Feasibility Study of Pharmacological Treatment to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality after Brain Injury.
Abstract
A single dose of d-amphetamine (AMP), combined with task relevant experience, produces an enduring acceleration of recovery of locomotor ability after unilateral sensorimotor cortex ablation. Norepinephrine (NE) has been implicated in mediation and maintenance of these effects. This study examined the effect of AMP, specific NE agonists and antagonists and electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) using a model of cortical contusion on recovery of beam-walking ability. Rats were given a single drug or saline injection (i.p.) .24h after a contusion of the right sensorimotor cortex. Beam-walking tests were conducted 1, 3, 6, and 24 hours postinjection every other day for 15 days. For mild contusions, prazosin retarded recovery and a trend toward accelerated recovery was observed for yohimbine. Propranolol and methoxamine showed no effects. These results indicate a role for norepinephrine in recovery after cortical contusion but do not clarify receptor type mediating this effect. After recovery from cortical injury, continued NE function may be important for maintaining locomotor ability. Seizures frequently occur following brain injury, increase NE turnover and have been hypothesized to enhance recovery of function. To test this proposition, we investigated the effects of electroconvulsive seizures on recovery of motor function after cortical contusion in rat. It was found that animals receiving two seizures accelerated recovery on the beam-walking task whereas those receiving seven seizures did not.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA183526
Entities
People
- Dennis M. Feeney
Organizations
- University of New Mexico