Differences in neuroplasticity after spinal cord injury in varying animal models and humans

Neural Regen Res, 2019 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.243694 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Rats are frequently used to study spinal cord injury recovery, regaining weight-bearing abilities quickly. However, human patients often experience permanent motor function loss. Differences in sensorimotor pathways between species impact recovery. This review explores neuroplasticity in rats, non-human primates, and humans after spinal cord injury, focusing on how the brain and spinal cord reorganize. It also discusses new interventions aimed at improving plasticity in humans. Understanding these differences can help refine treatments for human spinal cord injuries, potentially improving functional recovery outcomes.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rats, mice, non-human primates, and humans

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Rats regain weight-bearing abilities without interventions two weeks post-injury, unlike humans.
2
Neuroplasticity mechanisms vary significantly across rats, non-human primates, and humans after SCI.
3
Emerging interventions like locomotor training and brain-machine interfaces show promise in inducing plasticity in humans with SCI.

Research Summary

This review examines the differences in neuroplasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI) among animal models and humans, highlighting variations in sensorimotor pathways and recovery rates. It discusses cellular and molecular mechanisms occurring post-SCI in different species, intracerebral and intraspinal plastic reorganization, and interventions aimed at inducing neuroplasticity in humans. The review emphasizes the need to consider species-specific differences when developing treatments for human SCI, suggesting that incorporating non-human primate models may better predict human outcomes.

Practical Implications

Refined Treatment Targets

Understanding species-specific neuroplasticity can help improve treatment targets for human spinal cord injuries.

Improved Clinical Trials

Using non-human primate models as an intermediate step can help predict outcomes in human clinical trials.

Combination Therapies

Combining approaches like locomotor training and brain-machine interfaces may enhance neuroplasticity and functional recovery in humans.

Study Limitations

1
Limited axonal regeneration in humans compared to animal models.
2
Species-specific differences in sensorimotor pathways and neuroplastic capabilities.
3
Challenges in translating promising animal model treatments to human applications.

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