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Transformation of nonfunctional spinal circuits into functional states after the loss of brain input.

ABSTRACT: After complete spinal cord transections that removed all supraspinal inputs in adult rats, combinations of serotonergic agonists and epidural electrical stimulation were able to acutely transform spinal networks from nonfunctional to highly functional and adaptive states as early as 1 week after injury. Using kinematics, physiological and anatomical analyses, we found that these interventions could recruit specific populations of spinal circuits, refine their control via sensory input and functionally remodel these locomotor pathways when combined with training. The emergence of these new functional states enabled full weight-bearing treadmill locomotion in paralyzed rats that was almost indistinguishable from voluntary stepping. We propose that, in the absence of supraspinal input, spinal locomotion can emerge from a combination of central pattern-generating capability and the ability of these spinal circuits to use sensory afferent input to control stepping. These findings provide a strategy by which individuals with spinal cord injuries could regain substantial levels of motor control.

SUBMITTER: Courtine G

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2828944 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Transformation of nonfunctional spinal circuits into functional states after the loss of brain input.

Courtine Grégoire G Gerasimenko Yury Y van den Brand Rubia R Yew Aileen A Musienko Pavel P Zhong Hui H Song Bingbing B Ao Yan Y Ichiyama Ronaldo M RM Lavrov Igor I Roy Roland R RR Sofroniew Michael V MV Edgerton V Reggie VR

Nature neuroscience 20090920 10

After complete spinal cord transections that removed all supraspinal inputs in adult rats, combinations of serotonergic agonists and epidural electrical stimulation were able to acutely transform spinal networks from nonfunctional to highly functional and adaptive states as early as 1 week after injury. Using kinematics, physiological and anatomical analyses, we found that these interventions could recruit specific populations of spinal circuits, refine their control via sensory input and functi ...[more]

PMID: 19767747

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Dataset Information

Transformation of nonfunctional spinal circuits into functional states after the loss of brain input.

Publications

Transformation of nonfunctional spinal circuits into functional states after the loss of brain input.

Similar Datasets

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