Advances in spinal cord injury: insights from non-human primates

Neural Regeneration Research, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-23-01505 · Published: January 31, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition with no curative treatment. Animal models, particularly non-human primates (NHPs), are crucial for understanding SCI and developing therapies because of their similarities to humans. NHPs share more neuroanatomical, genetic, and physiological similarities with humans compared to rodents, making them better models for SCI research. Studying NHPs helps in translating findings to human treatments. This review discusses NHP models of SCI, including various assessments like behavioral tests, MRI, and histological analyses. It also covers therapeutic strategies developed in NHPs and their specific advantages as models.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Non-human primates

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
NHP models replicate human SCI symptoms better than rodent models due to closer phylogenetic association and neuroanatomical similarities.
2
Various in vivo assessments such as behavioral tests, MRI, and electrical activity recordings, along with ex vivo histological analyses, are used to study SCI in NHPs.
3
Therapeutic strategies developed in NHPs, excluding cell transplantation, are being explored to promote axonal regeneration and modulate detrimental molecules induced by SCI.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant sensorimotor deficits, and currently, there is no curative treatment. Research relies on animal models that mimic human symptoms to explore functional deficits and physiopathology. Non-human primates (NHPs) are valuable models because they share more similarities with humans than rodents. This review discusses NHP models, in vivo assessments, and therapeutic strategies. The review presents experiments from various NHPs, highlighting the unique specificities of these models for SCI research, excluding cell transplantation studies.

Practical Implications

Improved Translational Research

Using NHP models can lead to more effective translation of preclinical findings into human clinical trials, accelerating the development of new SCI treatments.

Enhanced Understanding of SCI Pathophysiology

NHP models provide a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying SCI, which can inform the design of targeted therapies.

Development of Advanced Assessment Techniques

The use of NHPs necessitates the development of advanced assessment techniques like fMRI and detailed behavioral analysis, which can also be applied in clinical settings.

Study Limitations

1
Ethical concerns regarding the use of NHPs in research.
2
Higher costs and logistical challenges associated with NHP research.
3
NHPs exhibit better spontaneous recovery from SCI compared to humans, potentially limiting the translational relevance.

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