Ampakines Shows Positive Results on Spinal Cord Injuries in Rats
A spinal cord injury, especially ones higher on the spinal cord, can cause paraysis in most of the body and affect all limbs while lower injuries tend to pimarily affect the lower body and legs. New developments in medicine and rehabilitation are always being undertaken, tested and implemented to assist individuals affected by this kind of injury.
In the recent article, ‘Acute ampakines increase voiding function and coordination in a rat model of SCI’ researchers at the University of Florida, including Aaron Mickle, sought to investigate the effects of a type of drug called ampakines on bladder functions and how the drug could assist rats with spinal cord injuries.
The researchers conducted experiments on rats with SCI and administered ampakines to some of them, while others received a control substance. They then measured the rats’ bladder function and coordination. It was found that the rats that received ampakines showed improved bladder function and better coordination compared to those that received the control substance suggesting that ampakines may have potential for treating bladder dysfunction in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
The article has been published in eLife!
Researcher Spotlight: Susmita Kashikar-Zuck
With Pain Research Day fast approaching, we wanted to shine a spotlight on our esteemed featured guest speaker, Dr. Kashikar-Zuck!
With over 100 published papers and nearly two decades of continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), she is a trailblazer in her field., Dr. Kashikar-Zuck brings a wealth of expertise in understanding and addressing the complexities of pediatric chronic pain. She has become a prominent figure in developing evidence-based, nonpharmacologic treatments for pediatric chronic pain conditions.
Dr. Kashikar-Zuck has also spearheaded numerous groundbreaking studies focusing on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Her research not only explores the immediate effects of pain but also delves into long-term outcomes as children transition into adulthood. Notably, she has led the development of innovative CBT protocols and is currently pioneering a multisite clinical trial, the FIT Teens Trial, which integrates CBT with specialized neuromuscular exercise training for teens with juvenile fibromyalgia.
Please join us April 26th and follow the link below to learn more and sign up!