Basic fibroblast growth factor enhances recovery in rats

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Date
2003
Authors
Waite, Wendy Lou
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2003
Abstract
This thesis examined the role of exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in stimulating recovery after early cortical injury. Rats with medial prefrontal cortex (MFC), posterior parietal cortex (PPC), or sham lesions at postnatal day 3 (P3) received one of three variations of FGF-2 treatment: postnatal FGF-2 that was either pre-mixed or prepared daily, or prenatal FGF-2, and tested in adulthood. Behavioral tests used were: 1) the Morris Water task and, 2) the Whishaw Tray Reaching task. The level of functional recovery attained was dependent on FGF-2 preparation and the developmental period. MFC lesion rats showed good recovery but there was a differntial effect of pre and postnatal FGF-2 that appeared to be related to task. PPC rats showed greater recovery after postnatal rather than prenatal treatment. Anatomical changes were restricted to groups with relatively good functional recovery. These findings suggest a multifunctional role of FGF-2 in the injured brain.
Description
xvi, 223 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.
Keywords
Fibroblast growth factors -- Research , Rats as laboratory animals , Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Research , Physiology, Experimental , Dissertations, Academic
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