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Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
Published on: January 15, 2016
Development of locomotor behavior in the spinal kitten
D R Howland1, B S Bregman, A Tessler
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129, USA.
Experimental Neurology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Kittens with spinal cord transections at birth showed delayed and abnormal quadrupedal locomotion. The isolated spinal cord generated some stepping, but coordination and weight support remained impaired.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Locomotion Studies
Background:
- Spinal cord injuries in newborns can impact motor development.
- Understanding compensatory mechanisms in spinal cord regeneration is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess locomotor capabilities in kittens after neonatal spinal cord transection.
- To examine the postnatal development of reflex and goal-directed locomotion.
- To investigate axonal regeneration across spinal cord lesion sites.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal low thoracic spinal cord transection in kittens.
- Observation and analysis of quadrupedal locomotion over 5 months.
- Neuroanatomical tracing (WGA-HRP) and immunocytochemistry.
Main Results:
- Delayed onset and abnormal quadrupedal locomotion observed.
- Impaired hindlimb weight support and balance, lack of forelimb-hindlimb coordination.
- No evidence of axonal regeneration across the lesion site.
- Aberrant locomotion occurred without descending input.
Conclusions:
- The isolated caudal spinal cord can generate rhythmic stepping and weight support.
- Compensatory strategies are vital for locomotion achievement in spinal kittens.
- Development of the isolated caudal spinal cord may be arrested without descending input.
