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Published on: October 19, 2021
Interhemispheric functional reorganization after cross nerve transfer: via cortical or subcortical connectivity?
Xu-Yun Hua1, Zhan-Yu Li, Wen-Dong Xu
1Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Middle Road, Shanghai 200040, China.
Brain Research
|July 10, 2012
Summary
Interhemispheric functional reorganization after cross C7 nerve transfer is crucial for limb control. Cortical connectivity, specifically the corpus callosum, is essential for this process in the early stages post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Motor Cortex Plasticity
Background:
- Peripheral nerve transfer can induce long-range interhemispheric reorganization.
- Previous studies demonstrated dynamic interhemispheric functional reorganization following cross seventh cervical nerve transfer in rats.
- The role of cortical versus subcortical connectivity in this reorganization remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether interhemispheric functional reorganization after cross nerve transfer depends on cortical or subcortical connections.
- To elucidate the role of the corpus callosum in mediating interhemispheric plasticity after cross C7 nerve transfer.
Main Methods:
- Cross C7 nerve transfer was performed in adult rats.
- One group (n=18) underwent concurrent corpus callosotomy, while the control group (n=18) did not.
- Intracortical microstimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) was conducted at 5, 7, and 10 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- In rats with cross C7 transfer and corpus callosotomy, forepaw representation appeared in the ipsilateral cortex, overlapping with the healthy forepaw representation at 5 months.
- This ipsilateral representation contracted but persisted at 7-10 months post-surgery.
- Rats with only cross C7 nerve transfer exhibited significant interhemispheric reorganization, unlike the corpus callosotomy group.
Conclusions:
- Corpus callosotomy in the early stages after cross C7 nerve transfer interrupts interhemispheric functional reorganization.
- Cortical-level interhemispheric connectivity is essential for establishing new contralateral control of the paralyzed limb during the initial phase after cross nerve transfer.
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