Neural Plasticity, 2015 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/186385 · Published: July 2, 2015
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often result in permanent functional deficits due to the limited capacity of nerve fibers to regenerate within the injured spinal cord. This study explores a therapeutic approach using Schwann cells (SCs), which are cells that support nerve regeneration, combined with putrescine, a naturally occurring compound that promotes cell growth and survival. The researchers hypothesized that combining SC transplantation with putrescine supplementation could enhance nerve fiber regeneration, improve the size of the SC implant, and ultimately lead to better functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. Putrescine was administered either shortly after the injury or a week later at the time of SC implantation. The results showed that the combination of SCs and putrescine led to significant improvements in nerve fiber growth, particularly sensory and serotonergic axons, increased the size of the SC implant, and enhanced locomotor recovery in the treated rats. These findings suggest that putrescine supplementation can boost the effectiveness of SC transplantation for SCI repair.
The study suggests that putrescine supplementation could be a valuable addition to SC transplantation therapy for SCI, potentially improving outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries.
The timing of putrescine administration appears to be important, with delayed supplementation showing greater benefits for SC implant size, while acute supplementation is more effective for nerve fiber growth. This highlights the need for further research to optimize treatment protocols.
Future research should focus on elucidating the precise mechanisms by which putrescine enhances SC function and nerve regeneration, which could lead to the development of even more effective therapies for SCI.