The ability of the somatosensory cortex (SI) to rapidly reorganize after large-scale limb deafferentation has been documented in rat; however the mechanisms underlying this cortical reorganization are not well understood. I propose experiments to determine possible cortical pathways involved in reorganization. These experiments will be followed by a second series where I propose to test whether the perspective pathways actually participate in the reorganization.
Two Specific Aims are proposed:
Specific Aim 1 Injection of anatomical tracers into physiologically identified sites and intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) will delineate perspective cortical pathways that may play a role in reorganization of SI following large-scale forelimb deafferentation. Studies will be conducted in intact rats.
Specific Aim 2 Injection of reversible blocking agents will be made into physiologically identified sites to test the hypothesis that corticocortical pathways participate in large-scale cortical reorganization. Studies will be conducted in adult deafferented rats. The proposed experiments are timely, address testable hypotheses, and the results will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cortical plasticity which will be important for treatment of patients suffering from brain injury and stroke.
| Pearson, Phillip P; Li, Cheng X; Chappell, Tyson D et al. (2003) Delayed reorganization of the shoulder representation in forepaw barrel subfield (FBS) in first somatosensory cortex (SI) following forelimb deafferentation in adult rats. Exp Brain Res 153:100-12 |
| Pearson, P P; Arnold, P B; Oladehin, A et al. (2001) Large-scale cortical reorganization following forelimb deafferentation in rat does not involve plasticity of intracortical connections. Exp Brain Res 138:8-25 |
