Inhibition of tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) reduces the benefit of cortical stimulation combined with motor rehabilitation in experimental stroke

Clinical and experimental studies suggest that combining impaired limb rehabilitation (RT) with low-frequency inhibitory contra-lesion or high-frequency excitatory ipsi-lesion motor cortical stimulation (CS) can improve motor recovery and increase neural remodeling. However, results have been mixed and there is no consensus on which CS approach is more beneficial. Further, the mechanism by which excitatory CS (ECS) and inhibitory CS (ICS) alter motor recovery after stroke are unknown. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) are important for motor learning and neural plasticity in healthy brains may be involved in motor recovery after stroke.
Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research