Hypoxia triggers short term potentiation of phrenic motoneuron discharge after chronic cervical spinal cord injury

Exp Neurol, 2015 · DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.10.002 · Published: January 1, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how a brief period of low oxygen (hypoxia) affects the nerves controlling breathing (phrenic nerves) in rats with spinal cord injuries. The researchers found that hypoxia can cause a short-term increase in the activity of these nerves, especially on the side of the body affected by the injury. This suggests that using short periods of hypoxia could be a potential therapy to help improve breathing after spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

11 weeks

Participants

23 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
A single bout of hypoxia triggers recruitment of PhrMNs in the ipsilateral spinal cord with bursting that persists beyond the hypoxic exposure.
2
STP of discharge frequency occurred in approximately 50% of PhrMNs which were silent at baseline but initiated bursting during hypoxia.
3
Post-hypoxia STP of burst amplitude was present in both phrenic nerve recordings, and again the magnitude was greater in ipsilateral compared to contralateral output

Research Summary

The purpose of the present study was to define the capacity for a single bout of hypoxia to trigger short-term plasticity in phrenic output after cervical SCI, and to determine the phrenic motoneuron (PhrMN) bursting and recruitment patterns underlying the response. Hypoxia-induced short term potentiation (STP) of phrenic motor output was quantified in anesthetized rats 11 wks following lateral spinal hemisection at C2 (C2Hx). We conclude that following chronic C2Hx, a single bout of hypoxia triggers recruitment of PhrMNs in the ipsilateral spinal cord with bursting that persists beyond the hypoxic exposure.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation potential

Short bouts of hypoxia may be a neurorehabilitative training modality following SCI.

Priming for further activity

Recruited PhrMNs are 'primed' for further activity during subsequent exposures to hypoxia or locomotor-based training.

Novel therapeutic approaches

The study supports the continued exploration of hypoxia as a neurorehabilitation tool in the context of SCI.

Hypoxia triggers short term potentiation of phrenic motoneuron discharge after chronic cervical spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation potential

Priming for further activity

Novel therapeutic approaches

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Hypoxia triggers short term potentiation of phrenic motoneuron discharge after chronic cervical spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation potential

Priming for further activity

Novel therapeutic approaches

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?