The vulnerability of spinal motoneurons and soma size plasticity in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

摘要

Key points class="unordered" style="list-style-type:disc" id="tjp12870-list-0001">Motoneuron soma size is a largely plastic property that is altered during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression.We report evidence of systematic spinal motoneuron soma size plasticity in mutant SOD1‐G93A mice at various disease stages and across sexes, spinal regions and motoneuron types.We show that disease‐vulnerable motoneurons exhibit early increased soma sizes.We show via computer simulations that the measured changes in soma size have a profound impact on the excitability of disease‐vulnerable motoneurons.This study reveals a novel form of plasticity in ALS and suggests a potential target for altering motoneuron function and survival.