The effect of mild traumatic brain injury on peripheral nervous system pathology in wild type mice and the G93A mutant mouse model of motor neuron disease

Neuroscience, 2015 · DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.04.041 · Published: July 9, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and motor neuron disease (MND), specifically amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), using mice models. The researchers examined how mild TBI affects motor function and nerve damage in both normal mice and mice genetically engineered to mimic ALS. The findings suggest that even mild brain injuries can worsen motor neuron problems, especially in those already prone to ALS, potentially through inflammation and oxidative stress.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Wild-type mice and G93A mutant mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Mild TBI in mice resulted in impaired rotarod performance, indicating motor coordination deficits, and reduced grip strength, suggesting muscle weakness.
2
Electromyography (EMG) revealed that TBI caused peripheral nervous system effects, which were more pronounced in the G93A mice, a model for ALS.
3
Increased levels of F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, were found in the spinal cord of wild-type mice after TBI, reaching levels comparable to those in ALS model mice.

Research Summary

The study examined the effects of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) on motor function and neuropathology in wild-type mice and a transgenic model of ALS (G93A mutant mice). Mild-TBI induced inflammation and oxidative stress, negatively impacting muscle denervation and motor performance, especially in G93A mice. The results suggest that mild-TBI can potentiate motor neuron pathology and influence the development of MND in mice, highlighting the importance of considering the entire motor system pathway in TBI research.

Practical Implications

Clinical Testing

Sensitive clinical testing approaches may identify resulting motor pathologies after brain injury.

Therapeutic Targets

Increased oxidative stress may be a potential therapeutic target for mitigating the long-term effects of mild-TBI on motor function.

Risk Assessment

The study suggests a potential link between TBI and increased risk or acceleration of motor neuron diseases.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited by its use of a mouse model, which may not fully replicate the complexity of human TBI and ALS.
2
One limitation of our EMG approach is the inability to estimate motor unit number and function.
3
EMG does not indicate the precise location where peripheral nerve changes or pathology may be occurring.

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