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Published on: December 15, 2014
Controlled-cortical impact reduces volitional forelimb strength in rats.
David Pruitt1, Seth Hays2, Ariel Schmid1
1The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, 800 West Campbell Road, GR41, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States; The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080-3021, United States.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly reduces forelimb strength in rodents, persisting for weeks post-injury. Researchers developed a new method to accurately measure this weakness in TBI models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Motor Function Research
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health issue in the US, impacting cognitive and motor abilities.
- Forelimb weakness is a common symptom in TBI patients, but objective measurement in animal models is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a behavioral method for quantifying volitional forelimb strength and weakness after TBI.
- To assess the acute and chronic effects of controlled cortical impact (CCI) on forelimb motor function in rodents.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an isometric pull task to measure volitional forelimb strength in rodents.
- Administered controlled cortical impact (CCI) to induce TBI.
- Assessed forelimb function at acute and chronic time points post-injury, including after 6 weeks of training.
Main Results:
- Following CCI, a 36% reduction in volitional forelimb strength was observed.
- This forelimb weakness remained significant even after 6 weeks of post-lesion training.
- CCI also impaired multiple other measures of forelimb function for several weeks.
Conclusions:
- The isometric pull task effectively measures both acute and chronic forelimb weakness following TBI in rodents.
- Rodent models of TBI exhibit persistent forelimb motor deficits, highlighting the need for effective interventions.
