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Bertelli JA, Rosa ICN, Ghizoni MF. Retrograde peripheral nerve regeneration from sensory to motor pathways in rats: a new experimental concept in nerve repair. Neurol Res 2024; 46:125-131. [PMID: 37729085 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2023.2258039] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The polarity of nerve grafts does not interfere with axon growth. Our goal was to investigate whether axons can regenerate in a retrograde fashion within sensory pathways and then extend into motor pathways, leading to muscle reinnervation. METHODS Fifty-four rats were randomized into four groups. In Group 1, the ulnar nerve was connected end-to-end to the superficial radial nerve after neurectomy of the radial nerve in the axilla. In Group 2, the ulnar nerve was connected end-to-end to the radial nerve distal to the humerus; the radial nerve then was divided in the axilla. In Group 3, the radial nerve was divided in the axilla, but no nerve reconstruction was performed. In Group 4, the radial nerve was crushed in the axilla. Over 6 months, we behaviorally assessed the recovery of toe spread in the right operated-upon forepaw by lifting the rat by its tail and lowering it onto a flat surface. Six months after surgery, rats underwent reoperation, nerve transfers were tested electrophysiologically, and the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) was removed for histological evaluation. RESULTS Rats in the crush group recovered toe spread between 5 and 8 days after surgery. Rats with nerve transfers demonstrated electrophysiological and histological findings of nerve regeneration but no behavioral recovery. CONCLUSIONS Ulnar nerve axons regrew into the superficial radial nerve and then into the PIN to reinnervate the extensor digitorum communis. We were unable to demonstrate behavioral recovery because rats cannot readapt to cross-nerve transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayme A Bertelli
- Department of Surgery in lieu of Department of Surgical Techniques, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Isadora Carvalho Nunes Rosa
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, University of the South of Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marcos F Ghizoni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, University of the South of Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Dias FJ, Cury DP, Dias PE, Borie E, Alarcón-Apablaza J, Lezcano MF, Martínez-Rodríguez P, Vargas D, Gutiérrez B, Fazan VPS. Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Purified Natural Latex ( Hevea brasiliensis) Protein on Injured Sciatic Nerve in Rodents: Morpho-Functional Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14031. [PMID: 37762333 PMCID: PMC10530799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study analyzed the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and the purified natural latex protein (Hevea brasiliensis, F1 protein) on the morpho-function of sciatic nerve crush injuries in rats. One-hundred and eight male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 18): 1. Control; 2. Exposed (nerve exposed); 3. Injury (injured nerve without treatment); 4. LLLT (injured nerve irradiated with LLLT (15 J/cm2, 780 nm)); 5. F1 (injured nerve treated with F1 protein (0.1%)); and 6. LLLT + F1 (injured nerve treated with LLLT and F1). On the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 56th days after injury, a functional sensory analysis of mechanical allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia and a motor analysis of grip strength and gait were performed. After 3, 15, and 57 days, the animals were euthanized for morphometric/ultrastructural analyses. The treatments applied revealed improvements in morphometric/ultrastructural parameters compared to the injured group. Sensory analyses suggested that the improvements observed were associated with time progression and not influenced by the treatments. Motor analyses revealed significant improvements in grip strength from the 7th day in the LLLT group and in gait from the 56th day in all treated groups. We concluded that even though the morphological analyses showed improvements with the treatments, they did not influence sensory recovery, and LLLT improved motor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando José Dias
- Oral Biology Research Centre (CIBO-UFRO), Dental School—Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
- Department of Integral Adults Dentistry, Dental School—Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - Diego Pulzatto Cury
- Department of Anatomy and Department of Cellular Biology and the Development—Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo (ICB-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Paula Elisa Dias
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil;
| | - Eduardo Borie
- Department of Integral Adults Dentistry, Dental School—Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
- Research Centre in Dental Sciences (CICO-UFRO), Dental School—Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - Josefa Alarcón-Apablaza
- Research Centre in Dental Sciences (CICO-UFRO), Dental School—Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
- Doctoral Program in Morphological Sciences, Medical School, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - María Florencia Lezcano
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos, Oro Verde 3100, Argentina;
| | - Paulina Martínez-Rodríguez
- Oral Biology Research Centre (CIBO-UFRO), Dental School—Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - Daniel Vargas
- Doctoral Program in Morphological Sciences, Medical School, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - Brandon Gutiérrez
- Master Program in Dental Sciences, Dental School, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - Valéria Paula Sassoli Fazan
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Durak MA, Ozhan O, Tetik B, Yildiz A, Aksungur Z, Vardi N, Turkoz Y, Ucar M, Parlakpinar H. Effects of apocynin on sciatic nerve injury in rabbits. Biotech Histochem 2023; 98:172-178. [PMID: 36440649 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2022.2146195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of apocynin (APO) on experimental sciatic nerve compression injury in rabbits. We used 21 male rabbits divided randomly into three groups of seven. The control group was subjected to sciatic nerve compression with no further intervention. The APO treated group was subjected to compression injury and 20 mg/kg APO was administered daily for 21 days by intraperitoneal injection beginning the day after the injury. The sham group was treated with APO without injury. The control group exhibited shrinkage of axons, disruption of myelin sheaths and loss of nerve fibers. The damage for the control group was significantly greater than for the sham group. The severity of histopathology was decreased in the APO treated group compared to the control group, as was the oxidative stress index. Our findings suggest that APO treatment may contribute to healing of sciatic nerve damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akif Durak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Onural Ozhan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Bora Tetik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Azibe Yildiz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Aksungur
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Nigar Vardi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Turkoz
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Muharrem Ucar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Hakan Parlakpinar
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Lauer H, Prahm C, Thiel JT, Kolbenschlag J, Daigeler A, Hercher D, Heinzel JC. The Grasping Test Revisited: A Systematic Review of Functional Recovery in Rat Models of Median Nerve Injury. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081878. [PMID: 36009423 PMCID: PMC9405835 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat median nerve model is a well-established and frequently used model for peripheral nerve injury and repair. The grasping test is the gold-standard to evaluate functional recovery in this model. However, no comprehensive review exists to summarize the course of functional recovery in regard to the lesion type. According to PRISMA-guidelines, research was performed, including the databases PubMed and Web of Science. Groups were: (1) crush injury, (2) transection with end-to-end or with (3) end-to-side coaptation and (4) isogenic or acellular allogenic grafting. Total and respective number, as well as rat strain, type of nerve defect, length of isogenic or acellular allogenic allografts, time at first signs of motor recovery (FSR) and maximal recovery grasping strength (MRGS), were evaluated. In total, 47 articles met the inclusion criteria. Group I showed earliest signs of motor recovery. Slow recovery was observable in group III and in graft length above 25 mm. Isografts recovered faster compared to other grafts. The onset and course of recovery is heavily dependent from the type of nerve injury. The grasping test should be used complementary in addition to other volitional and non-volitional tests. Repetitive examinations should be planned carefully to optimize assessment of valid and reliable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Lauer
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (H.L.); (C.P.); (J.T.T.); (J.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (H.L.); (C.P.); (J.T.T.); (J.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Johannes Tobias Thiel
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (H.L.); (C.P.); (J.T.T.); (J.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (H.L.); (C.P.); (J.T.T.); (J.K.); (A.D.)
| | - Adrien Daigeler
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (H.L.); (C.P.); (J.T.T.); (J.K.); (A.D.)
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Donaueschingenstraße 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria;
- Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes C. Heinzel
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstraße 95, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (H.L.); (C.P.); (J.T.T.); (J.K.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Andreis FR, Metcalfe B, Janjua TAM, Jensen W, Meijs S, dos Santos Nielsen TGN. The Use of the Velocity Selective Recording Technique to Reveal the Excitation Properties of the Ulnar Nerve in Pigs. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 22:58. [PMID: 35009601 PMCID: PMC8747393 DOI: 10.3390/s22010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Decoding information from the peripheral nervous system via implantable neural interfaces remains a significant challenge, considerably limiting the advancement of neuromodulation and neuroprosthetic devices. The velocity selective recording (VSR) technique has been proposed to improve the classification of neural traffic by combining temporal and spatial information through a multi-electrode cuff (MEC). Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of using the VSR technique to characterise fibre type based on the electrically evoked compound action potentials (eCAP) propagating along the ulnar nerve of pigs in vivo. A range of electrical stimulation parameters (amplitudes of 50 μA-10 mA and pulse durations of 100 μs, 500 μs, 1000 μs, and 5000 μs) was applied on a cutaneous and a motor branch of the ulnar nerve in nine Danish landrace pigs. Recordings were made with a 14 ring MEC and a delay-and-add algorithm was used to convert the eCAPs into the velocity domain. The results revealed two fibre populations propagating along the cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve, with mean velocities of 55 m/s and 21 m/s, while only one dominant fibre population was found for the motor branch, with a mean velocity of 63 m/s. Because of its simplicity to provide information on the fibre selectivity and direction of propagation of nerve fibres, VSR can be implemented to advance the performance of the bidirectional control of neural prostheses and bioelectronic medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Rettore Andreis
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (T.A.M.J.); (W.J.); (S.M.); (T.G.N.d.S.N.)
| | - Benjamin Metcalfe
- Center for Biosensors, Bioelectronics and Biodevices (C3Bio), Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
| | - Taha Al Muhammadee Janjua
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (T.A.M.J.); (W.J.); (S.M.); (T.G.N.d.S.N.)
| | - Winnie Jensen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (T.A.M.J.); (W.J.); (S.M.); (T.G.N.d.S.N.)
| | - Suzan Meijs
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (T.A.M.J.); (W.J.); (S.M.); (T.G.N.d.S.N.)
| | - Thomas Gomes Nørgaard dos Santos Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (T.A.M.J.); (W.J.); (S.M.); (T.G.N.d.S.N.)
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Radial nerve injury causes long-lasting forelimb sensory impairment and motor dysfunction in rats. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e957. [PMID: 35187377 PMCID: PMC8853629 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Peripheral nerve injury is a common cause of lifelong disability in the United States. Although the etiology varies, most traumatic nerve injuries occur in the upper limb and include damage to the radial nerve. In conjunction with the well-described effects of peripheral damage, nerve injuries are accompanied by changes in the central nervous system. A comprehensive understanding of the functional consequences of nerve injury is necessary to develop new therapeutic interventions. Objectives We sought to characterize changes in sensory and motor function and central neurophysiology after radial nerve injury in rats. Methods To evaluate somatosensory function in the forelimb, we assessed mechanical withdrawal threshold, spontaneous forelimb use, and cold sensitivity in rats 10 and 16 weeks after radial nerve injury. To evaluate motor function, we assessed performance on a forelimb supination task for up to 16 weeks after nerve injury. Physiological changes in the motor and somatosensory cortex were assessed using intracortical microstimulation and multiunit recordings, respectively. Results Our results indicate that radial nerve injury causes long-lasting sensory and motor dysfunction. These behavioral deficits are accompanied by abnormal cortical activity in the somatosensory and motor cortex. Conclusion Our results provide a novel characterization of functional deficits that are consistent with the clinical phenotype in patients with radial nerve injury and provide a framework for future studies to evaluate potential interventions.
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Heinzel JC, Oberhauser V, Keibl C, Swiadek N, Längle G, Frick H, Kolbenschlag J, Prahm C, Grillari J, Hercher D. Evaluation of Functional Recovery in Rats After Median Nerve Resection and Autograft Repair Using Computerized Gait Analysis. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:593545. [PMID: 33551723 PMCID: PMC7859340 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.593545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Computerized gait analysis is a common evaluation method in rat models of hind limb nerve injuries, but its use remains unpublished in models of segmental nerve injury of the forelimb. It was the aim of this work to investigate if computerized gait analysis is a feasible evaluation method in a rat model of segmental median nerve injury and autograft repair. Ten male Lewis rats underwent 7-mm resection of the right median nerve with immediate autograft repair. The left median nerve was resected without repair and served as an internal control. Animals were assessed for 12 weeks after surgery via CatWalk (CW) gait analysis every 2 weeks. Evaluation of motor recovery by means of the grasping test was performed weekly while electrophysiological measurements were performed at the end of the observation period. CW data were correlated with grasping strength at each post-operative time point. CW data were also correlated with electrophysiology using linear regression analysis. Principal component analysis was performed to identify clusters of outcome metrics. Recovery of motor function was observable 4 weeks after surgery, but grasping strength was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) compared to baseline values until post-operative week 6. In terms of sensory recovery, the pain-related parameter Duty Cycle showed significant (p < 0.05) recovery starting from post-operative week 8. The Print Area of the right paw was significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to the left side starting from post-operative week 10. Various parameters of gait correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with mean and maximum grasping strength. However, only Stand Index showed a significant correlation with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (p < 0.05). With this work, we prove that computerized gait analysis is a valid and feasible method to evaluate functional recovery after autograft repair of the rat median nerve. We were able to identify parameters such as Print Area, Duty Cycle, and Stand Index, which allow assessment of nerve regeneration. The course of these parameters following nerve resection without repair was also assessed. Additionally, external paw rotation was identified as a valid parameter to evaluate motor reinnervation. In summary, computerized gait analysis is a valuable additional tool to study nerve regeneration in rats with median nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C Heinzel
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viola Oberhauser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Keibl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Swiadek
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Längle
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helen Frick
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Trauma Center Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Grillari
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hercher
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental and Clinical Traumatology, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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Darrow MJ, Mian TM, Torres M, Haider Z, Danaphongse T, Seyedahmadi A, Rennaker RL, Hays SA, Kilgard MP. The tactile experience paired with vagus nerve stimulation determines the degree of sensory recovery after chronic nerve damage. Behav Brain Res 2021; 396:112910. [PMID: 32971197 PMCID: PMC7572822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Loss of sensory function is a common consequence of neurological injury. Recent clinical and preclinical evidence indicates vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with tactile rehabilitation, consisting of delivery of a variety of mechanical stimuli to the hyposensitive skin surface, yields substantial and long-lasting recovery of somatosensory function after median and ulnar nerve transection and repair. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a specific component of the tactile rehabilitation paired with VNS is necessary for recovery of somatosensory function. In a second experiment in a separate cohort, we investigated whether VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation could improve skilled forelimb motor function. Elements of the study design, including planned sample size, assessments, and statistical comparisons, were preregistered prior to beginning data collection (https://osf.io/3tm8u/). Animals received a peripheral nerve injury (PNI) causing chronic sensory loss. Eight weeks after injury, animals were given a VNS implant followed by six weeks of tactile rehabilitation sessions consisting of repeated application of one of two distinct mechanical stimuli, a filament or a paintbrush, to the previously denervated forepaw. VNS paired with either filament indentation or brushing of the paw significantly improved recovery of forelimb withdrawal thresholds after PNI compared to tactile rehabilitation without VNS. The effect size was twice as large when VNS was paired with brushing compared to VNS paired with point indentation. An independent replication in a second cohort confirmed that VNS paired with brush restored forelimb withdrawal thresholds to normal. These rats displayed significant improvements in performance on a skilled forelimb task compared to rats that did not receive VNS. These findings support the utility of pairing VNS with tactile rehabilitation to improve recovery of somatosensory and motor function after neurological injury. Additionally, this study demonstrates that the sensory characteristics of the rehabilitation paired with VNS determine the degree of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Darrow
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Tabarak M Mian
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Miranda Torres
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Zainab Haider
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Tanya Danaphongse
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Armin Seyedahmadi
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
| | - Seth A Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States.
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States
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9
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Ouyang L, Zhang F, Liu J, Cui S, Chen K, Wang J, Zhou L. Application of oblique nerve coaptation in autologous nerve transplantation. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1300. [PMID: 33209880 PMCID: PMC7661904 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-6526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Autologous nerve transplantation has become the gold standard for other nerve repair methods. But conventional epineurial sutures is prone to misaligned sutures, erroneous axonal growth, and unsatisfactory repair. Finding a new, more effective nerve coaptation method to improve the efficacy of peripheral nerve repair remains an urgent clinical challenge. In this study, the repair efficacies of oblique nerve coaptations for sciatic nerve injury at various angles were observed, providing a theoretical foundation for further clinical applications. Methods Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups of 16. The autologous nerve transplantation model was established by severing and rejoining in situ a 10-mm segment of the sciatic nerve trunk at the angle of 30° (group A), 45° (group B), 60° (group C), or 90° (group D). Sciatic function index (SFI) measurement, measurement of the recovery rate of the wet weight of the triceps surae, electrophysiological examination of nerves, histological examinations, and image analysis were carried out 12 weeks after surgery. Results The SFI, the recovery rate of the wet weight of the triceps surae, the electrophysiological function of nerves, histological examinations, and image analysis 12 weeks after surgery indicated that all indices of groups A and B were significantly better than those of groups C and D (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups A and B or between groups C and D (P>0.05), although group C exhibited a trend of better recovery than group D. Conclusions Oblique nerve coaptation at 30–45° in autologous nerve transplantation may significantly enhance nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Ouyang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xiangshan First People's Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjian Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shumin Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangshan Maternal and Child Care Service Center, Ningbo, China
| | - Keying Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xiangshan First People's Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jianguang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihui Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xiangshan First People's Hospital, Ningbo, China
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10
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Teixeira RKC, Calvo FC, Santos DRD, Araújo NPD, Tramontin DF, Costa LVPD, Barros RSMD. Criteria for assessing peripheral nerve injury. Behavioral and functional assessment in non-operated Wistar rats. Acta Cir Bras 2020; 35:e202000702. [PMID: 32813758 PMCID: PMC7433661 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020200070000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the normality pattern in functional tests of peripheral nerves. Methods Sixty female and sixty male Wistar rats were submitted to vibrissae movement and nictitating reflex for facial nerve; grooming test and grasping test for brachial plexus; and walking tracking test and horizontal ladder test for lumbar plexus. The tests were performed separately, with an interval of seven days between each. Results All animals showed the best score in vibrissae movement, nictitating reflex, grooming test, and horizontal ladder test. The best score was acquired for the first time in more than 90% of animals. The mean of strength on the grasping test was 133.46±12.08g for the right and 121.74±8.73g for the left anterior paw. There was a difference between the right and left sides. There was no difference between the groups according to sex. There is no statistical difference comparing all functional indexes between sex, independent of the side analyzed. The peroneal functional index showed higher levels than the sciatic and tibial functional index on both sides and sex. Conclusions The behavioral and functional assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration are low-cost, easy to perform, and reliable tests. However, they need to be performed by experienced researchers to avoid misinterpretation.
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11
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Korkmaz MF, Parlakpinar H, Erdem MN, Ceylan MF, Ediz L, Samdanci E, Kekilli E. The therapeutic efficacy of dexpanthenol on sciatic nerve injury in a rat model. Br J Neurosurg 2020; 34:397-401. [PMID: 32297525 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2020.1749984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate histopathological, functional and bone densitometry examinations of the beneficial effects of dexpanthenol (DEX) on nerve regeneration in a rat model of peripheral nerve crush injury.Methods: Thirty adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into three groups. A crush injury was simulated in all rats by clamping the right sciatic nerve for one minute. In group 1, one day before the surgical procedure, 500 mg/kg DEX administered via intraperitoneally (ip) was initiated and continued three times in a week during the experiment period as 28 days. In group 2, rats received a dose of 10 mg/kg DEX to investigate possible effects of DEX alone. Group 3 served as the control (sciatic nerve injury) and was not given any drugs.Results: Performance was significantly lower in group 3 compared to the drug treatment groups during the rotarod test (30 rpm and 40 rpm) (p < 0.05). After a while, the rats which were able to remain on the rod was significantly lower in group 3 during the acceleration test (p < 0.05). Hot plate latency test results in group 3 were significantly lower when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: DEX appears to be useful as a supportive clinical agent for the treatment of pain and nerve damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Korkmaz
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Medeniyet University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Parlakpinar
- Department of Pharmacology, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Nuri Erdem
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Fethi Ceylan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Levent Ediz
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Van YY University School of Medicine, Van, Turkey
| | - Emine Samdanci
- Department of Pathology, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ersoy Kekilli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Inonu University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
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12
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Bruna J, Alberti P, Calls-Cobos A, Caillaud M, Damaj MI, Navarro X. Methods for in vivo studies in rodents of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Exp Neurol 2020; 325:113154. [PMID: 31837318 PMCID: PMC7105293 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common, dose limiting, and long-lasting disabling adverse events of chemotherapy treatment. Unfortunately, no treatment has proven efficacy to prevent this adverse effect in patients or improve the nerve regeneration, once it is established. Experimental models, particularly using rats and mice, are useful to investigate the mechanisms related to axonal or neuronal degeneration and target loss of function induced by neurotoxic drugs, as well as to test new strategies to prevent the development of neuropathy and to improve functional restitution. Therefore, objective and reliable methods should be applied for the assessment of function and innervation in adequately designed in vivo studies of CIPN, taking into account the impact of age, sex and species/strains features. This review gives an overview of the most useful methods to assess sensory, motor and autonomic functions, electrophysiological and morphological tests in rodent models of peripheral neuropathy, focused on CIPN. We include as well a proposal of protocols that may improve the quality and comparability of studies undertaken in different laboratories. It is recommended to apply more than one functional method for each type of function, and to perform parallel morphological studies in the same targets and models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Bruna
- Unit of Neuro-Oncology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Institut Català d'Oncologia L'Hospitalet, IDIBELL, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Paola Alberti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy; NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), Milan, Italy
| | - Aina Calls-Cobos
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain
| | - Martial Caillaud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Spain.
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13
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Darrow MJ, Mian TM, Torres M, Haider Z, Danaphongse T, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP, Hays SA. Restoration of Somatosensory Function by Pairing Vagus Nerve Stimulation with Tactile Rehabilitation. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:194-205. [PMID: 31875975 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sensory dysfunction is a common consequence of many forms of neurological injury, including stroke and nerve damage. Rehabilitative paradigms that incorporate sensory retraining can provide modest benefits, but the majority of patients are left with lasting sensory loss. We have developed a novel strategy that uses closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with tactile rehabilitation to enhance synaptic plasticity and facilitate recovery of sensory function. METHODS A clinical case report provides initial evidence that a similar implementation of closed-loop VNS paired with a tactile rehabilitation regimen could improve recovery of somatosensory function. Here, we sought to build on these promising initial clinical data and rigorously evaluate the ability of VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation to improve recovery in an animal model of chronic sensory loss. The study design, including planned sample size, assessments, and statistical comparisons, was preregistered prior to beginning data collection (https://osf.io/xsnj5/). RESULTS VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation resulted in a significant and nearly complete recovery of mechanosensory withdrawal thresholds. Equivalent tactile rehabilitation without VNS failed to improve sensory function. This VNS-dependent restoration of sensory thresholds was maintained for several months after the cessation of stimulation, illustrating long-term benefits. Moreover, VNS paired with tactile rehabilitation resulted in significant generalized improvements in other measures of sensorimotor forepaw function. INTERPRETATION Given the safety and tolerability of VNS therapy, these findings suggest that incorporating VNS paired with sensory retraining into rehabilitative regimens may represent a fundamentally new method to increase recovery of sensory function after neurological injury. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:194-205.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Darrow
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Tabarak M Mian
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Miranda Torres
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Zainab Haider
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Tanya Danaphongse
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Seth A Hays
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
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14
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Meyers EC, Kasliwal N, Solorzano BR, Lai E, Bendale G, Berry A, Ganzer PD, Romero-Ortega M, Rennaker RL, Kilgard MP, Hays SA. Enhancing plasticity in central networks improves motor and sensory recovery after nerve damage. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5782. [PMID: 31857587 PMCID: PMC6923364 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve damage can cause chronic, debilitating problems including loss of motor control and paresthesia, and generates maladaptive neuroplasticity as central networks attempt to compensate for the loss of peripheral connectivity. However, it remains unclear if this is a critical feature responsible for the expression of symptoms. Here, we use brief bursts of closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CL-VNS) delivered during rehabilitation to reverse the aberrant central plasticity resulting from forelimb nerve transection. CL-VNS therapy drives extensive synaptic reorganization in central networks paralleled by improved sensorimotor recovery without any observable changes in the nerve or muscle. Depleting cortical acetylcholine blocks the plasticity-enhancing effects of CL-VNS and consequently eliminates recovery, indicating a critical role for brain circuits in recovery. These findings demonstrate that manipulations to enhance central plasticity can improve sensorimotor recovery and define CL-VNS as a readily translatable therapy to restore function after nerve damage. Peripheral nerve damage generates maladaptive neuroplasticity as central networks attempt to compensate for the loss of peripheral connectivity. Here, the authors reverse the aberrant plasticity via vagus nerve stimulation to elicit synaptic reorganization and to improve sensorimotor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Meyers
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.
| | - Nimit Kasliwal
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Bleyda R Solorzano
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Elaine Lai
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Geetanjali Bendale
- Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Abigail Berry
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Patrick D Ganzer
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Mario Romero-Ortega
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Seth A Hays
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
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15
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Functional Recovery Occurs Even After Partial Remyelination of Axon-Meshed Median and Ulnar Nerves in Mice. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:2230-2236. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02863-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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16
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Hanwright PJ, Rath JL, Guionneau N, Harris TG, Sarhane KA, Kemp SW, Hoke A, Cederna PS, Tuffaha SH. Stimulated grip strength measurement: Validation of a novel method for functional assessment. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:437-442. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.26646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Hanwright
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Jennifer L. Rath
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Nicholas Guionneau
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Thomas G.W Harris
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Karim A. Sarhane
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Stephen W.P. Kemp
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Ahmet Hoke
- Department of NeurologyJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
| | - Paul S. Cederna
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of SurgeryUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Sami H. Tuffaha
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland
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17
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Hulsey DR, Mian TM, Darrow MJ, Hays SA. Quantitative assessment of cortical somatosensory digit representations after median and ulnar nerve injury in rats. Exp Brain Res 2019; 237:2297-2304. [PMID: 31273391 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-019-05593-0] [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: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Incomplete recovery of sensory function is common after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Despite reinnervation following injury, disorganized cortical representations persist and may contribute to functional deficits. There is a dearth of literature characterizing cortical responses after PNI in rodent models. Here we develop a quantitative electrophysiological method for mapping forepaw digit responses in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of rats. We tested the hypothesis that PNI in the forelimb would generate significant, long lasting sensory deficits, and corresponding disorganization in S1. Rats underwent a transection of the proximal segment of the median and ulnar nerves in the forelimb followed by tubular repair. 4-12 months after nerve injury, we tested mechanosensory withdrawal thresholds and mapped S1 responses to mechanical stimulation of the digits. PNI produces persistent elevation of mechanical withdrawal thresholds, consistent with an impairment in sensory function. Assessment of cortical neurophysiology reveals a substantial disorganization of S1 somatotopy. Additionally, we document degraded timing and digit specificity of cortical responses. This quantitative measurement of long-term changes in S1 digit representations after forelimb nerve injury in rodents provides a framework for further studies focused on the development of therapeutic strategies to restore cortical and sensory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Hulsey
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.
| | - Tabarak M Mian
- School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Michael J Darrow
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Seth A Hays
- Texas Biomedical Device Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA.,Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
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18
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Ronchi G, Morano M, Fregnan F, Pugliese P, Crosio A, Tos P, Geuna S, Haastert-Talini K, Gambarotta G. The Median Nerve Injury Model in Pre-clinical Research - A Critical Review on Benefits and Limitations. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:288. [PMID: 31316355 PMCID: PMC6609919 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful introduction of innovative treatment strategies into clinical practise strongly depends on the availability of effective experimental models and their reliable pre-clinical assessment. Considering pre-clinical research for peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction, the far most used nerve regeneration model in the last decades is the sciatic nerve injury and repair model. More recently, the use of the median nerve injury and repair model has gained increasing attention due to some significant advantages it provides compared to sciatic nerve injury. Outstanding advantages are the availability of reliable behavioural tests for assessing posttraumatic voluntary motor recovery and a much lower impact on the animal wellbeing. In this article, the potential application of the median nerve injury and repair model in pre-clinical research is reviewed. In addition, we provide a synthetic overview of a variety of methods that can be applied in this model for nerve regeneration assessment. This article is aimed at helping researchers in adequately adopting this in vivo model for pre-clinical evaluation of peripheral nerve reconstruction as well as for interpreting the results in a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ronchi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Morano
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Fregnan
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Pugliese
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Crosio
- UO Microchirurgia e Chirurgia della Mano, Ospedale Gaetano Pini, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Tos
- UO Microchirurgia e Chirurgia della Mano, Ospedale Gaetano Pini, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Kirsten Haastert-Talini
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Giovanna Gambarotta
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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19
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Dietzmeyer N, Förthmann M, Leonhard J, Helmecke O, Brandenberger C, Freier T, Haastert-Talini K. Two-Chambered Chitosan Nerve Guides With Increased Bendability Support Recovery of Skilled Forelimb Reaching Similar to Autologous Nerve Grafts in the Rat 10 mm Median Nerve Injury and Repair Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:149. [PMID: 31133803 PMCID: PMC6523043 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tension-free surgical reconstruction of transected digital nerves in humans is regularly performed using autologous nerve grafts (ANGs) or bioartificial nerve grafts. Nerve grafts with increased bendability are needed to protect regenerating nerves in highly mobile extremity parts. We have recently demonstrated increased bendability and regeneration supporting properties of chitosan nerve guides with a corrugated outer wall (corrCNGs) in the common rat sciatic nerve model (model of low mobility). Here, we further modified the hollow corrCNGs into two-chambered nerve guides by inserting a perforated longitudinal chitosan-film (corrCNG[F]s) and comprehensively monitored functional recovery in the advanced rat median nerve model. In 16 adult female Lewis rats, we bilaterally reconstructed 10 mm median nerve gaps with either ANGs, standard chitosan nerve guides (CNGs), CNGs (CNG[F]s), or corrCNG[F]s (n = 8, per group). Over 16 weeks, functional recovery of each forelimb was separately surveyed using the grasping test (reflex-based motor task), the staircase test (skilled forelimb reaching task), and non-invasive electrophysiological recordings from the thenar muscles. Finally, regenerated tissue harvested from the distal part of the nerve grafts was paraffin-embedded and cross-sections were analyzed regarding the number of Neurofilament 200-immunopositive axons and the area of newly formed blood vessels. Nerve tissue harvested distal to the grafts was epon-embedded and semi-thin cross-sections underwent morphometrical analyses (e.g., number of myelinated axons, axon and fiber diameters, and myelin thicknesses). Functional recovery was fastest and most complete in the ANG group (100% recovery rate regarding all parameters), but corrCNG[F]s accelerated the recovery of all functions evaluated in comparison to the other nerve guides investigated. Furthermore, corrCNG[F]s supported recovery of reflex-based grasping (87.5%) and skilled forelimb reaching (100%) to eventually significantly higher rates than the other nerve guides (grasping test: CNGs: 75%, CNG[F]s: 62.5%; staircase test: CNGs: 66.7%, CNG[F]s: 83.3%). Histological and nerve morphometrical evaluations, in accordance to the functional results, demonstrated best outcome in the ANG group and highest myelin thicknesses in the corrCNG[F] group compared to the CNG and CNG[F] groups. We thus clearly demonstrate that corrCNG[F]s represent promising innovative nerve grafts for nerve repair in mobile body parts such as digits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Dietzmeyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Maria Förthmann
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Julia Leonhard
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Kirsten Haastert-Talini
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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20
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Casal D, Mota-Silva E, Iria I, Alves S, Farinho A, Pen C, Lourenço-Silva N, Mascarenhas-Lemos L, Silva-Ferreira J, Ferraz-Oliveira M, Vassilenko V, Videira PA, Goyri-O’Neill J, Pais D. Reconstruction of a 10-mm-long median nerve gap in an ischemic environment using autologous conduits with different patterns of blood supply: A comparative study in the rat. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195692. [PMID: 29659600 PMCID: PMC5902043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate in the Wistar rat the efficacy of various autologous nerve conduits with various forms of blood supply in reconstructing a 10-mm-long gap in the median nerve (MN) under conditions of local ischemia. A 10-mm-long median nerve defect was created in the right arm. A loose silicone tube was placed around the nerve gap zone, in order to simulate a local ischemic environment. Rats were divided in the following experimental groups (each with 20 rats): the nerve Graft (NG) group, in which the excised MN segment was reattached; the conventional nerve flap (CNF) and the arterialized neurovenous flap (ANVF) groups in which the gap was bridged with homonymous median nerve flaps; the prefabricated nerve flap (PNF) group in which the gap was reconstructed with a fabricated flap created by leaving an arteriovenous fistula in contact with the sciatic nerve for 5 weeks; and the two control groups, Sham and Excision groups. In the latter group, the proximal stump of the MN nerve was ligated and no repair was performed. The rats were followed for 100 days. During this time, they did physiotherapy. Functional, electroneuromyographic and histological studies were performed. The CNF and ANVF groups presented better results than the NG group in the following assessments: grasping test, nociception, motor stimulation threshold, muscle weight, and histomorphometric evaluation. Radial deviation of the operated forepaw was more common in rats that presented worse results in the other outcome variables. Overall, CNFs and ANVFs produced a faster and more complete recovery than NGs in the reconstruction of a 10-mm-long median nerve gap in an ischemic environment in the Wistar rat. Although, results obtained with CNFs were in most cases were better than ANVFs, these differences were not statistically significant for most of the outcome variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Casal
- Anatomy Department, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department and Burn Unit, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central–Hospital de São José, Lisbon, Portugal
- UCIBIO, Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Mota-Silva
- LIBPhys, Physics Department, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Iria
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Alves
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central–Hospital de São José, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Farinho
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Pen
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central–Hospital de São José, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Luís Mascarenhas-Lemos
- Anatomy Department, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central–Hospital de São José, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Silva-Ferreira
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central–Hospital de São José, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mário Ferraz-Oliveira
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central–Hospital de São José, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Valentina Vassilenko
- LIBPhys, Physics Department, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologias, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Alexandra Videira
- UCIBIO, Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Goyri-O’Neill
- Anatomy Department, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo Pais
- Anatomy Department, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Ueda Y, Misumi S, Suzuki M, Ogawa S, Nishigaki R, Ishida A, Jung CG, Hida H. Disorganization of Oligodendrocyte Development in the Layer II/III of the Sensorimotor Cortex Causes Motor Coordination Dysfunction in a Model of White Matter Injury in Neonatal Rats. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:136-146. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2352-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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22
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Stößel M, Rehra L, Haastert-Talini K. Reflex-based grasping, skilled forelimb reaching, and electrodiagnostic evaluation for comprehensive analysis of functional recovery-The 7-mm rat median nerve gap repair model revisited. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00813. [PMID: 29075572 PMCID: PMC5651396 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rat median nerve injury and repair model gets increasingly important for research on novel bioartificial nerve grafts. It allows follow-up evaluation of the recovery of the forepaw functional ability with several sensitive techniques. The reflex-based grasping test, the skilled forelimb reaching staircase test, as well as electrodiagnostic recordings have been described useful in this context. Currently, no standard values exist, however, for comparison or comprehensive correlation of results obtained in each of the three methods after nerve gap repair in adult rats. METHODS Here, we bilaterally reconstructed 7-mm median nerve gaps with autologous nerve grafts (ANG) or autologous muscle-in-vein grafts (MVG), respectively. During 8 and 12 weeks of observation, functional recovery of each paw was separately monitored using the grasping test (weekly), the staircase test, and noninvasive electrophysiological recordings from the thenar muscles (both every 4 weeks). Evaluation was completed by histomorphometrical analyses at 8 and 12 weeks postsurgery. RESULTS The comprehensive evaluation detected a significant difference in the recovery of forepaw functional motor ability between the ANG and MVG groups. The correlation between the different functional tests evaluated precisely displayed the recovery of distinct levels of forepaw functional ability over time. CONCLUSION Thus, this multimodal evaluation model represents a valuable preclinical model for peripheral nerve reconstruction approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stößel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover Hannover Germany
| | - Lena Rehra
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany
| | - Kirsten Haastert-Talini
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology Hannover Medical School Hannover Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN) Hannover Hannover Germany
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23
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Meyers EC, Granja R, Solorzano BR, Romero-Ortega M, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL, Hays S. Median and ulnar nerve injuries reduce volitional forelimb strength in rats. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:1149-1154. [PMID: 28120500 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are among the leading causes of physical disability in the United States. The majority of injuries occur in the upper extremities, and functional recovery is often limited. Robust animal models are critical first steps for developing effective therapies to restore function after PNI. METHODS We developed an automated behavioral assay that provides quantitative measurements of volitional forelimb strength in rats. Multiple forelimb PNI models involving the median and ulnar nerves were used to assess forelimb function for up to 13 weeks postinjury. RESULTS Despite multiple weeks of task-oriented training following injury, rats exhibit significant reductions in multiple quantitative parameters of forelimb function, including maximal pull force and speed of force generation. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that the isometric pull task is an effective method of evaluating forelimb function following PNI and may aid in development of therapeutic interventions to restore function. Muscle Nerve 56: 1149-1154, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Meyers
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Rafael Granja
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Bleyda R Solorzano
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Mario Romero-Ortega
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Seth Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
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Kern B, Budihardjo JD, Mermulla S, Quan A, Cadmi C, Lopez J, Khusheim M, Xiang S, Park J, Furtmüller GJ, Sarhane KA, Schneeberger S, Lee WPA, Hoke A, Tuffaha SH, Brandacher G. A Novel Rodent Orthotopic Forelimb Transplantation Model That Allows for Reliable Assessment of Functional Recovery Resulting From Nerve Regeneration. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:622-634. [PMID: 27500557 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Improved nerve regeneration and functional outcomes would greatly enhance the utility of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) such as hand and upper extremity transplantation. However, research aimed at achieving this goal has been limited by the lack of a functional VCA animal model. We have developed a novel rat midhumeral forelimb transplant model that allows for the characterization of upper extremity functional recovery following transplantation. At the final end point of 12 weeks, we found that animals with forelimb transplantation including median, ulnar and radial nerve coaptation demonstrated significantly improved grip strength and forelimb function as compared to forelimb transplantation without nerve approximation (grip strength: 1.71N ± 0.57 vs. no appreciable recovery; IBB scale: 2.6 ± 0.7? vs. 0.8 ± 0.40; p = 0.0005), and similar recovery to nerve transection-and-repair only (grip strength: 1.71N ± 0.57 vs. 2.03 ± 0.42.6; IBB scale: 2.6 ± 0.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.8; p = ns). Moreover, all forelimb transplant animals with nerve coaptation displayed robust axonal regeneration with myelination and reduced flexor muscle atrophy when compared to forelimb transplant animals without nerve coaptation. In conclusion, this is the first VCA small-animal model that allows for reliable and reproducible measurement of behavioral functional recovery in addition to histologic evaluation of nerve regeneration and graft reinnervation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kern
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Visceral, Transplant, and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J D Budihardjo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S Mermulla
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Quan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - C Cadmi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - J Lopez
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - M Khusheim
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S Xiang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - J Park
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - G J Furtmüller
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - K A Sarhane
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - W P A Lee
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - A Hoke
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - S H Tuffaha
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - G Brandacher
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Cumulative Brain Injury from Motor Vehicle-Induced Whole-Body Vibration and Prevention by Human Apolipoprotein A-I Molecule Mimetic (4F) Peptide (an Apo A-I Mimetic). J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2016; 24:2759-73. [PMID: 26433438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insidious cumulative brain injury from motor vehicle-induced whole-body vibration (MV-WBV) has not yet been studied. The objective of the present study is to validate whether whole-body vibration for long periods causes cumulative brain injury and impairment of the cerebral function. We also explored a preventive method for MV-WBV injury. METHODS A study simulating whole-body vibration was conducted in 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 9 groups (N = 8): (1) 2-week normal control; (2) 2-week sham control (in the tube without vibration); (3) 2-week vibration (exposed to whole-body vibration at 30 Hz and .5 G acceleration for 4 hours/day, 5 days/week for 2 weeks; vibration parameters in the present study are similar to the most common driving conditions); (4) 4-week sham control; (5) 4-week vibration; (6) 4-week vibration with human apolipoprotein A-I molecule mimetic (4F)-preconditioning; (7) 8-week sham control; (8) 8-week vibration; and (9) 8-week 4F-preconditioning group. All the rats were evaluated by behavioral, physiological, and histological studies of the brain. RESULTS Brain injury from vibration is a cumulative process starting with cerebral vasoconstriction, squeezing of the endothelial cells, increased free radicals, decreased nitric oxide, insufficient blood supply to the brain, and repeated reperfusion injury to brain neurons. In the 8-week vibration group, which indicated chronic brain edema, shrunken neuron numbers increased and whole neurons atrophied, which strongly correlated with neural functional impairment. There was no prominent brain neuronal injury in the 4F groups. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated cumulative brain injury from MV-WBV and validated the preventive effects of 4F preconditioning.
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Bobkiewicz A, Cwykiel J, Siemionow M. Anatomic variations of brachial and lumbosacral plexus models in different rat strains. Microsurgery 2016; 37:327-333. [PMID: 27270490 DOI: 10.1002/micr.30078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Selection of an appropriate model for preclinical assessment of new methods of peripheral nerve injury management is crucial. This report presents anatomic variations within brachial and lumbosacral plexuses in three selected rat strains Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD), Lewis (LEW/SsNHsd), and Athymic Nude (Hsd:RH-Foxn1rnu ) rats. METHODS Based on their strain eighteen rats were divided into three groups. A total of 90 brachial plexus nerves (axillary, musculocutaneous, median, ulnar, and radial nerves) and 72 lumbosacral plexus nerves (sciatic, tibial, common peroneal, and sural nerves) were analyzed for the length, diameter and correlation with the body weight. A detailed anatomic course of each nerve within the brachial and lumbosacral plexuses was outlined. RESULTS The sural nerve was the longest nerve in all studied rat strains, whereas the sciatic nerve had the largest diameter. Comparison of all the nerves' length demonstrated that the Lewis rat sciatic and sural nerves were significantly shorter (P < 0.05). No significant differences in nerve diameters were found among the analyzed rat strain groups. Significant correlation was revealed between the length of sciatic nerve and the rats' weight, which is irrelevant to the rats' genetic background. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that nerves' length within rat's brachial and lumbosacral plexus depends on the inter-individual variations within the rat strains rather than on the differences in the peripheral nerve development, which is inherent to the specific rat strain. Correlation between the nerve length and body weight, suggests that bigger rats should be considered for studies requiring access to the long nerves. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:327-333, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bobkiewicz
- Department of General Surgery, Gastroenterological Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Cwykiel
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Maria Siemionow
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL.,Department of General Surgery, Gastroenterological Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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27
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Comparative outcome measures in peripheral regeneration studies. Exp Neurol 2016; 287:348-357. [PMID: 27094121 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries are common and often result in partial or permanent paralysis, numbness of the affected limb, and debilitating neuropathic pain. Experimental animal models of nerve injury have utilized a diversity of outcome measures to examine functional recovery following injury. Four primary categories of outcome measures of regenerative success including retrograde labeling with counts of regenerating neurons, immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry, reinnervation of target muscles, and behavioral analysis of recovery will be reviewed. Validity of different outcome measures are discussed in context of hindlimb, forelimb, and facial nerve injury models. Severity of nerve injury will be highlighted, and comparisons between nerve crush injury and more severe transection and neuroma-in-continuity nerve injury paradigms will be evaluated. The case is made that specific outcome measures may be more sensitive to assessing functional recovery following nerve injury than others. This will be discussed in the context of the lack of association between certain outcome measures of nerve regeneration. Examples of inaccurate conclusions from specific outcome measures will also be considered. Overall, researchers must therefore take care to select appropriate outcome measures for animal nerve injury studies dependant on the specific experimental interventions and scientific questions addressed.
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28
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Korkmaz MF, Parlakpınar H, Ceylan MF, Ediz L, Şamdancı E, Kekilli E, Sağır M. The Effect of Sildenafil on Recuperation from Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats. Balkan Med J 2016; 33:204-11. [PMID: 27403391 DOI: 10.5152/balkanmedj.2016.14701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe functional and anatomical defects can be detected after the peripheral nerve injury. Pharmacological approaches are preferred rather than surgical treatment in the treatment of nerve injuries. AIMS The aim of this study is to perform histopathological, functional and bone densitometry examinations of the effects of sildenafil on nerve regeneration in a rat model of peripheral nerve crush injury. STUDY DESIGN Animal experiment. METHODS The study included a total of thirty adult Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into three groups of ten rats each. In all rats, a crush injury was created by clamping the right sciatic nerve for one minute. One day before the procedure, rats in group 1 were started on a 28-day treatment consisting of a daily dose of 20 mg/kg body weight sildenafil citrate given orally via a nasogastric tube, while the rats in group 2 were started on an every-other-day dose of 10 mg/kg body weight sildenafil citrate. Rats from group 3 were not administered any drugs. Forty-two days after the nerve damage was created, functional and histopathological examination of both sciatic nerves and bone densitometric evaluation of the extremities were conducted. RESULTS During the rotarod test, rats from group 3 spent the least amount of time on the rod compared to the drug treatment groups at speeds of 20 rpm, 30 rpm and 40 rpm. In addition, the duration for which each animal could stay on the rod throughout the accelerod test significantly reduced in rats from group 3 compared to rats from groups 1 and 2 in the 4-min test. For the hot-plate latency time, there were no differences among the groups in either the basal level or after sciatic nerve injury. Moreover, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the static sciatic index (SSI) on the 42(nd) day (p=0.147). The amplitude was better evaluated in group 1 compared to the other two groups (p<0.05). Under microscopic evaluation, we observed the greatest amount of nerve regeneration in group 1 and the lowest in group 3. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the bone mineral density (BMD) levels among the groups. CONCLUSION We believe that a daily single dose of sildenafil plays an important role in the treatment of sciatic nerve damage and bone healing and thus can be used as supportive clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Korkmaz
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, İnönü University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Hakan Parlakpınar
- Department of Pharmacology, İnönü University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Fethi Ceylan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, İnönü University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Levent Ediz
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University School of Medicine, Van, Turkey
| | - Emine Şamdancı
- Department of Pathology, İnönü University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ersoy Kekilli
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, İnönü University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sağır
- Department of Pharmacology, İnönü University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
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Shaikh S, Shortland P, Lauto A, Barton M, Morley JW, Mahns DA. Sensory perturbations using suture and sutureless repair of transected median nerve in rats. Somatosens Mot Res 2016; 33:20-8. [PMID: 26899181 DOI: 10.3109/08990220.2016.1142438] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of changes to cold, mechanical, and heat thresholds following median nerve transection with repair by sutures (Su) or Rose Bengal adhesion (RA) were compared to sham-operated animals. Both nerve-injured groups showed a transient, ipsilateral hyposensitivity to mechanical and heat stimuli followed by a robust and long-lasting hypersensitivity (6-7 weeks) with gradual recovery towards pre-injury levels by 90 days post-repair. Both tactile and thermal hypersensitivity were seen in the contralateral limb that was similar in onset but differed in magnitude and resolved more rapidly compared to the injured limb. Prior to injury, no animals showed any signs of aversion to cold plate temperatures of 4-16 °C. After injury, animals showed cold allodynia, lasting for 7 weeks in RA-repaired rats before recovering towards pre-injury levels, but were still present at 12 weeks in Su-repaired rats. Additionally, sensory recovery in the RA group was faster compared to the Su group in all behavioural tests. Surprisingly, sham-operated rats showed similar bilateral behavioural changes to all sensory stimuli that were comparable in onset and magnitude to the nerve-injured groups but resolved more quickly compared to nerve-injured rats. These results suggest that nerve repair using a sutureless approach produces an accelerated recovery with reduced sensorimotor disturbances compared to direct suturing. They also describe, for the first time, that unilateral forelimb nerve injury produces mirror-image-like sensory perturbations in the contralateral limb, suggesting that the contralateral side is not a true control for sensory testing. The potential mechanisms involved in this altered behaviour are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiya Shaikh
- a School of Medicine, Western Sydney University , NSW , Australia
| | - Peter Shortland
- b School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University , NSW , Australia
| | - Antonio Lauto
- b School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University , NSW , Australia
| | - Matthew Barton
- a School of Medicine, Western Sydney University , NSW , Australia
| | - John W Morley
- a School of Medicine, Western Sydney University , NSW , Australia
| | - David A Mahns
- a School of Medicine, Western Sydney University , NSW , Australia
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O'Daly A, Rohde C, Brushart T. The topographic specificity of muscle reinnervation predicts function. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:443-50. [PMID: 26332647 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Functional testing has assumed a progressively dominant role in validating the success of experimental nerve repair. Results obtained in one model, however, cannot predict the results in others because they reflect the coordinated interaction of several muscles across multiple joints. As a result, many combinations of topographically correct and incorrect muscle reinnervation could produce the same result. We have developed a binary model in which elbow flexors and extensors are reinnervated, and elbow flexion and extension are the functions tested. The musculocutaneous and radial nerves of Lister-Hooded rats were subjected to axonotmetic injuries that produced increasing degrees of axonal misdirection at the site of injury ranging from simple crush to transection and rotational offset of proximal and distal stumps. Elbow function was tested with a device that requires coordinated elbow extension to reach sugar pellets and flexion to return them to the mouth. After 12 weeks of regeneration, motoneurons projecting to the distal musculocutaneous nerve were retrogradely labelled with WGA-Ruby and scored regarding their location within musculocutaneous or radial motoneuron pools. The severity of axonal misdirection resulting from the initial surgery was mirrored by progressive degrees of inappropriate reinnervation of the musculocutaneous nerve by radial nerve axons. The specificity of reinnervation predicted elbow function (r = 0.72), whereas the number of motoneurons regenerating did not. This model is thus well suited to study the interaction of regeneration specificity and function across a single joint, and to produce data that can be generalized more broadly than those obtained from more complex models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres O'Daly
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Charles Rohde
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Brushart
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
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Navarro X. Functional evaluation of peripheral nerve regeneration and target reinnervation in animal models: a critical overview. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:271-86. [PMID: 26228942 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries usually lead to severe loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions in the patients. Due to the complex requirements for adequate axonal regeneration, functional recovery is often poorly achieved. Experimental models are useful to investigate the mechanisms related to axonal regeneration and tissue reinnervation, and to test new therapeutic strategies to improve functional recovery. Therefore, objective and reliable evaluation methods should be applied for the assessment of regeneration and function restitution after nerve injury in animal models. This review gives an overview of the most useful methods to assess nerve regeneration, target reinnervation and recovery of complex sensory and motor functions, their values and limitations. The selection of methods has to be adequate to the main objective of the research study, either enhancement of axonal regeneration, improving regeneration and reinnervation of target organs by different types of nerve fibres, or increasing recovery of complex sensory and motor functions. It is generally recommended to use more than one functional method for each purpose, and also to perform morphological studies of the injured nerve and the reinnervated targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
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Geuna S. The sciatic nerve injury model in pre-clinical research. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 243:39-46. [PMID: 25629799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the pre-clinical view, the study of peripheral nerve repair and regeneration still needs to be carried out in animal models due to the structural complexity of this organ which can be only partly simulated in vitro. The far most used experimental model is based on the injury of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve trunk in mammals. In this paper, the potential application of the sciatic nerve injury model in pre-clinical research is critically reviewed. This paper is aimed at helping researchers in properly employing this in vivo model for the study of nerve repair and regeneration as well as interpreting the results in a clinical translation perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Geuna
- Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri Ottolenghi Foundation & Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.
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Yan JG, Zhang LL, Agresti M, LoGiudice J, Sanger JR, Matloub HS, Havlik R. Neural systemic impairment from whole-body vibration. J Neurosci Res 2014; 93:736-44. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Geng Yan
- Department of Plastic Surgery; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Lin-ling Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Michael Agresti
- Department of Plastic Surgery; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - John LoGiudice
- Department of Plastic Surgery; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - James R. Sanger
- Department of Plastic Surgery; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Hani S. Matloub
- Department of Plastic Surgery; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Robert Havlik
- Department of Plastic Surgery; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Li Y, Lao J, Zhao X, Tian D, Zhu Y, Wei X. The optimal distance between two electrode tips during recording of compound nerve action potentials in the rat median nerve. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:171-8. [PMID: 25206798 PMCID: PMC4146167 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.125346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The distance between the two electrode tips can greatly influence the parameters used for recording compound nerve action potentials. To investigate the optimal parameters for these recordings in the rat median nerve, we dissociated the nerve using different methods and compound nerve action potentials were orthodromically or antidromically recorded with different electrode spacings. Compound nerve action potentials could be consistently recorded using a method in which the middle part of the median nerve was intact, with both ends dissociated from the surrounding fascia and a ground wire inserted into the muscle close to the intact part. When the distance between two stimulating electrode tips was increased, the threshold and supramaximal stimulating intensity of compound nerve action potentials were gradually decreased, but the amplitude was not changed significantly. When the distance between two recording electrode tips was increased, the amplitude was gradually increased, but the threshold and supramaximal stimulating intensity exhibited no significant change. Different distances between recording and stimulating sites did not produce significant effects on the aforementioned parameters. A distance of 5 mm between recording and stimulating electrodes and a distance of 10 mm between recording and stimulating sites were found to be optimal for compound nerve action potential recording in the rat median nerve. In addition, the orthodromic compound action potential, with a biphasic waveform that was more stable and displayed less interference (however also required a higher threshold and higher supramaximal stimulus), was found to be superior to the antidromic compound action potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongping Li
- Department of Hand Surgery of HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Healthy; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China ; Department of Orthopedics, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Lao
- Department of Hand Surgery of HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Healthy; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Hand Surgery of HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Healthy; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Tian
- Department of Hand Surgery of HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Healthy; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery of HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Hand Reconstruction, Ministry of Healthy; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Peripheral Nerve and Microsurgery, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochun Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Donaldson K, Höke A. Studying axonal degeneration and regeneration using in vitro and in vivo models: the translational potential. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.14.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Since the initial studies by Cajal, multiple models of peripheral nerve degeneration and regeneration have been developed to address the ever-increasing complexity of the mechanisms involved in regeneration. In vitro models offer the principal benefit of a system that can be readily manipulated to address specific mechanistic questions in a deconstructed system. However, in vitro models can be overly simplified and intricacies of the interactions between neurons and glia can be lost. In vivo animal models seek to remedy some of these shortcomings, but most in vivo animal systems fail to precisely model human nerve regeneration. Rodent models of chronic nerve regeneration have been developed to better recapitulate human nerve regeneration, but are not widely used. An important development in the field has been the establishment of experimental nerve regeneration in humans, involving the reinnervation of the epidermis after cutaneous axotomy or topical capsaicin application. Use of such human models will likely accelerate the development and evaluation of new drugs that enhance peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Donaldson
- Departments of Neurology & Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ahmet Höke
- Departments of Neurology & Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Speck AE, Ilha J, do Espírito Santo CC, Aguiar AS, Dos Santos ARS, Swarowsky A. The IBB forelimb scale as a tool to assess functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury in mice. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 226:66-72. [PMID: 24486876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to test whether the IBB Forelimb Scale (Irvine et al., 2010) which was originally developed for rats with spinal cord injury, is also capable of measuring the functional performance of Swiss mice with lesions of the median and ulnar nerves inflicted via crushing with standardized strength. NEW METHOD This test was performed at days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 after surgery and each animal gives a score of 9, where 0 represented the worst functionality and 9 represented the habitual behavior. RESULTS The control animals usually exhibited movements in the task that were scored as 9 during the experimental period. The lesion group began with a score of 2 on the 1st and 3rd post-operative days. On the 7th and 10th postoperative days, respectively, they scored 7, and on the 14th post-operative day, they achieved a score of 8. Only on the 21st post-operative day, did they exhibit habitual skillful behaviors. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) IBB Forelimb Scale is effective for determining how the animals perform the movements in detail, which is not readily revealed by other methods. Furthermore, this test show similar recovery periods with grasping test, staircase test and seems to be more sensitive than paw print analysis for this type of lesion. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that IBB scale was capable of measuring gradual improvements in motor forelimb functions in this model and may be a new and effective assessment tool for peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Elisa Speck
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia, Centro do Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, UDESC, Rua Pascoal Simone 358, Coqueiros, Florianópolis, SC 88080-350, Brazil
| | - Jocemar Ilha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia, Centro do Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, UDESC, Rua Pascoal Simone 358, Coqueiros, Florianópolis, SC 88080-350, Brazil
| | - Caroline Cunha do Espírito Santo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia, Centro do Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, UDESC, Rua Pascoal Simone 358, Coqueiros, Florianópolis, SC 88080-350, Brazil
| | - Aderbal Silva Aguiar
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, UFSC, Córrego Grande, Florianópolis, SC 88049-900, Brazil
| | - Adair Roberto Soares Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, UFSC, Trindade, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Swarowsky
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisioterapia, Centro do Ciências da Saúde e do Esporte, UDESC, Rua Pascoal Simone 358, Coqueiros, Florianópolis, SC 88080-350, Brazil.
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Khuong HT, Kumar R, Senjaya F, Grochmal J, Ivanovic A, Shakhbazau A, Forden J, Webb A, Biernaskie J, Midha R. Skin derived precursor Schwann cells improve behavioral recovery for acute and delayed nerve repair. Exp Neurol 2014; 254:168-79. [PMID: 24440805 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous work has shown that infusion of skin-derived precursors pre-differentiated into Schwann cells (SKP-SCs) can remyelinate injured and regenerating axons, and improve indices of axonal regeneration and electrophysiological parameters in rodents. We hypothesized that SKP-SC therapy would improve behavioral outcomes following nerve injury repair and tested this in a pre-clinical trial in 90 rats. A model of sciatic nerve injury and acellular graft repair was used to compare injected SKP-SCs to nerve-derived Schwann cells or media, and each was compared to the gold standard nerve isograft repair. In a second experiment, rats underwent right tibial nerve transection and received either acute or delayed direct nerve repair, with injections of either 1) SKP-SCs distal to the repair site, 2) carrier medium alone, or 3) dead SKP-SCs, and were followed for 4, 8 or 17weeks. For delayed repairs, both transected nerve ends were capped and repaired 11weeks later, along with injections of cells or media as above, and followed for 9 additional weeks (total of 20weeks). Rats were serially tested for skilled locomotion and a slip ratio was calculated for the horizontal ladder-rung and tapered beam tasks. Immediately after nerve injury and with chronic denervation, slip ratios were dramatically elevated. In the GRAFT repair study, the SKP-SC treated rats showed statistically significant improvement in ladder rung as compared to all other groups, and exhibited the greatest similarity to the sham controls on the tapered beam by study termination. In the ACUTE repair arm, the SKP-SC group showed marked improvement in ladder rung slip ratio as early as 5weeks after surgery, which was sustained for the duration of the experiment. Groups that received media and dead SKP-SCs improved with significantly slower progression. In the DELAYED repair arm, the SKP-SC group became significantly better than other groups 7weeks after the repair, while the media and the dead SKP-SCs showed no significant improvement in slip ratios. On histomorphometrical analysis, SKP-SC group showed significantly increased mean axon counts while the percent myelin debris was significantly lower at both 4 and 8weeks, suggesting that a less inhibitory micro-environment may have contributed to accelerated axonal regeneration. For delayed repair, mean axon counts were significantly higher in the SKP-SC group. Compound action potential amplitudes and muscle weights were also improved by cell therapy. In conclusion, SKP-SC therapy improves behavioral recovery after acute, chronic and nerve graft repair beyond the current standard of microsurgical nerve repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene T Khuong
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada; Service de Neurochirurgie, Département des Sciences Neurologiques, CHU-de Québec (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Centre de Recherché du CHU-de Québec, Canada; Division de Neurochirurgie, Département de Chirurgie, Université Laval, 1401, 18e rue, Québec, Québec G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ranjan Kumar
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Ferry Senjaya
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Joey Grochmal
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Aleksandra Ivanovic
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Antos Shakhbazau
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Joanne Forden
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Aubrey Webb
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Biernaskie
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Rajiv Midha
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1, Canada.
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Combination treatment with chondroitinase ABC in spinal cord injury--breaking the barrier. Neurosci Bull 2013; 29:477-83. [PMID: 23839053 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-013-1359-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), re-establishing functional circuitry in the damaged central nervous system (CNS) faces multiple challenges including lost tissue volume, insufficient intrinsic growth capacity of adult neurons, and the inhibitory environment in the damaged CNS. Several treatment strategies have been developed over the past three decades, but successful restoration of sensory and motor functions will probably require a combination of approaches to address different aspects of the problem. Degradation of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans with the chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) enzyme removes a regeneration barrier from the glial scar and increases plasticity in the CNS by removing perineuronal nets. its mechanism of action does not clash or overlap with most of the other treatment strategies, making ChABC an attractive candidate as a combinational partner with other methods. in this article, we review studies in rat SCI models using ChABC combined with other treatments including cell implantation, growth factors, myelin-inhibitory molecule blockers, and ion channel expression. We discuss possible ways to optimize treatment protocols for future combinational studies. To date, combinational therapies with ChABC have shown synergistic effects with several other strategies in enhancing functional recovery after SCI. These combinatorial approaches can now be developed for clinical application.
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Transhemispheric cortical plasticity following contralateral C7 nerve transfer: a rat functional magnetic resonance imaging survival study. J Hand Surg Am 2013; 38:478-87. [PMID: 23428188 PMCID: PMC4174583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Revised: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform contralateral C7 nerve transfer in a controlled, survival rat functional magnetic resonance imaging model, so as to understand the extent of cortical plasticity after brachial plexus injury and surgical manipulation with this procedure. METHODS A total of 24 rats divided into 3 groups underwent surgery followed by functional magnetic resonance imaging in this study. Group I rats served as sham controls. Group II injury rats underwent complete right brachial plexus root avulsion. Group III repair rats underwent complete right brachial plexus root avulsion and then contralateral C7 nerve transfer to the right median nerve. We assessed cortical response to median nerve stimulation at 0, 3, and 5 months after injury using functional magnetic resonance imaging at 9.4 T. We concurrently performed sensory and motor functional testing. RESULTS We noted a progression in cortical activation in the repair rats over 0, 3, and 5 months. Initially, right median nerve stimulation in the repair group showed complete loss of activation in the contralateral somatosensory cortex. Nerve stimulation at 3 months produced primarily ipsilateral cortical activation; at 5 months, 3 patterns of cortical activation emerged: ipsilateral, bilateral, and contralateral activation. After right median nerve stimulation, injury rats maintained a lack of cortical activation and control rats maintained exclusive contralateral activation throughout all time points. Functional testing revealed a degree of return of sensory and motor function over time in the repair group compared with the injured group. CONCLUSIONS A high degree of transhemispheric cortical plasticity occurred after contralateral C7 nerve transfer. There appears to be a predilection for the rat brain to restore the preinjury somatotopic representation of the brain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Understanding the cortical changes after nerve injury and repair may lead to specific pharmacologic or behavioral interventions that can improve functional outcomes.
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Bosch KD, Bradbury EJ, Verhaagen J, Fawcett JW, McMahon SB. Chondroitinase ABC promotes plasticity of spinal reflexes following peripheral nerve injury. Exp Neurol 2012; 238:64-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kindlin-1 enhances axon growth on inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and promotes sensory axon regeneration. J Neurosci 2012; 32:7325-35. [PMID: 22623678 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5472-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing and regenerating axons need to interact with the molecules in the extracellular matrix as they traverse through their environment. An important group of receptors that serve this function is the integrin superfamily of cell surface receptors, which are evolutionarily conserved αβ heterodimeric transmembrane proteins. The function of integrins is controlled by regulating the affinity for ligands (also called "integrin activation"). Previous results have shown that CNS inhibitory molecules inactivate axonal integrins, while enhancing integrin activation can promote axon growth from neurons cultured on inhibitory substrates. We tested two related molecules, kindlin-1 and kindlin-2 (Fermitin family members 1 and 2), that can activate β1, β2, and β3 integrins, for their effects on integrin signaling and integrin-mediated axon growth in rat sensory neurons. We determined that kindlin-2, but not kindlin-1, is endogenously expressed in the nervous system. Knocking down kindlin-2 levels in cultured sensory neurons impaired their ability to extend axons, but this was partially rescued by kindlin-1 expression. Overexpression of kindlin-1, but not kindlin-2, in cultured neurons increased axon growth on an inhibitory aggrecan substrate. This was found to be associated with enhanced integrin activation and signaling within the axons. Additionally, in an in vivo rat dorsal root injury model, transduction of dorsal root ganglion neurons to express kindlin-1 promoted axon regeneration across the dorsal root entry zone and into the spinal cord. These animals demonstrated improved recovery of thermal sensation following injury. Our results therefore suggest that kindlin-1 is a potential tool for improving axon regeneration after nervous system lesions.
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Pagnussat AS, Michaelsen SM, Achaval M, Ilha J, Hermel EES, Back FP, Netto CA. Effect of skilled and unskilled training on nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:753-62. [PMID: 22584636 PMCID: PMC3854247 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The most disabling aspect of human peripheral nerve injuries, the majority of which affect the upper limbs, is the loss of skilled hand movements. Activity-induced morphological and electrophysiological remodeling of the neuromuscular junction has been shown to influence nerve repair and functional recovery. In the current study, we determined the effects of two different treatments on the functional and morphological recovery after median and ulnar nerve injury. Adult Wistar male rats weighing 280 to 330 g at the time of surgery (N = 8-10 animals/group) were submitted to nerve crush and 1 week later began a 3-week course of motor rehabilitation involving either "skilled" (reaching for small food pellets) or "unskilled" (walking on a motorized treadmill) training. During this period, functional recovery was monitored weekly using staircase and cylinder tests. Histological and morphometric nerve analyses were used to assess nerve regeneration at the end of treatment. The functional evaluation demonstrated benefits of both tasks, but found no difference between them (P > 0.05). The unskilled training, however, induced a greater degree of nerve regeneration as evidenced by histological measurement (P < 0.05). These data provide evidence that both of the forelimb training tasks used in this study can accelerate functional recovery following brachial plexus injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Pagnussat
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
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Yil H, Kiml MA, Backl SK, Eun JS, Nal HS. A novel rat forelimb model of neuropathic pain produced by partial injury of the median and ulnar nerves. Eur J Pain 2012; 15:459-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2010.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lin R, Rosahl TW, Whiting PJ, Fawcett JW, Kwok JCF. 6-Sulphated chondroitins have a positive influence on axonal regeneration. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21499. [PMID: 21747937 PMCID: PMC3128591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) upregulated in the glial scar inhibit axon regeneration via their sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Chondroitin 6-sulphotransferase-1 (C6ST-1) is upregulated after injury leading to an increase in 6-sulphated GAG. In this study, we ask if this increase in 6-sulphated GAG is responsible for the increased inhibition within the glial scar, or whether it represents a partial reversion to the permissive embryonic state dominated by 6-sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Using C6ST-1 knockout mice (KO), we studied post-injury changes in chondroitin sulphotransferase (CSST) expression and the effect of chondroitin 6-sulphates on both central and peripheral axon regeneration. After CNS injury, wild-type animals (WT) showed an increase in mRNA for C6ST-1, C6ST-2 and C4ST-1, but KO did not upregulate any CSSTs. After PNS injury, while WT upregulated C6ST-1, KO showed an upregulation of C6ST-2. We examined regeneration of nigrostriatal axons, which demonstrate mild spontaneous axon regeneration in the WT. KO showed many fewer regenerating axons and more axonal retraction than WT. However, in the PNS, repair of the median and ulnar nerves led to similar and normal levels of axon regeneration in both WT and KO. Functional tests on plasticity after the repair also showed no evidence of enhanced plasticity in the KO. Our results suggest that the upregulation of 6-sulphated GAG after injury makes the extracellular matrix more permissive for axon regeneration, and that the balance of different CSs in the microenvironment around the lesion site is an important factor in determining the outcome of nervous system injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas W. Rosahl
- The Neuroscience Research Centre, Merck, Sharpe and Dohme, Harlow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J. Whiting
- The Neuroscience Research Centre, Merck, Sharpe and Dohme, Harlow, United Kingdom
| | - James W. Fawcett
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica C. F. Kwok
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Landegren T, Risling M, Hammarberg H, Persson JKE. Selectivity in the reinnervation of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle after nerve repair with ethyl cyanoacrylate in the rat. Front Neurol 2011; 2:25. [PMID: 21577248 PMCID: PMC3087165 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2011.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need for complementary surgical techniques that enable rapid and reliable primary repair of transected nerves. Previous studies after peripheral nerve transection and repair with synthetic adhesives have demonstrated regeneration to an extent comparable to that of conventional techniques. The aim of this study was to compare two different repair techniques on the selectivity of muscle reinnervation after repair and completed regeneration. We used the cholera toxin B technique of retrograde axonal tracing to evaluate the morphology, the number, and the three-dimensional location of α-motoneurons innervating the lateral gastrocnemius muscle and compared the results after repair with either ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA) or epineural sutures of the transected parent sciatic nerve. In addition, we recorded the wet weight of the muscle. Six months after transection and repair of the sciatic nerve, the redistribution of the motoneuron pool was markedly disorganized, the motoneurons had apparently increased in number, and they were scattered throughout a larger volume of the spinal cord gray matter with a decrease in the synaptic coverage compared to controls. A reduction in muscle weight was observed as well. No difference in morphometric variables or muscle weight between the two repair methods could be detected. We conclude that the selectivity of motor reinnervation following sciatic nerve transection and subsequent repair with ECA is comparable to that following conventional micro suturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Landegren
- Section of Hand Surgery, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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Kemp SWP, Webb AA, Dhaliwal S, Syed S, Walsh SK, Midha R. Dose and duration of nerve growth factor (NGF) administration determine the extent of behavioral recovery following peripheral nerve injury in the rat. Exp Neurol 2011; 229:460-70. [PMID: 21458449 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been previously shown to support neuron survival and direct neurite outgrowth in vitro, and to enhance axonal regeneration in vivo. However, a systematic analysis of NGF dose and dose duration on behavioral recovery following peripheral nerve injury in rodents has not been previously investigated. Here, we show that NGF promotes a bell shaped dose-response, with an optimal threshold effect occurring at 800 pg/μl. High dose NGF inhibited regeneration. However, this effect could be reversed through functional blockade of p75 receptors, thus implicating these receptors as mediators of the inhibitory response. Longer term evaluation showed that animals administered NGF at 80 ng/day for 3 weeks had greater sensorimotor recovery compared to all other treatment groups. These animals made significantly fewer errors during skilled locomotion, and displayed both increased vertical and fore-aft ground reaction forces during flat surface locomotion. Furthermore, terminal electrophysiological and myological assessments (EMG, wet gastrocnemius muscle weights) corroborated the behavioral data. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that both appropriate dose and duration of NGF are important determinants of behavioral recovery following nerve injury in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W P Kemp
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1.
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Borlongan CV. Remyelinating the transected peripheral nerve by fabricated Schwann cells derived from bone marrow. Exp Neurol 2010; 225:243-5. [PMID: 20643127 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Revised: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cesar V Borlongan
- epartment of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Kemp SWP, Alant J, Walsh SK, Webb AA, Midha R. Behavioural and anatomical analysis of selective tibial nerve branch transfer to the deep peroneal nerve in the rat. Eur J Neurosci 2010; 31:1074-90. [PMID: 20377620 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07130.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W P Kemp
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Measuring nerve regeneration in the mouse. Exp Neurol 2010; 223:60-71. [PMID: 20080088 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/31/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic engineering of mice has become a major tool in understanding the roles of individual molecules in regeneration of nerves, and will play an increasing role in the future. Mice are in many ways well suited to assessment both of nerve regeneration after axotomy and of collateral sprouting of intact fibers into areas of denervation. However, mouse models present special challenges because of their small size, their inherent capacity for regeneration, and the potential strain effects. The most widely used model of regeneration, sciatic nerve injury, has its inherent limitations, and there is a need for other models of injury to long nerves. Measures of regeneration in the mouse can be divided into those that assess the latency to initiate growth, those sensitive to the rate of growth and the proportion of fibers growing at fast rates, those that assess the time to reinnervation of specific targets and the completeness of reinnervation, and those that assess specificity of reinnervation and functional recovery. The short length of nerve available in the mouse limits measures of the rates of outgrowth, and thus introduces a greater potential for "noise" of measurement than is seen in larger animals such as the rat. For both regeneration of interrupted fibers and collateral regeneration from intact fibers histological and physiological measures of "time to target" have the advantages of direct correlation with restoration of function, the ability to assess regeneration of different fiber types efficiently, and the fact that most of these measures are easier in the mouse than in the rat.
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Wang H, Spinner RJ, Windebank AJ. Quantitative evaluation of movement and strength of the upper limb after transection of the C-7 nerve: is it possible in an animal model? J Neurosurg Spine 2009; 10:102-10. [DOI: 10.3171/2008.10.spi08468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
Contralateral C-7 nerve transfer has been used clinically for more than 20 years. The increased interest in studies of transfer effectiveness at different target muscles, posttransfer cocontraction, and brain plasticity has prompted the need for an animal model. In addition to the conventional electrophysiological, histomorphometric, and biomechanical evaluation modalities, quantitative functional and behavioral evaluation will be crucial in applying this kind of model. The aim of this study was to establish a C-7 transection animal model and quantify the changes in upper-limb joint movement and muscle power.
Methods
A C-7 nerve transection model was created in Sprague-Dawley rats, the brachial plexus of which resembles the human brachial plexus. The impact of C-7 transection on donor limb function—namely, strength, movement, and coordination—was evaluated in 6 rats. Muscle strength (power reported in g) was measured as a grasping task. The active range of motion (ROM; angle reported in °) of the elbow, wrist, and metacarpophalangeal joints was quantified by computerized video motion analysis. Antiresistance coordinated movement (speed reported in seconds) was assessed by the vertical rope-climbing test. These tests were carried out before surgery and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days after C-7 transection. Repeated-measures 1-way analysis of variance was applied for statistical analysis. When the overall probability value was < 0.05, the Dunnett multiple-comparison posttest was used to compare postoperative values with preoperative baseline values.
Results
Immediately after C-7 transection, the mean ± SD grip strength declined from 378.50 ± 20.55 g to 297.77 ± 15.04 g. Active elbow extension was impaired, as shown by a significant decrease of the elbow extension angle. The speed of vertical rope climbing was also reduced. Elbow flexion, wrist flexion and extension, and metacarpophalangeal joint flexion and extension were not impaired. Fast recovery of motor function was observed thereafter. Grip strength, range of active elbow extension, and speed of rope climbing returned to baseline values at postoperative Days 4, 8, and 8, respectively.
Conclusions
The ROM and muscle strength of the upper limb in rats can be measured quantitatively in studies that simulate clinical situations. Application of these functional evaluation modalities in a C-7 nerve transection rat model confirmed that transection of C-7 causes only temporary functional dysfunction to the donor limb. The results obtained in this animal model mimic those seen in humans who undergo contralateral C-7 nerve harvesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- 1Departments of Neurologic Surgery and
- 3Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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