2021
Conditional RAC1 knockout in motor neurons restores H-reflex rate-dependent depression after spinal cord injury
Benson CA, Olson KL, Patwa S, Reimer ML, Bangalore L, Hill M, Waxman SG, Tan AM. Conditional RAC1 knockout in motor neurons restores H-reflex rate-dependent depression after spinal cord injury. Scientific Reports 2021, 11: 7838. PMID: 33837249, PMCID: PMC8035187, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87476-5.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSpinal cord injuryDendritic spine dysgenesisMotor neuronsSpine dysgenesisSCI animalsHyperexcitability disordersCord injurySpinal alpha motor neuronsVentral horn motor neuronsAbnormal dendritic spine morphologyRac1 knockoutH-reflex pathwayRate-dependent depressionAlpha motor neuronsDevelopment of spasticityAdeno-associated viralMushroom dendritic spinesSpine head sizeOverall spine lengthDendritic spine morphologyRac1 protein expressionNeuronal hyperexcitabilityMajor complicationsClinical symptomsReflex excitability
2011
Rac1-regulated dendritic spine remodeling contributes to neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury
Tan AM, Chang YW, Zhao P, Hains BC, Waxman SG. Rac1-regulated dendritic spine remodeling contributes to neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury. Experimental Neurology 2011, 232: 222-233. PMID: 21963650, DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.08.028.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDorsal horn neuronsPeripheral nerve injuryChronic constriction injuryWide dynamic range dorsal horn neuronsRange dorsal horn neuronsNerve injuryNeuropathic painDendritic spinesTactile allodyniaThermal hyperalgesiaSpine morphologyInjury-induced hyperexcitabilityNoxious peripheral stimuliSpinal cord injuryMushroom-shaped spinesDendritic spine developmentDendritic spine morphologyConstriction injuryHyperexcitable responsesCCI animalsNeuronal hyperexcitabilityIpsilateral hindNociceptive thresholdSpine densityCord injury
2009
Unilateral Focal Burn Injury Is Followed by Long-Lasting Bilateral Allodynia and Neuronal Hyperexcitability in Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn
Chang YW, Tan A, Saab C, Waxman S. Unilateral Focal Burn Injury Is Followed by Long-Lasting Bilateral Allodynia and Neuronal Hyperexcitability in Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn. Journal Of Pain 2009, 11: 119-130. PMID: 19744891, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.06.009.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAction PotentialsAnalysis of VarianceAnimalsBrain InjuriesCalcitonin Gene-Related PeptideCD11b AntigenDisease Models, AnimalFunctional LateralityHyperesthesiaMaleMicrogliaP38 Mitogen-Activated Protein KinasesPainPain MeasurementPain ThresholdPhysical StimulationPosterior Horn CellsRatsSpinal CordSubstance PConceptsSpinal cord dorsal hornBurn injuryBurn injury modelBilateral allodyniaDorsal hornNeuronal hyperexcitabilityInjury modelSpinal cordDorsal horn neuronal hyperexcitabilitySecond-order sensory neuronsCentral neuropathic mechanismsIpsilateral mechanical allodyniaDorsal horn neuronsActivation of microgliaPathogenesis of painPotential therapeutic targetNovel animal modelContralateral allodyniaMechanical allodyniaNeuropathic mechanismsSpinal microgliaBilateral painMicroglial activationNerve injuryWeeks postinjury
2008
Neuropathic Pain Memory Is Maintained by Rac1-Regulated Dendritic Spine Remodeling after Spinal Cord Injury
Tan AM, Stamboulian S, Chang YW, Zhao P, Hains AB, Waxman SG, Hains BC. Neuropathic Pain Memory Is Maintained by Rac1-Regulated Dendritic Spine Remodeling after Spinal Cord Injury. Journal Of Neuroscience 2008, 28: 13173-13183. PMID: 19052208, PMCID: PMC6671613, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3142-08.2008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAction PotentialsAnimalsComputer SimulationDendritic SpinesDisease Models, AnimalEnzyme ActivationEnzyme InhibitorsExcitatory Postsynaptic PotentialsHyperalgesiaLearningMaleMemoryNeuralgiaNeuronal PlasticityPain MeasurementPain ThresholdPosterior Horn CellsRac1 GTP-Binding ProteinRatsRats, Sprague-DawleySpinal Cord InjuriesSynaptic TransmissionConceptsSpinal cord injuryNeuropathic painCord injuryWide dynamic range neuronsContusion spinal cord injuryDendritic spine pathologyInjury-induced hyperexcitabilityNoxious peripheral stimuliRats 1 monthChronic neuropathic painDorsal horn neuronsDendritic spine remodelingIncreased spine densityRange neuronsSpine morphometryDH neuronsTactile allodyniaNeuronal hyperexcitabilitySCI animalsThermal hyperalgesiaSham surgerySpine densityLamina IVControl neuronsSynaptic basis