Experimental neurology
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Experimental neurology · Dec 2005
Comparative StudyReinnervation of hind limb extremity after lumbar dorsal root ganglion injury.
Loss of dorsal root ganglion neuron, or injury to dorsal roots, induces permanent somatosensory defect without therapeutic option. We explored an approach to restoring hind limb somatosensory innervation after elimination of L4, L5 and L6 dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats. Somatosensory pathways were reconstructed by connecting L4, L5 and L6 lumbar dorsal roots to T10, T11 and T12 intercostal nerves, respectively, thus allowing elongation of thoracic ganglion neuron peripheral axons into the sciatic nerve. ⋯ Hind limb retraction in response to nociceptive stimulation of the reinnervated footpads and reversion of skin lesions suggested partial recovery of sensory function. Proprioceptive defects persisted. Delayed somatosensory reinnervation of the hind limb after destruction of lumbar dorsal root neurons in rats indicates potential approaches to reduce chronic disability after severe injury to somatosensory pathways.
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Experimental neurology · Dec 2005
Comparative StudyFAS deficiency reduces apoptosis, spares axons and improves function after spinal cord injury.
After spinal cord injury (SCI), apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes is associated with axonal degeneration and loss of neurological function. Recent data have suggested a potential role for FAS death receptor-mediated apoptosis in the pathophysiology of SCI. In this study, we examined the effect of FAS deficiency on SCI in vitro and in vivo. ⋯ FAS deficiency was also associated with improved locomotor recovery, axonal sparing and preservation of oligodendrocytes and myelin. However, FAS deficiency did not result in a significant increase in surviving neurons in the spinal cord at 6 weeks after injury, likely reflecting the importance of other cell death mechanisms for neurons. We conclude that inhibition of the FAS pathway may be a clinically attractive neuroprotective strategy directed towards oligodendroglial and axonal preservation in the treatment of SCI and neurotrauma.
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Experimental neurology · Dec 2005
Comparative Study Clinical TrialRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cortical excitability in patients with major depressive disorder.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a relatively non-invasive technique with putative therapeutic effects in major depression. However, the exact neurophysiological basis of these effects needs further clarification. ⋯ These results suggest that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsolateral, prefrontal cortex may have inhibitory effects on motor cortical neuronal excitability in patients with major depressive disorder. Furthermore, measurement of motor cortical excitability may be a useful tool for investigating and monitoring inhibitory brain effects of antidepressant stimulation techniques like rTMS.