Chondroitinase ABC promotes selective reactivation of somatosensory cortex in squirrel monkeys after a cervical dorsal column lesion

摘要: After large but incomplete lesions of ascending dorsal column afferents in the cervical spinal cord, hand representation contralateral primary somatosensory cortex (area 3b) monkeys is largely or completely unresponsive to touch on hand. However, after weeks spontaneous recovery, considerable reactivation territory area 3b can occur. Because process likely depends sprouting remaining axons from cuneate nucleus lower brainstem, we sought influence cortical by treating with an enzyme, chondroitinase ABC, that digests perineuronal nets, promoting axon sprouting. Dorsal were placed at a cord level (C5/C6) allowed portion digit 1 survive squirrel monkeys. 11–12 wk forelimb was reactivated stimulating more extensively treated than control The results are consistent proposal treatment enhances and this these preserved inputs activate effectively.