Time-related effects of general functional training in spinal cord-injured rats

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:This prospective, randomized, experimental study with rats aimed to investigate the influence of general treatment strategies on the motor recovery of Wistar rats with moderate contusive spinal cord injury.METHODS:A total of 51 Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: control, maze, ramp, runway, and sham (laminectomy only). The rats underwent spinal cord injury at the T9-T10 levels using the NYU-Impactor. Each group was trained for 12 minutes twice a week for two weeks before and five weeks after the spinal cord injury, except for the control group. Functional motor recovery was assessed with the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan Scale on the first postoperative day and then once a week for five weeks. The animals were euthanized, and the spinal cords were collected for histological analysis.RESULTS:Ramp and maze groups showed an earlier and greater functional improvement effect than the control and runway groups. However, over time, unexpectedly, all of the groups showed similar effects as the control group, with spontaneous recovery. There were no histological differences in the injured area between the trained and control groups.CONCLUSION:Short-term benefits can be associated with a specific training regime; however, the same training was ineffective at maintaining superior long-term recovery. These results might support new considerations before hospital discharge of patients with spinal cord injuries.

Effects of ganglioside G(M1) and erythropoietin on spinal cord lesions in rats: functional and histological evaluations

“…These strategies range from physiotherapy (e.g., exercise, hypothermia and oxygen therapy), aided by the administration of compounds that may increase perfusion and stimulate angiogenic responses, to cellular therapies and forms of therapy. The outcomes of the current treatment strategies can vary depending on the species of the mammalian model used in the laboratory 10 - 12 , 14 , 15 , 21 - 24 .…”

“…This study was motivated by the possibility of the synergetic use of G(M1) and erythropoietin as an adjuvant treatment of spinal lesions based on a consistent line of evidence from studies of experimental lesions in rats 10 - 15 . The use of these two substances together indicates a possible breakthrough in the quality of neural regeneration, stemming from the principle that minimal anatomical repairs of the spinal cord can result in clinically significant improvements in patients who experience spinal cord lesions.…”

Fractures of the cervical spine

“…Orthopedic treatment to reduce the fracture or dislocation will re-conduct the vertebral canal to its normal form and dimension and lead to spinal cord decompression (31). Reduction through traction with a cranial halo is a method commonly used in some emergency services and is efficient and well tolerated by the patient.…”

Effects of passive immobilization on locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in adult rats.

“…Without a proper quantitative measure of in-cage locomotor activity it cannot be determined that environmental enrichment is inducing physical activity and subsequent recovery in these rats. Similarly, studies of various training models that have seen spontaneous recovery in control groups failed to measure in-cage activity as a possible treatment for SCI [Multon et al, 2003;Heng & de Leon, 2009;Miranda et al, 2012;Fouad et al, 2000]. The amount of in-cage, over ground stepping exhibited by SCI rats may have a significant effect on recovery.…”

“…However, many studies have noted substantial functional recovery in control groups that received no treatment following SCI [Basso et al, 1996;Fouad, Metz, Merkler, Dietz & Schwab, 2000;Heng & de Leon, 2009;Miranda et al, 2012;]. This spontaneous recovery suggests the rats are training themselves, most likely by walking while in their cages [Fouad et al, 2000].…”