Author ORCID Identifier
http://orcid.org/0009-0008-0254-418X
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Anatomy & Neurobiology
First Advisor
Audrey Lafrenaye
Second Advisor
Kirsty Dixon
Third Advisor
Peter Hamilton
Fourth Advisor
Tomasz Kordula
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major healthcare concern affecting millions. Symptoms of TBI include sensory sensitivity and social changes that may persist long-term. Due to similarities in cytoarchitecture, metabolism, and inflammation, higher order minipig models are advantageous for translational TBI research, however, there remains a shortage of information regarding their behavioral and sensory sequelae following injury. Therefore, in this study, we assessed changes in sociability and somatosensation in adult male and female Yucatan minipigs for up to one-week following a sham or central fluid percussion injury (cFPI). Specifically, the voluntary human approach task (VHAT) and the forced human approach task (FHAT) were done to investigate each animal’s approachability/sociability with both known and unknown humans prior to and following cFPI. Von Frey test was also done to determine potential changes in sensitivity to mechanical nociceptive stimulus on the ear and tail. We found that approachability measured by the VHAT was significantly increased post-injury in sham pigs, but not in TBI pigs, and that approachability measured by the FHAT was found to be significantly decreased only in TBI pigs assessed by an unknown experimenter. The results of the Von Frey assessment found that female pigs with TBI were significantly less sensitive to Von Frey stimulation in the tail following cFPI, and more sensitive to stimulation in the ear. There were no significant differences found between sham and TBI Von Frey responses in the male cohort in either tail or ear.
Rights
© Mark D. Pavlichenko
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-8-2024
Included in
Animal Experimentation and Research Commons, Animal Studies Commons, Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Neurosciences Commons, Trauma Commons