Effect of Enriched Environment on Motor and Social Function after Ischemic Brain Injury in Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the role of long-term enriched environment in promoting the recovery of motor and social function in mice after ischemic brain injury. Methods Sixteen adult male ICR mice underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The first day after operation, they were divided into enriched environment group (n=8) and standard condition group (n=8). The mice were tested with modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS), rotarod test and smart cage 7, 14, 21, 28 days after modeling. Results The score of mNSS and the result of rotarod test improved more in the enriched environment group than in the standard condition group 28 days after MCAO (t>2.927, P2.480, P0.05) in the social behavior test; however, the occupancy time in the middle of smart cage was longer in the enriched environment group than in the standard condition group 14 to 28 days after MCAO (t>3.472, P<0.01), and the velocity of moving was higher 14 days after MCAO (P<0.05). Conclusion Enriched environment could promote the recovery of motor function, somehow of social function, in mice af-ter ischemic brain injury.