A Model for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury that Induces Limited Transient Memory Impairment and Increased Levels of Axon Related Serum Biomarkers
Journal article, 2012

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common neuronal insults and can lead to long-term disabilities. mTBI occurs when the head is exposed to a rapid acceleration-deceleration movement triggering axonal injuries. Our limited understanding of the underlying pathological changes makes it difficult to predict the outcome of mTBI. In this study we used a scalable rat model for rotational acceleration TBI, previously characterized for the threshold of axonal pathology. We have analyzed whether a TBI just above the defined threshold would induce any detectable behavioral changes and/or changes in serum biomarkers. The effect of injury on sensory motor functions, memory and anxiety were assessed by beam walking, radial arms maze and elevated plus maze at 3-7 days following TBI. The only behavioral deficits found were transient impairments in working and reference memory. Blood serum was analyzed at 1, 3, and 14 days after injury for changes in selected protein biomarkers. Serum levels of neurofilament heavy chain and Tau, as well as S100B and myelin basic protein showed significant increases in the injured animals at all time points. No signs of macroscopic injuries such as intracerebral hematomas or contusions were found. Amyloid precursor protein immunostaining indicated axonal injuries at all time points analyzed. In summary, this model mimics some of the key symptoms of mTBI, such as transient memory impairment, which is paralleled by an increase in serum biomarkers. Our findings suggest that serum biomarkers may be used to detect mTBI. The model provides a suitable foundation for further investigation of the underlying pathology of mTBI.

Author

Elham Rostami

Karolinska Institutet

Johan Davidsson

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Vehicle Safety

Chalmers, Vehicle and Traffic Safety Centre at Chalmers (SAFER)

Chye Kian Ng

DSO National Laboratories

J Lu

DSO National Laboratories

Andrea Gyorgy

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

John Walker

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Daniel Wingo

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Stefan Plantman

Karolinska Institutet

Bo-Michael Bellander

Karolinska University Hospital

Denes Agoston

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Maria Angeria

Karolinska Institutet

Frontiers in Neurology

16642295 (eISSN)

Vol. 3 115 Article 115

Areas of Advance

Transport

Subject Categories

Neurosciences

Other Natural Sciences

DOI

10.3389/fneur.2012.00115

More information

Latest update

2/21/2018