Article

The aim of this study was to investigate the functional responses and
plastic cortical changes in a sample of animals with sequelae of cerebral
ischemia that were subjected to a model of functional electrical stimulation
(FES). DESIGN: Rats received an ischemic cortical lesion (Rose Bengal method) and
were randomized and submitted to an FES stimulation (1-2 mA, 30 Hz, 20-40 mins
for 14 days) or sham stimulation. The Foot Fault Test was performed before
inducing the cortical lesion and also before and after FES. Brain immunochemistry
labeling with microtubule-associated protein-2 and neurofilament-200 markers was
performed after FES. RESULTS: The authors found a decreased percentage of errors
in the Foot Fault Test (P < 0.001) in the stimulated group compared with the sham
group after FES. FES has not altered the lesion size. Spontaneous motor
parameters returned to basal values in both groups. The qualitative analysis
showed an increased amount of radial microtubule-associated protein-2
immunoreactive fibers in the preserved cortex adjacent to stroke site in the
stimulated animals. Regarding the measurements of neurofilament-200
immunostaining, there were no differences between the hemispheres or groups in
area or intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Acute and short period of FES led to motor
recovery of ankle joint neurodisability. The extent to which compensatory
plasticity occurs after stroke or after FES and the extent to which it
contributes to functional recovery are yet unclear. The changes induced by the
stimulation may improve the ability of the nervous system to undergo spontaneous
recovery, which is of substantial interest for neurorehabilitation strategies.

Langue : ANGLAIS