10.1177/1545968305281209J-M Nothias and othersCombined Therapies Improve Hindlimb Function RESEARCH ARTICLES Combined Effects of Neurotrophin Secreting Transplants, Exercise, and Serotonergic Drug Challenge Improve Function in Spinal Rats

Objectives. To determine the effects of neurotrophin-secreting transplants combined with exercise and serotonergic drug challenges on recovery of hindlimb function in rats with midthoracic spinal cord transection injuries. Methods. Spinalized animals received transplants of fibroblasts genetically modified to express brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 and daily cycling exercise. Hindlimb movement in an open-field test (BBB) was scored weekly. Serotonin agonists were used monthly to further stimu-late motor function. Axonal growth was quantified in the transplant and at L5 using immunocytochemical markers. Weights of hindlimbmuscles were used to assess muscle atrophy. Results. Neurotrophin-secreting trans-plants stimulated axonal growth, and cycling prevente