Application of pasta matrix reaching task in rats for forelimb motor function test after stroke / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To construct a scientific behavioral research of pasta matrix reaching task (PMRT) and comprehensively evaluate sensory-motor dysfunction caused by brain injury.@*Methods@#Twenty-one SD rats were subjected to 14-days pasta matrix grasping training and then were randomly divided into model group (11 rats) and sham group (6 rats). Motor cortex ischemia was induced by injection of endothelin-1 in SD rats. The number of pasta grabed by the injured forelimb and the location in matrix were evaluated daily 7 days after surgery. The infarct volume was measured by Nissl staining at the 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days after stroke.@*Results@#The number of pasta obtained by rats was reduced from (33.43±1.02) to (20.57±0.57) at 7 days post stroke in model group, and then increased to (26.85±0.98) at 28 days post stroke, although there was a significant difference between sham group(32.33±1.45) and ischemic group (t=3.198, P<0.05). The frequency of retrieval from each slot of the pasta matrix represented that sham group demonstrated a significant gain in performance in the antero quadrant of the matrix compared to ischemic rats by the fourth week after stroke.The stroke volume was decreased from (37.82±1.17)mm3 at 7 days post-stroke to (24.35±0.38)mm3 at 28 days post-stroke, indicating brain recovery from ischemic injury.@*Conclusion@#The pasta matrix reaching task can function as a versatile and sensitive behavioral assay that permits experimenters to collect accurate outcome data and manipulate limb use to mimic human clinical phenomena including compensatory strategies and focused rehabilitative training after stroke.