[The influence of BT-melanin on the recovery of conditioned instrumental reflexes in rats surviving after ablation of the sensorimotor cortex]

Zh Vyssh Nerv Deiat Im I P Pavlova. 2006 May-Jun;56(3):384-91.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

It has been shown the reinforcement of the corticofugal plasticity in adult rats after unilateral ablation of sensorimotor cortex accompanied by intramuscular injections of low concentrations of BT-melanin. In result the process of compensatory recovery in rats central nervous system is accelerated, confirmable by the rapid recovery of previously elaborated instrumental conditioned reflex in comparison with the control animals. It is assumed that the compensation of the motor deficit arised after the sensorimotor cortex ablation is ensured by the ability of two main motor systems of the brain (corticospinal and corticorubrospinal) to duplicate each other. This phenomenon of functional switching of descending influences has also been revealed in control group rats, not injected with BT-melanin. However the difference in time periods of operantly conditioned reflex recovery, for experimental and control groups, argues the apparent acceleration of this process, induced by the effects of BT-melanin. The obtained data considers the possibility of applied use of low concentrations of BT-melanin.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus thuringiensis
  • Bacterial Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Conditioning, Operant / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Melanins / pharmacology*
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Motor Cortex / drug effects*
  • Neural Pathways / drug effects
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Rats
  • Somatosensory Cortex / drug effects*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Melanins