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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-09-2009 | Basic Science

The recovery of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT immunoreactivity in injured rat spinal cord

Authors: Yasuo Saruhashi, Yoshitaka Matsusue, Mineko Fujimiya

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 9/2009

Abstract

Study design

Experimental spinal cord injury.

Objective

To determine the role of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-HT transporter in recovery from spinal cord injury.

Method

We examined 5-HT and 5-HT transporter of spinal cord immunohistologically and assessed locomotor recovery after extradural compression at the thoracic (T8) spinal cord in 21 rats. Eighteen rats had laminectomy and spinal cord injury, while the remaining three rats received laminectomy only. All rats were evaluated every other day for 4 weeks, using a 0–14 point scale open field test.

Results

Extradural compression markedly reduced mean hindlimbs scores from 14 to 1.5 ± 2.0 (mean ± standard error of mean). The rats recovered apparently normal walking by 4 weeks. The animals were perfused with fixative 1–3 days, 1, 2 and 4 weeks (three rats in each) after a spinal cord injury. The 5-HT transporter immunohistological study revealed a marked reduction of 5-HT transporter-containing terminals by 1 day after injury. By 4 weeks after injury, 5-HT transporter immunoreactive terminals returned to the control level. The 5-HT immunohistological study revealed a reduction of 5-HT-containing terminals by 1 week after injury. By 4 weeks after injury, 5-HT immunoreactive fibers and terminals returned to the control level.

Conclusion

We estimated the recovery of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT neural elements in lumbosacral ventral horn by ranking 5-HT transporter and 5-HT staining intensity and counting 5-HT and 5-HT transporter terminals. The return of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT immunoreactivity of the lumbosacral ventral horn correlated with locomotor recovery, while 5-HT transporter showed closer relationship with locomotor recovery than 5-HT. The presence of 5-HT transporter indicates that the 5-HT fibers certainly function. This study shows that return of the function of 5-HT fibers predict the time course and extent of locomotory recovery after thoracic spinal cord injury.

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Title: The recovery of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT immunoreactivity in injured rat spinal cord
Authors: Yasuo Saruhashi
Yoshitaka Matsusue
Mineko Fujimiya
Publication date: 01-09-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 9/2009
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0754-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The recovery of 5-HT transporter and 5-HT immunoreactivity in injured rat spinal cord

Abstract

Study design

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Study design

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

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