Accession Number:

ADA581686

Title:

Alteration of Motor Network Function Following Injury

Descriptive Note:

Annual rept. 30 Sep 2011-29 Sep 2012

Corporate Author:

MISSOURI UNIV-COLUMBIA

Personal Author(s):

• Schulz, David J.

Report Date:

2012-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

47.0

Abstract:

We have made substantial progress over the past year with this proposal. Our primary goal is the understanding of functional impacts of removal of descending inputs to the motor network. We determined that transient blockade of descending inputs causes changes in this system whereby subsequent restored input is unable to re-establish normal functional motor output. However, we also determined that a partial blockade results in an over-sensitivity of the motor network to restored full connectivity. We have generated a mechanistic understanding of the causes of both change in sensitivity to modulation, as well as the effects of this injury on underlying molecular and physiological processes crucial to motor network output. In addition, we have uncovered compensatory changes and their underlying mechanisms responsible for homeostatic plasticity responsible for changing the physiology of neurons in an attempt to maintain their excitability. All of these shed substantial light on underlying mechanisms that may be involved in changes in motor networks as a result of injury that removes descending control input.

Descriptors:

• *SPINAL CORD
• COMPENSATION
• HOMEOSTASIS
• NETWORKS
• WOUNDS AND INJURIES

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE