JKUAN108 t1_iqwh51o wrote on October 3, 2022 at 4:36 PM

I am missing some context for this article, can someone help me out?

So it mentions Gabapentin being used to treat anxiety and how that affects mice willingness to be in groups. But Gabapentin is also used for nerve issues (right?) So did the researchers use Gabapentin initially for the nervous system, and then unexpectedly found the anxiety effects in terms of group exercise?

memorialmonorail OP t1_iqwib3c wrote on October 3, 2022 at 4:44 PM

That is generally what happened - this lab previously found gabapentin could help restore upper limb function after a spinal cord injury, and was following up by testing whether gabapentin combined with classic post-SCI treadmill training could improve recovery even further. They found no additional forelimb function, but noticed mice that didn't get gabapentin were averse to rehab, and began looking for reasons behind that. There's more to learn about gabapentin's effects on mental health in SCI at the cellular level, but social support/group setting in lieu of the drug induced rehab participation.

JKUAN108 t1_iqwjzo1 wrote on October 3, 2022 at 4:55 PM

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing and explaining

memorialmonorail OP t1_iqwkj53 wrote on October 3, 2022 at 4:58 PM

Thanks for your interest!

[deleted] t1_ir05v8u wrote on October 4, 2022 at 11:43 AM

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