Models of CNS injury in the nonhuman primate: A new era for treatment strategies

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries affect all levels of society indiscriminately, resulting in functional and behavioral deficits with devastating impacts on life expectancies, physical and emotional wellbeing. Considerable literature exists describing the pathophysiology of CNS injuries as well as the cellular and molecular factors that inhibit regrowth and regeneration of damaged connections. Based on these data, numerous therapeutic strategies targeting the various factors of repair inhibition have been proposed and on-going assessment has demonstrated some promising results in the laboratory environ. However, several of these treatment strategies have subsequently been taken into clinical trials but demonstrated little to no improvement in patient outcomes. As a result, options for clinical interventions following CNS injuries remain limited and effective restorative treatment strategies do not as yet exist. This review discusses some of the current animal models, with focus on nonhuman primates, which are currently being modeled in the laboratory for the study of CNS injuries. Last, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying repair/regrowth inhibition and the current trends in experimental treatment strategies that are being assessed for potential translation to clinical applications.

Relearning to See in Cortical Blindness

“…Similarly, Elliot and colleagues used a narrow-band, high-frequency flicker stimulation paradigm to try and restore vision in a cohort of 3 heterogeneous subjects (stroke, TBI, and a surgical optic nerve lesion - Elliott and others 2015). While people with different lesions can present with similar vision loss, differences in the type of damage sustained can significantly impact their potential for plasticity and compensation (Teo and others 2012). Given that data from individual cases are highly valuable, one possible solution may be to compile detailed information about lesion types, response to training and other information into a shareable database available to the neuroscience and neuro-medicine communities (for examples, see Press and others 2001; Van Essen 2002).…”

Evidence of Tau Hyperphosphorylation and Dystrophic Microglia in the Common Marmoset

“…These models have proven to be useful in the study of physiological processes related to aging and neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, non-human primates have gained popularity in aging research due to their ability to provide a better anatomical and pathophysiological representation of the human central nervous system (CNS; Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks, 2009; Teo et al, 2012). Cognitive capabilities and memory task related to human conditions are more closely assessed in non-human primates than in other mammals (Huang et al, 2016).…”

“…Cognitive capabilities and memory task related to human conditions are more closely assessed in non-human primates than in other mammals (Huang et al, 2016). Moreover, the progression of human diseases is better reflected in non-human primates (Teo et al, 2012). Considerable research has focused on the Old World monkeys (Carlsson et al, 2004; Huang et al, 2016).…”

Primate-specific response of astrocytes to stroke limits peripheral macrophage infiltration

“…The most widely accepted role for reactive astrocytes has been to create a glial scar, as a structural and molecular barrier to repair and regeneration 5,33 . However, astrocyte reactivity is not synonymous with repair inhibition, since reactive astrocytes provide crucial neuroprotection after CNS injuries, e.g.…”