after injury according to the DTI and behavioral evaluation, should be used as the standard model for SCI animal testing.
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40
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Wang J, Wang J, Lu P, Cai Y, Wang Y, Hong L, Ren H, Heng BC, Liu H, Zhou J, Ouyang H. Local delivery of FTY720 in PCL membrane improves SCI functional recovery by reducing reactive astrogliosis. Biomaterials 2015; 62:76-87. [PMID: 26036174 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
FTY720 has recently been approved as an oral drug for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, and exerts its therapeutic effect by acting as an immunological inhibitor targeting the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor subtype (S1P1) of T cells. Recently studies demonstrated positive efficacy of this drug on spinal cord injury (SCI) in animal models after systemic administration, albeit with significant adverse side effects. We hereby hypothesize that localized delivery of FTY720 can promote SCI recovery by reducing pathological astrogliosis. The mechanistic functions of FTY720 were investigated in vitro and in vivo utilizing immunofluorescence, histology, MRI and behavioral analysis. The in vitro study showed that FTY720 can reduce astrocyte migration and proliferation activated by S1P. FTY720 can prolong internalization of S1P1 and exert antagonistic effects on S1P1. In vivo study of SCI animal models demonstrated that local delivery of FTY720 with polycaprolactone (PCL) membrane significantly decreased S1P1 expression and glial scarring compared with the control group. Furthermore, FTY720-treated groups exhibited less cavitation volume and neuron loss, which significantly improved recovery of motor function. These findings demonstrated that localized delivery of FTY720 can promote SCI recovery by targeting the S1P1 receptor of astrocytes, provide a new therapeutic strategy for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjuan Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqiu Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; The 2nd Affliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Youzhi Cai
- The 1st Affliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yafei Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lan Hong
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Ren
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Boon Chin Heng
- Department of Biosystems Science & Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH-Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hua Liu
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Hongwei Ouyang
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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41
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Wen J, Sun D, Tan J, Young W. A consistent, quantifiable, and graded rat lumbosacral spinal cord injury model. J Neurotrauma 2015; 32:875-92. [PMID: 25313633 PMCID: PMC4492780 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2013.3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a rat lumbosacral spinal cord injury (SCI) model that causes consistent motoneuronal loss and behavior deficits. Most SCI models focus on the thoracic or cervical spinal cord. Lumbosacral SCI accounts for about one third of human SCI but no standardized lumbosacral model is available for evaluating therapies. Twenty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to three groups: sham (n=9), 25 mm (n=8), and 50 mm (n=9). Sham rats had laminectomy only, while 25 mm and 50 mm rats were injured by dropping a 10 g rod from a height of 25 mm or 50 mm, respectively, onto the L4-5 spinal cord at the T13/L1 vertebral junction. We measured footprint length (FL), toe spreading (TS), intermediate toe spreading (ITS), and sciatic function index (SFI) from walking footprints, and static toe spreading (STS), static intermediate toe spreading (SITS), and static sciatic index (SSI) from standing footprints. At six weeks, we assessed neuronal and white matter loss, quantified axons, diameter, and myelin thickness in the peroneal and tibial nerves, and measured cross-sectional areas of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle fibers. The result shows that peroneal and tibial motoneurons were respectively distributed in 4.71 mm and 5.01 mm columns in the spinal cord. Dropping a 10-g weight from 25 mm or 50 mm caused 1.5 mm or 3.75 mm gaps in peroneal and tibial motoneuronal columns, respectively, and increased spinal cord white matter loss. Fifty millimeter contusions significantly increased FL and reduced TS, ITS, STS, SITS, SFI, and SSI more than 25 mm contusions, and resulted in smaller axon and myelinated axon diameters in tibial and peroneal nerves and greater atrophy of gastrocnemius and anterior tibialis muscles, than 25 mm contusions. This model of lumbosacral SCI produces consistent and graded loss of white matter, motoneuronal loss, peripheral nerve axonal changes, and anterior tibialis and gastrocnemius muscles atrophy in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiang Wen
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey , Piscataway, New Jersey.,2 Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Dongming Sun
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey , Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Jun Tan
- 2 Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai, China
| | - Wise Young
- 1 Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey , Piscataway, New Jersey
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Walker MJ, Walker CL, Zhang YP, Shields LBE, Shields CB, Xu XM. A novel vertebral stabilization method for producing contusive spinal cord injury. J Vis Exp 2015:e50149. [PMID: 25590284 PMCID: PMC4354509 DOI: 10.3791/50149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically-relevant animal cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) models are essential for developing and testing potential therapies; however, producing reliable cervical SCI is difficult due to lack of satisfactory methods of vertebral stabilization. The conventional method to stabilize the spine is to suspend the rostral and caudal cervical spine via clamps attached to cervical spinous processes. However, this method of stabilization fails to prevent tissue yielding during the contusion as the cervical spinal processes are too short to be effectively secured by the clamps (Figure 1). Here we introduce a new method to completely stabilize the cervical vertebra at the same level of the impact injury. This method effectively minimizes movement of the spinal column at the site of impact, which greatly improves the production of consistent SCIs. We provide visual description of the equipment (Figure 2-4), methods, and a step-by-step protocol for the stabilization of the cervical 5 vertebra (C5) of adult rats, to perform laminectomy (Figure 5) and produce a contusive SCI thereafter. Although we only demonstrate a cervical hemi-contusion using the NYU/MASCIS impactor device, this vertebral stabilization technique can be applied to other regions of the spinal cord, or be adapted to other SCI devices. Improving spinal cord exposure and fixation through vertebral stabilization may be valuable for producing consistent and reliable injuries to the spinal cord. This vertebral stabilization method can also be used for stereotactic injections of cells and tracers, and for imaging using two-photon microscopy in various neurobiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Walker
- 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; Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Chandler L Walker
- 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; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Y Ping Zhang
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare
| | | | | | - 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; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine;
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Lam CJ, Assinck P, Liu J, Tetzlaff W, Oxland TR. Impact depth and the interaction with impact speed affect the severity of contusion spinal cord injury in rats. J Neurotrauma 2014; 31:1985-97. [PMID: 24945364 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2014.3392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) biomechanics suggest that the mechanical factors of impact depth and speed affect the severity of contusion injury, but their interaction is not well understood. The primary aim of this work was to examine both the individual and combined effects of impact depth and speed in contusion SCI on the cervical spinal cord. Spinal cord contusions between C5 and C6 were produced in anesthetized rats at impact speeds of 8, 80, or 800 mm/s with displacements of 0.9 or 1.5 mm (n=8/group). After 7 days postinjury, rats were assessed for open-field behavior, euthanized, and spinal cords were harvested. Spinal cord tissue sections were stained for demyelination (myelin-based protein) and tissue sparing (Luxol fast blue). In parallel, a finite element model of rat spinal cord was used to examine the resulting maximum principal strain in the spinal cord during impact. Increasing impact depth from 0.9 to 1.5 mm reduced open-field scores (p<0.01) above 80 mm/s, reduced gray (GM) and white matter (WM) sparing (p<0.01), and increased the amount of demyelination (p<0.01). Increasing impact speed showed similar results at the 1.5-mm impact depth, but not the 0.9-mm impact depth. Linear correlation analysis with finite element analysis strain showed correlations (p<0.001) with nerve fiber damage in the ventral (R(2)=0.86) and lateral (R(2)=0.74) regions of the spinal cord and with WM (R(2)=0.90) and GM (R(2)=0.76) sparing. The results demonstrate that impact depth is more important in determining the severity of SCI and that threshold interactions exist between impact depth and speed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Lam
- 1 Orthopedic and Injury Biomechanics Lab, Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Orthopedics, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Repair of spinal cord injury by inhibition of astrocyte growth and inflammatory factor synthesis through local delivery of flavopiridol in PLGA nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2014; 35:6585-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Luedtke K, Bouchard SM, Woller SA, Funk MK, Aceves M, Hook MA. Assessment of depression in a rodent model of spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2014; 31:1107-21. [PMID: 24564232 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2013.3204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite an increased incidence of depression in patients after spinal cord injury (SCI), there is no animal model of depression after SCI. To address this, we used a battery of established tests to assess depression after a rodent contusion injury. Subjects were acclimated to the tasks, and baseline scores were collected before SCI. Testing was conducted on days 9-10 (acute) and 19-20 (chronic) postinjury. To categorize depression, subjects' scores on each behavioral measure were averaged across the acute and chronic stages of injury and subjected to a principal component analysis. This analysis revealed a two-component structure, which explained 72.2% of between-subjects variance. The data were then analyzed with a hierarchical cluster analysis, identifying two clusters that differed significantly on the sucrose preference, open field, social exploration, and burrowing tasks. One cluster (9 of 26 subjects) displayed characteristics of depression. Using these data, a discriminant function analysis was conducted to derive an equation that could classify subjects as "depressed" on days 9-10. The discriminant function was used in a second experiment examining whether the depression-like symptoms could be reversed with the antidepressant, fluoxetine. Fluoxetine significantly decreased immobility in the forced swim test (FST) in depressed subjects identified with the equation. Subjects that were depressed and treated with saline displayed significantly increased immobility on the FST, relative to not depressed, saline-treated controls. These initial experiments validate our tests of depression, generating a powerful model system for further understanding the relationships between molecular changes induced by SCI and the development of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Luedtke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan, Texas
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Behavioral and anatomical consequences of repetitive mild thoracic spinal cord contusion injury in the rat. Exp Neurol 2014; 257:57-69. [PMID: 24786492 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Moderate and severe spinal cord contusion injuries have been extensively studied, yet much less is known about mild injuries. Mild contusions result in transient functional deficits, proceeding to near-complete recovery, but they may render the spinal cord vulnerable to future injuries. However, to date there have been no appropriate models to study the behavioral consequences, anatomical changes, and susceptibility of a mild contusion to repeated injuries, which may occur in children as well as adults during competitive sport activities. We have developed a novel mild spinal cord contusion injury model characterized by a sequence of transient functional deficits after the first injury and restoration to near-complete motor and sensory function, which is then followed up by a second injury. This model can serve not only to study the effects of repeated injuries on behavioral and anatomical changes, but also to examine the relationship between successive tissue damage and recovery of function. In the present study, we confirmed that mild thoracic spinal cord contusion, utilizing the NYU impactor device, resulted in localized tissue damage, characterized by a cystic cavity and peripheral rim of spared white matter at the injury epicenter, and rapid functional recovery to near-normal levels utilizing several behavioral tests. Repeated injury after 3weeks, when functional recovery has been completed, resulted in worsening of both motor and sensory function, which did not recover to prior levels. Anatomical analyses showed no differences in the volumes of spared white matter, lesion, or cyst, but revealed modest extension of lesion area rostral to the injury epicenter as well as an increase in inflammation and apoptosis. These studies demonstrate that a mild injury model can be used to test efficacy of treatments for repeated injuries and may serve to assist in the formulation of policies and clinical practice regarding mild SCI injury and spinal concussion.
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Krizsan-Agbas D, Winter MK, Eggimann LS, Meriwether J, Berman NE, Smith PG, McCarson KE. Gait analysis at multiple speeds reveals differential functional and structural outcomes in response to graded spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2014; 31:846-56. [PMID: 24405378 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2013.3115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Open-field behavioral scoring is widely used to assess spinal cord injury (SCI) outcomes, but has limited usefulness in describing subtle changes important for posture and locomotion. Additional quantitative methods are needed to increase the resolution of locomotor outcome assessment. This study used gait analysis at multiple speeds (GAMS) across a range of mild-to-severe intensities of thoracic SCI in the rat. Overall, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores and subscores were assessed, and detailed automated gait analysis was performed at three fixed walking speeds (3.5, 6.0, and 8.5 cm/sec). Variability in hindpaw brake, propel, and stance times were analyzed further by integrating across the stance phase of stepping cycles. Myelin staining of spinal cord sections was used to quantify white matter loss at the injury site. Varied SCI intensity produced graded deficits in BBB score, BBB subscores, and spinal cord white matter and total volume loss. GAMS measures of posture revealed decreased paw area, increased limb extension, altered stance width, and decreased values for integrated brake, propel, and stance. Measures of coordination revealed increased stride frequency concomitant with decreased stride length, resulting in deviation from consistent forelimb/hindlimb coordination. Alterations in posture and coordination were correlated to impact severity. GAMS results correlated highly with functional and histological measures and revealed differential relationships between sets of GAMS dynamics and cord total volume loss versus epicenter myelin loss. Automated gait analysis at multiple speeds is therefore a useful tool for quantifying nuanced changes in gait as an extension of histological and observational methods in assessing SCI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Krizsan-Agbas
- 1 Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center , Kansas City, Kansas
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Zhou J, Lu P, Ren H, Zheng Z, Ji J, Liu H, Jiang F, Ling S, Heng BC, Hu X, Ouyang H. 17β-estradiol protects human eyelid-derived adipose stem cells against cytotoxicity and increases transplanted cell survival in spinal cord injury. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 18:326-43. [PMID: 24373095 PMCID: PMC3930419 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation represents a promising strategy for the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the low survival rate of the grafted cells is a major obstacle hindering clinical success because of ongoing secondary injury processes, which includes excitotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown that 17b-estradiol (E2) protects several cell types against cytotoxicity. Thus, we examined the effects of E2 on the viability of human eyelid adipose-derived stem cells (hEASCs) in vitro with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell model and in vivo within a rat SCI model. Our results showed that E2 protected hEASCs against H2O2-induced cell death in vitro, and enhanced the survival of grafted hEASCs in vivo by reducing apoptosis. Additionally, E2 also enhanced the secretion of growth factors by hEASCs, thereby making the local microenvironment more conducive for tissue regeneration. Overall, E2 administration enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of hEASCs transplantation and facilitated motor function recovery after SCI. Hence, E2 administration may be an intervention of choice for enhancing survival of transplanted hEASCs after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical College, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Tuinstra HM, Margul DJ, Goodman AG, Boehler RM, Holland SJ, Zelivyanskaya ML, Cummings BJ, Anderson AJ, Shea LD. Long-term characterization of axon regeneration and matrix changes using multiple channel bridges for spinal cord regeneration. Tissue Eng Part A 2013; 20:1027-37. [PMID: 24168314 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2013.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury and has limited available therapies. The host response to SCI is typified by limited endogenous repair, and biomaterial bridges offer the potential to alter the microenvironment to promote regeneration. Porous multiple channel bridges implanted into the injury provide stability to limit secondary damage and support cell infiltration that limits cavity formation. At the same time, the channels provide a path that physically directs axon growth across the injury. Using a rat spinal cord hemisection injury model, we investigated the dynamics of axon growth, myelination, and scar formation within and around the bridge in vivo for 6 months, at which time the bridge has fully degraded. Axons grew into and through the channels, and the density increased overtime, resulting in the greatest axon density at 6 months postimplantation, despite complete degradation of the bridge by that time point. Furthermore, the persistence of these axons contrasts with reports of axonal dieback in other models and is consistent with axon stability resulting from some degree of connectivity. Immunostaining of axons revealed both motor and sensory origins of the axons found in the channels of the bridge. Extensive myelination was observed throughout the bridge at 6 months, with centrally located and peripheral channels seemingly myelinated by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, respectively. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan deposition was restricted to the edges of the bridge, was greatest at 1 week, and significantly decreased by 6 weeks. The dynamics of collagen I and IV, laminin, and fibronectin deposition varied with time. These studies demonstrate that the bridge structure can support substantial long-term axon growth and myelination with limited scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Tuinstra
- 1 Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University , Evanston, Illinois
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50
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Hu JG, Wang XF, Deng LX, Liu NK, Gao X, Chen J, Zhou FC, Xu XM. Cotransplantation of Glial Restricted Precursor Cells and Schwann Cells Promotes Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Transplant 2013; 22:2219-36. [DOI: 10.3727/096368912x661373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte (OL) replacement can be a promising strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. However, the poor posttransplantation survival and inhibitory properties to axonal regeneration are two major challenges that limit their use as donor cells for repair of CNS injuries. Therefore, strategies aimed at enhancing the survival of grafted oligodendrocytes as well as reducing their inhibitory properties, such as the use of more permissive oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), also called glial restricted precursor cells (GRPs), should be highly prioritized. Schwann cell (SC) transplantation is a promising translational strategy to promote axonal regeneration after CNS injuries, partly due to their expression and secretion of multiple growth-promoting factors. Whether grafted SCs have any effect on the biological properties of grafted GRPs remains unclear. Here we report that either SCs or SC-conditioned medium (SCM) promoted the survival, proliferation, and migration of GRPs in vitro. When GRPs and SCs were cografted into the normal or injured spinal cord, robust survival, proliferation, and migration of grafted GRPs were observed. Importantly, grafted GRPs differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes and formed new myelin on axons caudal to the injury. Finally, cografts of GRPs and SCs promoted recovery of function following SCI. We conclude that cotransplantation of GRPs and SCs, the only two kinds of myelin-forming cells in the nervous system, act complementarily and synergistically to promote greater anatomical and functional recovery after SCI than when either cell type is used alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Guo Hu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Fei Wang
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ling-Xiao Deng
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nai-Kui Liu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xiang Gao
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jinhui Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Feng C. Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 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, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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