Does cranial cruciate ligament rupture induce plastic changes in proprioceptive neurons? (360G-Wellcome-085346_Z_08_Z)

The key goal of this project is to determine whether there is a response in the nervous system to section of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). Secondary goals are to: i) determine the location of responsive cells and identify them as neurons or glia; ii) determine whether the distribution and phenotype of responding cells is altered by varying the degree of inflammation within the joint; and, iii) determine whether there is a changed expression of neurotrophins within the synovial membrane after CCL section. This project, using immunohistochemistry to define the outcome measures, is designed to be a preliminary investigation into the effects of CCL section that can then be pursued in future applications through a range of other methods. Experimental animals will have the CCL sectioned and the expression of various plasticity-associated molecules will be compared between operated and non-operated sides of lesioned and sham-operated animals. In some animals the severity of inflammation within the joint will be manipulated through injection of a pro-inflammatory mediator (PGE2) or systemic delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs. Results will be analysed using ANOVA and post hoc testing