Combinatorial Treatment for Reach-and-Grasp Recovery in Chronic Contusive Cervical SCI
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in paralysis because of damage to the wires (axons) that transport signals that control motor function. A new approach to improve recovery of function after SCI is to stimulate the growth of damaged axons using a treatment that combines repeated exposure to low oxygen levels (acute intermittent hypoxia [AIH]) and rehabilitative training. However, the effect of AIH/training on recovery is limited, and how it works is only partly known. We believe that AIH/training causes changes in the axons that are controlling motor function, and that these changes are at the basis of the observed effects on recovery. In this proposal, our goals are to: (1) develop more effective AIH/training treatments to increase the effect of functional recovery in chronic SCI, and (2) expand our understanding on the mechanisms of this AIH- and training-mediated functional recovery. In our experiments, we will treat injured rats with AIH/training and, at the same time, with approaches that may help to further stimulate changes in the axons involved in reach-and-grasp function. We will study the specific structural changes that occur in the axons after AIH/training, and we will study the effect of extended AIH/training treatments on recovery of reach-and-grasp function. We will use an adult rat model of chronic cervical spinal cord contusion, because it reflects the most often seen type and level of SCI in humans. We focus on reach-and-grasp function, because it is important for many daily arm and hand activities (grooming, eating, writing, etc.) and, therefore, for the quality of life. Our results may help to improve our therapies to recover function in chronic SCI which may swiftly transition to the clinic.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810245
Entities
People
- Martin Oudega
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Miami