Allografts of the Acellular Sciatic Nerve and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Repair Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats

PLoS ONE, 2012 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042813 · Published: August 28, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries are difficult to heal due to a 'hostile' microenvironment that inhibits axon regeneration. Peripheral nerve grafts can provide a supportive environment and neurotrophic factors to encourage the regeneration of damaged axons. Combining acellular sciatic nerve (ASN) allografts with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may create a growth factor-laden scaffold that promotes axon regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

35 adult female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transplantation of ASN-BDNF shows promise for neuron regeneration.
2
The largest number of FG-positive neurons was found in the ASN-BDNF group, followed by the ASN group, and barely in the SCI group.
3
ASN promotes angiogenic response and improve local blood supplying.

Research Summary

This study investigates the efficacy of acellular sciatic nerve (ASN) combined with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in repairing spinal cord injury (SCI) in adult rats. The results suggest that ASN-BDNF transplantation provides a promising therapeutic approach to promote axonal regeneration and recovery after SCI. The ASN-BDNF group demonstrated better electrophysiological recovery and a higher number of Fluorogold-labeled neurons compared to the SCI and ASN groups.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

ASN-BDNF transplantation could be a promising therapeutic approach for promoting axonal regeneration and recovery after SCI.

Combinatory Treatment

ASN-BDNF can be used as part of a combinatory treatment strategy for SCI management.

Microenvironment Improvement

ASN-BDNF can benefit the therapeutic treatment of SCI in adult mammals by providing a favorable microenvironment.

Study Limitations

1
No significant difference was found in BBB scale scores between individual groups.
2
Immunological rejection after transplantation is a concern when using nerve grafts.
3
Axonal regeneration was insufficient and the functional recovery was limited with ASN alone.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury