Motor Function Recovery Assessment
Objective: Evaluation of functional recovery including plantar foot placement and weight-supported stepping behavior in rats after spinal cord injury treatment with delayed transplants and neurotrophins
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified
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Protocol Steps
Spinal cord transection
Complete spinal cord transection performed at midthoracic level in adult rats
Note: Baseline injury condition for all experimental groups
View evidence from paper
“complete spinal cord transection at a midthoracic level”
Acute transplant placement
Fetal spinal cord transplants placed into lesion cavity immediately after transection
Note: One experimental condition tested
View evidence from paper
“Transplants were placed into the lesion cavity either immediately after transection (acute injury)”
Delayed transplant placement
Fetal spinal cord transplants placed into lesion cavity after 2-4 week delay following transection
Note: Alternative experimental condition that showed superior outcomes
View evidence from paper
“or after a 2–4 week delay (delayed or chronic transplants)”
Neurotrophic factor administration
Neurotrophic factors administered exogenously via implanted minipump in treatment groups
Note: Administered either acutely or with delayed transplants
View evidence from paper
“either vehicle or neurotrophic factors were administered exogenously via an implanted minipump”
Motor function assessment
Evaluation of functional recovery by observing plantar foot placement and weight-supported stepping behavior
Note: Primary outcome measure for assessing recovery
View evidence from paper
“animals exhibiting plantar foot placement and weight-supported stepping”