Altered monoaminergic levels, spasticity, and balance disability following repetitive blast-induced traumatic brain injury in rats

Brain Res, 2020 · DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147060 · Published: November 15, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the relationship between repetitive mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) and motor impairments like spasticity and balance issues. The researchers looked at how bTBI affects the levels of certain brain chemicals (monoamines) that are important for motor control. Rats were subjected to repetitive bTBI, and then tests were performed to assess spasticity and balance. Brain tissue was analyzed to measure levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in motor-related brain regions. The study found that repetitive bTBI altered the levels of these monoamines in specific brain regions, which correlated with the observed spasticity and balance deficits in the rats. This suggests that bTBI-induced changes in brain chemistry could contribute to motor problems.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

14 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Norepinephrine levels were significantly increased in the locus coeruleus and decreased in the vestibular nuclei following repetitive bTBI.
2
Dopamine levels were significantly decreased in the vestibular nuclei after repetitive bTBI.
3
Serotonin levels were significantly increased in the motor cortex and lumbar spinal cord following repetitive bTBI.

Research Summary

This preclinical study detected significant hindlimb spasticity and balance/motor disability following acute repetitive bTBI in rats. In addition, the study revealed significant alterations in NE, DA, and 5-HT levels in selected brain regions and the LSC after bTBI. These alterations in the monoaminergic levels following repetitive bTBI have potentially important functional implications regarding spasticity and balance disability.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic targets

Monoaminergic systems could be potential therapeutic targets for TBI-induced spasticity and balance deficits.

Understanding TBI neurobiology

The findings provide novel information on dysregulated monoamine supplies in the brain following bTBI, contributing to a better understanding of TBI neurobiology.

Development of new therapies

This research could lead to the development of new therapeutic alternatives for TBI-induced motor impairments.

Study Limitations

1
Gender differences in monoamine levels and motor function after bTBI were not investigated.
2
The precise mechanisms by which altered monoamine levels contribute to spasticity and balance deficits remain unclear.
3
The study focused on acute repetitive bTBI; the long-term effects of bTBI on monoamine levels and motor function were not assessed.

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