Lithium enhances survival and regrowth of spinal motoneurons after ventral root avulsion

BMC Neuroscience, 2014 · DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-15-84 · Published: July 2, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether lithium can enhance the regenerative capacity of spinal motoneurons (MNs) in a rat model of brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA). The motor function recovery, survival and regeneration of MNs, and the number and diameter of nerve fibers were assessed. The researchers avulsed and immediately reimplanted the C7 and C8 ventral roots in rats. Then, they administered a therapeutic concentration of LiCl daily. After 20 weeks, they analyzed the motor function of the forepaw and the survival and regeneration of motoneurons. The results suggest that lithium, when combined with reimplantation therapy, can significantly improve grasping strength, increase the survival of motoneurons, and enhance the regeneration of nerve fibers after brachial plexus root avulsion.

Study Duration

20 weeks

Participants

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Lithium plus reimplantation therapy significantly improved the grasping strength of the injured forepaw.
2
Lithium combined with reimplantation increased the survival rate of ChAT-positive MNs to 45.1% ± 8.11%.
3
Reimplantation alone promoted motoneuron regeneration, but lithium did not influence the number of FG-labeled MNs at 20 weeks post-lesion.

Research Summary

This study examined the effects of lithium on spinal motoneuron regeneration following ventral root avulsion and reimplantation in rats. The findings suggest that lithium enhances the regenerative capacity of spinal MNs. The researchers found that lithium, in combination with reimplantation, improved motor function recovery, increased motoneuron survival, and promoted nerve fiber regeneration. Lithium alone also showed neuroprotective effects. The study concludes that lithium could be a valuable adjunct to reimplantation surgery for treating brachial plexus root avulsion injuries in clinical settings, enhancing motoneuron survival and axonal regeneration.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

Lithium could be used as an adjunct therapy to enhance the outcomes of reimplantation surgery for brachial plexus root avulsion injuries.

Neuroprotection

Lithium's neuroprotective properties could potentially be harnessed to prevent neuronal death in other types of nerve injuries.

Rehabilitation Strategies

The combined approach of lithium administration and reimplantation surgery can improve motor functional recovery and facilitate more effective rehabilitation strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms by which lithium exerts its neuroprotective and regenerative effects were not fully elucidated.
3
The long-term effects of lithium treatment on motoneuron regeneration and functional recovery were not examined beyond the 20-week study period.

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