Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Alleviates Spasticity and Increases Expression of the Neuronal K-Cl Cotransporter in the L4–L5 Sections of Rats Following Spinal Cord Injury

This study explores the use of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to treat spasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. LIFU has shown potential in activating spinal cord neurocircuits. The study investigates whether LIFU can alleviate spasticity by activating these neurocircuits and increasing the expression of a protein called KCC2, which is important for nerve function. The results suggest that LIFU treatment can effectively reduce spasticity and increase KCC2 expression in rats with SCI, offering a potential non-invasive therapy.

• 1
  LIFU stimulation significantly reduced the mechanical threshold (g), FDD, and EMG recordings (s) after 4 weeks of treatment, indicating reduced spasticity.
• 2
  Western blot and immunofluorescence staining showed that KCC2 expression was reduced in the SCI group without LIFU, but significantly increased after 4 weeks of LIFU stimulation.
• 3
  LIFU stimulation successfully activated spinal cord neurocircuits, as recorded by EMG, suggesting a mechanism for spasticity alleviation.