Forelimb Cortical Stroke Reduces Precision of Motor Control in Mice

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2020 Jun;34(6):475-478. doi: 10.1177/1545968320921825. Epub 2020 May 20.

Abstract

Background and Objective. Rodent models of stroke impairment should capture translatable features of behavioral injury. This study characterized poststroke impairment of motor precision separately from strength in an automated behavioral assay. Methods. We measured skilled distal forelimb reach-and-grasp motions within a target force range requiring moderate-strength. We assessed whether deficits reflected an increase in errors on only one or both sides of the target force range after photothrombotic cortical stroke. Results. Pull accuracy was impaired for 6 weeks after stroke, with errors redistributing to both sides of the target range. No decrease in maximum force was measured. Conclusions. This automated reach task measures sustained loss of motor precision following cortical stroke in mice.

Keywords: ischemic stroke; motor control; mouse; recovery; skilled reach; stroke.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Forelimb / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Motor Cortex / pathology
  • Motor Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Stroke / pathology
  • Stroke / physiopathology*