KCC2 enhancers normalize reflex responses and improve locomotor function after chronic spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT: Within a year after a spinal cord injury (SCI), 75% of individuals develop spasticity. While normal movement relies on the ability to adjust reflexes appropriately, and on reciprocal inhibition of antagonistic muscles, spastic individuals display hyperactive spinal reflexes and involuntary muscle co-contractions. Current anti-spastic medications can suppress uncontrolled movements, but by acting on GABAergic signalling, these medications lead to severe side-effects and weakened muscle force, making them incompatible with activity-based therapies. We have previously shown that pharmacologically enhancing activity of KCC2, a chloride cotransporter, reduces signs of spasticity in anaesthetized chronic SCI rats. Here, we examine the effect of enhancing KCC2 in awake animals, using a battery of

SUBMITTER: Bilchak JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487610 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature