Burn-Induced Microglia Activation is Associated With Motor Neuron Degeneration and Muscle Wasting in Mice

Introduction: Burn injury (BI) leads to both systemic and neuro-inflammation and is associated with muscle wasting and weakness, which increase morbidity and mortality. Disuse atrophy is concomitantly present in BI patients. Most studies have focused on muscle with little attention to role of central nervous system (CNS) in the neuromuscular changes. We tested the hypothesis that BI-induced muscle wasting stems from CNS microglia activation and cytokines and chemokine release, which is associated with spinal ventral horn motor neuron degeneration. Methods: Body surface (35%) BI, immobilization alone (Immob), BI with immobilization (BI + Immob), or Sham BI were administered to mice. Spinal cord (L3–L4 segments) and skeletal muscle tissues were harvested on days 7 and 14 after perturbations to examine microglia, motor neuron, and skeletal muscle changes. Results: BI and BI + Immob significantly (P 
Source: Shock - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: 2018 New Investigator Award Competition Source Type: research