Retrogradely Transportable Lentivirus Tracers for Mapping Spinal Cord Locomotor Circuits

Front. Neural Circuits, 2018 · DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00060 · Published: July 25, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study focuses on using a modified lentivirus, HiRet, to trace neuronal connections in the spinal cord of rats. By injecting HiRet into specific areas of the spinal cord, researchers can identify which brain regions connect to those areas. The study also looks at how these connections change after a spinal cord injury, potentially contributing to spontaneous recovery.

Study Duration

4-6 weeks

Participants

Female Sprague-Dawley rats (65–75 days, 200–224 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
HiRet lentivirus allows efficient retrograde labeling of supraspinal and propriospinal circuits innervating motor neuron pools in the spinal cord.
2
The study observed robust labeling of propriospinal neurons with detailed dendritic arbors and axon terminals.
3
Interneuronal circuits change after a thoracic contusion, highlighting populations that may contribute to spontaneous behavioral recovery.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates the utility of HiRet lentivirus as a tool for mapping neuronal circuitry within the brain and spinal cord, showing its ability to retrogradely label supraspinal and propriospinal connections. The research highlights the advantages of HiRet over traditional tracers, including stable transgene expression and preferential uptake at synaptic terminals. The study also investigates changes in neuronal circuits after spinal cord injury, identifying potential targets for promoting functional recovery.

Practical Implications

Mapping Neural Circuits

HiRet lentivirus can be used to effectively map neural pathways in the brain and spinal cord, providing insights into motor control and recovery from injury.

Targeted Gene Therapy

The ability to selectively label and potentially manipulate specific neuronal populations opens avenues for targeted gene therapy approaches to treat spinal cord injury.

Understanding Spinal Cord Plasticity

Identifying neuronal populations involved in spontaneous behavioral recovery after spinal cord injury can help develop strategies to enhance plasticity and improve functional outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Retrograde labeling of cortical motor neurons was relatively weak.
2
The contusion injury model used may cause higher levels of cell death within thoracic neurons due to their proximity to the lesion site.
3
HiRet lentivirus also labels astrocytes at the injection site.

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