An analysis of poststroke motor dysfunction and cerebral reorganization in rats

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Date
2004
Authors
Gonzalez, Claudia L. R.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2004
Abstract
This thesis investigates the behavioural and anatomical correlates of recovery from motor cortex damage in rats. The effectiveness of behavioural, pharmacological, and regenerative treatments was investigated using models of focal stroke. Chronic bilateral motor deficits were found after motor cortex damage induced by various methods. These behavioural deficits were similar in severity and duration although they were correlated with different patterns of reorganization seen in Golgi-stained tissue. Animals with motor cortex injury benefited from postinjury olfactory stimulation, chronic administration of nicotine, and infusions of epidermal growth factor followed by erythroprotein. Different mechanisms of plasticity in remaining cortical circuits are discussed as possible candidates responsible for the behavioural improvement. The current thesis expands the current knowledge of the effects of adult cortical damage to ares critical to motor control. It may also stimulate research on therapies and possible mechanisms that might enhance recovery after stroke.
Description
xviii, 299 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.
Keywords
Dissertations, Academic , Cerebrovascular disease -- Animal models , Cerebrovascular disease -- Research , Motor ability -- Research , Rats as laboratory animals
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