Kimberly Topp

Research Interests

Cell biology and biomechanics of peripheral nerve, neuronal cytoskeleton, axonal transport

Research Summary

Our laboratory is working to integrate cell biological and biomechanical studies of peripheral nerve function and dysfunction. We use biochemical and morphological approaches to study the neuronal cytoskeleton and axonal transport in animal models of clinical peripheral neuropathies. Recently, we investigated biomechanical properties of peripheral nerves in unfixed human cadavers, and used a rat model to quantify peripheral nerve strain and displacement in response to limb motion within the physiological range. We have recently expanded these studies to quantify the effects of traumatic injury to the sciatic nerve on the kinematic and timing characteristics of quadripedal gait using the Tekscan pressure mapping system in the rat model.

Selected Publications

Topp, K.S., Boyd, B.S. Structure and biomechanics of peripheral nerves: nerve responses to physical stresses and implications for physical therapist practice. Phys. Ther. 86:92-109, 2006. 

Boyd, B., Puttlitz, C., Gan, J., Topp, K.S. Strain and excursion in the rat sciatic nerve in situ during a modified straight leg raise are altered after traumatic nerve injury. J. Orthop. Res. 23:764-770, 2005. 

Byl, C. Puttlitz, C., Byl, N., Lotz, J., and K. Topp. Strain in the median and ulnar nerves during upper extremity positioning. J. Hand Surg. 27:1032-1040, 2002.

Topp, KS, Tanner, KD, Levine, JD. Damage to the cytoskeleton of large diameter sensory neurons and myelinated axons in vincristine-induced painful peripheral neuropathy in the rat. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 424:563-576, 2000.

Topp, KS, Byl, NN. Movement dysfunction following repetitive hand opening and closing: anatomical analysis in Owl monkeys. Movement Disorders. 14:295-306, 1999.