Contralesional Axonal Remodeling of the Corticospinal System in Adult Rats After Stroke and Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Treatment

Stroke, 2008 · DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.107.511659 · Published: September 1, 2008

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Neuroplasticity

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how the brain reorganizes itself after a stroke, focusing on the nerve connections that control movement. Researchers looked at the impact of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on this reorganization in rats after a stroke. The study found that BMSCs helped the brain to form new connections, potentially improving motor function after a stroke.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

21 adult male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Stroke reduced the stimulation threshold evoking ipsilateral forelimb movement.
2
EGFP-positive pyramidal neurons were increased in the left intact cortex, which were labeled from the left stroke-impaired forelimb.
3
Biotinylated dextran amine-labeled contralesional axons sprouted into the denervated spinal cord.

Research Summary

The study demonstrated that corticospinal tract fibers originating from the contralesional motor cortex sprout into the denervated spinal cord after stroke and bone marrow stromal cells treatment. BMSC treatment significantly improves functional recovery in adult rats after experimental ischemic stroke and enhances the innervation of stroke-impaired peripheral tissues from the contralesional intact cerebral cortex. BMSC treatment in adult rats after experimental ischemic stroke significantly enhance neuronal remodeling in the contralesional intact hemisphere through CST axonal sprouting into the impaired side of the spinal cord, which may, at least partially, contribute to the functional recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Bone marrow stromal cells could be a potential therapy to improve motor recovery after stroke.

Neurorehabilitation Strategies

Understanding the mechanisms of contralesional reorganization can inform targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Biomarker Development

Identifying markers of axonal sprouting could aid in monitoring treatment efficacy.

Study Limitations

1
Limited axonal regeneration in the inhibitory environment of the mammalian central nervous system
2
Studies do not exclude the possibility that other neuronal pathways such as ipsilateral ventral CST, corticorubral tract, and other brainstem–spinal systems contribute to functional recovery
3
Due to technical limitations, it is difficult to individually identify the physiological function of these axons.

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