Rodent Estrous Cycle Response to Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, Surgical Interventions, and Locomotor Training

Behav Neurosci, 2011 · DOI: 10.1037/a0026032 · Published: December 1, 2011

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the disruption of the estrous cycle in female rats after spinal cord injury (SCI) and whether this is due to the injury itself or the stress of surgery. The study also examines if locomotor training can help restore a normal estrous cycle after SCI. The results suggest that both the injury and the stress contribute to the disruption, and exercise can help restore the cycle.

Study Duration

5-8 weeks

Participants

27 adult female Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Estrous cyclicality was disrupted in approximately 76%, 46%, and 50% of the rats after HX, EMG, and dye injection surgeries, respectively.
2
The cyclicality, however, was disrupted for a longer period after HX than after EMG or dye injection surgeries.
3
Estrous cycle mean length was shorter in the trained than non-trained HX group.

Research Summary

Estrous cycle disruption after SCI in female rats is a common phenomenon, and this study investigates whether it's due to the injury itself or the stress of surgery. The study found that both the spinal cord injury and the stress associated with surgical interventions contribute to the disruption of the estrous cycle. Locomotor training was shown to positively impact the disrupted estrous cycle after a spinal cord hemisection.

Practical Implications

Understanding SCI Impact

Highlights the combined impact of physical injury and surgical stress on reproductive cycles, offering a more nuanced understanding of SCI effects.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Suggests that incorporating moderate aerobic exercise early after SCI can help restore normal estrous cycle duration.

Study Design Considerations

Indicates that surgical interventions can transiently impact the estrous cycle in female rats, which may influence study outcome measures.

Study Limitations

1
The precise mechanisms that deregulate the estrous cycle rhythm after SCI in rats remain unclear
2
Differences observed across manipulations depend in some fashion on the order in which they were performed
3
Did not evaluate specific hormone levels (LH, FSH, etc.)

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