Abstract
A sensorimotor restriction, for instance in patients confined to bed, induces an impairment in motor function, which could be due to structural and functional reorganization of the sensorimotor cortex. Hindlimb unloading (HU) is a rodent model used to reproduce the chronic weightless bearing and reduction in hindlimb movement. In this study, we determined whether a 14-day period of HU in adult rats leads to dendritic spine plasticity. For this purpose, we visualized a large number of spines on pyramidal neurons located in superficial and deep layers of the cortex within the hindpaw representation area, by means of confocal microscopy. Spines were classified according to their shape, as stubby, thin, mushroom, or filopodium. Spine density was increased (+26%) after HU. The increase concerned mainly filopodium spines (+82%) and mushrooms (+33%), whereas no change was noticed for stubby and thin spines. Spine length was decreased, whatever their shape. Head diameter evolved differently depending on the layer: it was increased in superficial layers and decreased in deeper ones. These results indicate that morphological changes accompany functional reorganization of motor cortex in response to a decrease in sensorimotor function during adulthood.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
