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Chondroitinase ABC treatment promotes spinal cord plasticity. We investigated whether chondroitinase-induced plasticity combined with physical rehabilitation promotes recovery of manual dexterity in rats with cervical spinal cord injuries. Rats received a C4 dorsal funiculus cut followed by chondroitinase ABC or penicillinase as a control. They were assigned to two alternative rehabilitation procedures, the first reinforcing skilled reaching and the second reinforcing general locomotion. Chondroitinase treatment enhanced sprouting of corticospinal axons independently of the rehabilitation regime. Only the rats receiving the combination of chondroitinase and specific rehabilitation showed improved manual dexterity. Rats that received general locomotor rehabilitation were better at ladder walking, but had worse skilled-reaching abilities than rats that received no treatment. Our results indicate that chondroitinase treatment opens a window during which rehabilitation can promote recovery. However, only the trained skills are improved and other functions may be negatively affected.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nn.2377

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Neurosci

Publication Date

09/2009

Volume

12

Pages

1145 - 1151

Keywords

Animals, Axons, Cervical Vertebrae, Chondroitin ABC Lyase, Forelimb, Locomotion, Male, Motor Skills, Musculoskeletal Manipulations, Nerve Regeneration, Neuroprotective Agents, Pyramidal Tracts, Rats, Recovery of Function, Spinal Cord Injuries