CNS plasticity and assessment of forelimb sensorimotor outcome in unilateral rat models of stroke, cortical ablation, parkinsonism and spinal cord injury

We have reviewed a battery of useful tests for evaluating sensorimotor func tion and plasticity acutely and chronically in unilateral rat models of cen tral nervous system injury. These tests include forelimb use for weight shi fting during vertical exploration in a cylindrical enclosure, an adhesive r emoval test of sensory function, and forelimb placing. These tests monitor recovery of sensorimotor function independent of the extent of test experie nce. Data are presented for four models, including permanent focal ischemia , focal injury to the forelimb area of sensorimotor cortex, dopaminergic ne urodegeneration of the nigrostriatal system, and cervical spinal cord injur y. The effect of the dendrite growth promoting factor, Osteogenic Protein-1 (OP-1) on outcome following permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusi on was used as an example to illustrate how the tests can be applied precli nically. OP-1 showed a beneficial effect on limb use asymmetry in the cylin der test. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.