Post-ischemic reorganization of sensory responses in cerebral cortex.

Introduction: Sensorimotor integration is critical for generating skilled, volitional movements. While stroke tends to impact motor function, there are also often associated sensory deficits that contribute to overall behavioral deficits. Because many of the cortico-cortical projections participating in the generation of volitional movement either target or pass-through primary motor cortex (in rats, caudal forelimb area; CFA), any damage to CFA can lead to a subsequent disruption in information flow.

Post-Ischemic Reorganization of Sensory Responses in Cerebral Cortex.

Sensorimotor integration is critical for generating skilled, volitional movements. While stroke tends to impact motor function, there are also often associated sensory deficits that contribute to overall behavioral deficits. Because many of the cortico-cortical projections participating in the generation of volitional movement either target or pass-through primary motor cortex (in rats, caudal forelimb area; CFA), any damage to CFA can lead to a subsequent disruption in information flow.

Entrainment of Network Activity by Closed-Loop Microstimulation in Healthy Ambulatory Rats.

As our understanding of volitional motor function increases, it is clear that complex movements are the result of the interactions of multiple cortical regions rather than just the output properties of primary motor cortex. However, our understanding of the interactions among these regions is limited. In this study, we used the activity-dependent stimulation (ADS) technique to determine the short/long-term effects on network activity and neuroplasticity of intracortical connections.

Effects of tDCS on spontaneous spike activity in a healthy ambulatory rat model.

Background: The neurophysiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are typically described with respect to changes in cortical excitability, defined by using transcranial magnetic stimulation pulses to determine changes in motor evoked potentials. However, how individual cortical neurons change firing patterns under the influence of tDCS is largely unknown. While the relatively weak currents produced in the brain by tDCS may not be adequate to directly depolarize neuronal membranes, ongoing neuronal activity, combined with subthreshold changes in membrane polarization might be sufficient to alter the threshold for neural firing.

Rats bred for low and high running capacity display alterations in peripheral tissues and nerves relevant to neuropathy and pain.

Introduction: Diet and activity are recognized as modulators of nervous system disease, including pain. Studies of exercise consistently reveal a benefit on pain. This study focused on female rats to understand differences related to metabolic status and peripheral nerve function in females.