Combining robotics with enhanced serotonin-driven cortical plasticity improves post-stroke motor recovery
S Conti1, C Spalletti2, M Pasquini1
1Translational Neural Engineering Area, The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.
Progress in Neurobiology
|May 13, 2021
Summary
Combining robotic rehabilitation with serotonin stimulation significantly improves motor recovery after stroke. This synergistic approach enhances brain plasticity and shows potential for clinical translation using drugs like Buspirone.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Current robotic rehabilitation for stroke has limited efficacy.
- Limited enhancement of neural plasticity hinders functional recovery.
- Novel strategies are needed to improve post-stroke motor rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effects of robotic rehabilitation and chemogenetic serotonin stimulation on post-stroke motor recovery.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of enhanced plasticity and motor function.
- To assess the translational potential of this combined approach using a clinically approved drug.
Main Methods:
- Stroke induction in mice followed by robotic rehabilitation.
- Chemogenetic stimulation to increase serotonin release.
- Electrophysiological and neuroanatomical analyses of brain tissue.
- Administration of Buspirone (serotonin 1A receptor agonist) during robotic rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- Combined therapy significantly enhanced motor performance and functional gains.
- Functional improvements persisted post-treatment and generalized to untrained tasks.
- Evidence of reduced GABAergic neurotransmission, suggesting perilesional disinhibition.
- Buspirone administration replicated benefits, demonstrating translational potential.
Conclusions:
- The combination of robotic rehabilitation and serotonin modulation offers a synergistic approach to enhance post-stroke motor recovery.
- This strategy promotes neural plasticity and functional restoration.
- Targeting serotonin pathways, particularly via Buspirone, presents a promising, clinically translatable therapeutic option for stroke rehabilitation.
