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Forelimb muscle plasticity following unilateral cervical spinal cord injury
Author(s) -
GonzalezRothi Elisa J.,
Armstrong Gregory T.,
Cerreta Anthony J.,
Fitzpatrick Garrett M.,
Reier Paul J.,
Lane Michael A.,
Judge Andrew R.,
Fuller David D.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.25007
Subject(s) - forelimb , spinal cord injury , medicine , neuroplasticity , spinal cord , anatomy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychiatry
Motor dysfunction and muscle atrophy are well documented in the lower extremity after spinal cord injury. However, the extent and time course of myoplastic changes in forelimb musculature is not clear. Methods Forelimb muscle morphology and fiber type were evaluated after high cervical hemilesion injury in rats. Results There was significant atrophy of the ipsilateral extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) muscle at 2 weeks postinjury, which was subsequently reversed at 8 weeks postinjury. The triceps muscle showed minimal evidence of atrophy after spinal injury. No significant changes in fiber type were observed. Conclusions These findings indicate a robust capacity for spontaneous myoplasticity after C2 hemisection injury but highlight differential capacity for plasticity within the forelimb muscles. Muscle Nerve 53: 475–478, 2016