Forelimb locomotor rating scale for behavioral assessment of recovery after unilateral cervical spinal cord injury in rats.

Background: Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) models in rats have become increasingly useful because of their translational potential. The goal of this study was to design, develop and validate a quick and reliable forelimb locomotor rating scale for adult rats with unilateral cervical SCI injury.

New Method: Adult female rats were subjected to a C5 unilateral mild contusion (n=10), moderate contusion (n=10) or hemisection injury (n=9).

Amphetamine-enhanced motor training after cervical contusion injury.

Individually, motor training, pharmacological interventions, and housing animals in an enriched environment (EE) following spinal cord injury (SCI) result in limited functional improvement but, when combined, may enhance motor function. Here, we tested amphetamine (AMPH)-enhanced skilled motor training following a unilateral C3-C4 contusion injury on the qualitative components of reaching and on skilled forelimb function, as assessed using single-pellet and staircase reaching tasks. Kinematic analysis evaluated the quality of the reach, and unskilled locomotor function was also tested.