Treatment with the essential amino acid L-tryptophan reduces masticatory impairments in experimental cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit difficulties in feeding resulting from deficits in chewing. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Ltryptophan (TRI) to reduce deficits in chewing in rats subjected to an experimental model of CP. Methods A total of 80 Wistar albino rats were used. Pups were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups: Control Saline, Control TRI, CP Saline, and CP TRI groups. The experimental model of CP was based on the combination of perinatal anoxia associated with postnatal sensorimotor restriction of the hind limbs. TRI was administered subcutaneously during the lactation period. Anatomical and behavioral parameters were evaluated during maturation, including body weight gain, food intake, chewing movements, relative weight and the distribution of the types of masseter muscle fibers. Results The induction of CP limited body weight gain, decreased food intake and led to impairment in the morphological and functional parameters of chewing. Moreover, for a comparable amount of food ingested, CP TRI animals grew the most. In addition, supplementation with TRI improved the number of chewing movements, and increased the weight and proportion of type IIB fibers of the masseter in rats subjected to CP. Conclusion These results demonstrate that experimental CP impaired the development of mastication and that TRI supplementation increased masticatory Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation maturation in animals subjected to CP.

Neonatal kaempferol exposure attenuates gait and strength deficits and prevents altered muscle phenotype in a rat model of cerebral palsy

“…Our study shows that perinatal anoxia in combination with sensorimotor restriction of the hindlimbs during infancy significantly impacts the body phenotype of rats, reducing body weight and body length during the neonatal period. Previous studies have also observed such effects in rats during exposure to a CP model (da Silva et al, 2016;Lacerda et al, 2017;Lacerda, Manhães-de-Castro, Gouveia, et al, 2019). Lacerda, Manhães-de-Castro, Gouveia et al (2019) suggested that the model's impact on these parameters may be related to motor deficits that impair access to lactation and food.…”

“…Previous studies have also observed such effects in rats during exposure to a CP model (da Silva et al, 2016;Lacerda et al, 2017;Lacerda, Manhães-de-Castro, Gouveia, et al, 2019). Lacerda, Manhães-de-Castro, Gouveia et al (2019) suggested that the model's impact on these parameters may be related to motor deficits that impair access to lactation and food. The model may also impair suction in the first days of postnatal life and the functionality of chewing after weaning (Lacerda et al, 2017;Lacerda, Manhãesde-Castro, Gouveia, et al, 2019).…”

“…Lacerda, Manhães‐de‐Castro, Gouveia et al (2019) suggested that the model's impact on these parameters may be related to motor deficits that impair access to lactation and food. The model may also impair suction in the first days of postnatal life and the functionality of chewing after weaning (Lacerda et al, 2017; Lacerda, Manhães‐de‐Castro, Gouveia, et al, 2019). Our study found that neonatal treatment with kaempferol prevents a reduction in body weight and body length mainly after the end of the treatment period.…”

“…Numerous models of perinatal brain disorders have shown impaired early brain neurogenesis and impaired maturation of the locomotion function (da Conceição Pereira et al, 2021; Visco et al, 2022). In rats, the combination of perinatal anoxia and sensorimotor restriction of the hindlimbs affects the development of locomotion and has a significant impact on the skeletal muscle phenotype, creating reduced muscle mass and smaller cross‐sectional area of muscle fibres (Lacerda et al, 2017; Lacerda, Manhães‐de‐Castro, Gouveia, et al, 2019; Pereira et al, 2021). There are, however, no studies in the literature that report the effect of different cerebral paralysis models on muscle phenotype and gait performance.…”

Serotonergic mechanisms associated with experimental models of hypoxia: A systematic review

“…Moreover, neurological deficits after an HI event leads to numerous neurological impairments including mental retardation, learning disabilities, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, depression, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy (Logitharajah et al, 2009). Early brain damage is associated to cerebral palsy, which is a major cause of physical disability, and results from nonprogressive brain injury before, during or after birth (Lacerda et al, 2019; Visco et al, 2021).…”