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Combined Effects of Neurotrophin Secreting Transplants, Exercise, and Serotonergic Drug Challenge Improve Function in Spinal Rats

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

T. Mitsui

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

J. S. Shumsky

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

I. Fischer

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA

M. D. Antonacci

Institute for Spine & Scoliosis, Lawrenceville, NJ

M. Murray

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, mmurray{at}drexelmed.edu

Objectives. To determine the effects of neurotrophin-secreting transplants combined with exercise and serotonergic drug challenges on recovery of hindlimb function in rats with midthoracic spinal cord transection injuries. Methods. Spinalized animals received transplants of fibroblasts genetically modified to express brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 and daily cycling exercise. Hindlimb movement in an open-field test (BBB) was scored weekly. Serotonin agonists were used monthly to further stimulate motor function. Axonal growth was quantified in the transplant and at L5 using immunocytochemical markers. Weights of hindlimb muscles were used to assess muscle atrophy. Results. Neurotrophin-secreting transplants stimulated axonal growth, and cycling prevented muscle atrophy, but individual treatments did not improve motor scores. Combined treatments resulted in improvements in motor function. Serotonergic agonists further improved function in all groups, and transplant groups with exercise achieved weight-supporting levels following drug treatment. Conclusion. Combined treatments, but not individual treatments, improved hindlimb function.

Key Words: Spinal cord transection • Cellular transplants • BDNF • NT-3 • Cycling exercise • Serotonin agonists

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Vol. 19, No. 4, 296-312 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1545968305281209


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