Delayed Injection of a Physically Cross-Linked PNIPAAm‑g‑PEG Hydrogel in Rat Contused Spinal Cord Improves Functional Recovery

ACS Omega, 2020 · DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03611 · Published: April 27, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of a physically cross-linked hydrogel, PNIPAAm-g-PEG, to improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. The hydrogel was injected into the lesion area one week after a severe spinal cord contusion, and the effect of post-injury intensive rehabilitation training was also studied. The results suggest that the hydrogel did not induce additional inflammation and showed similar locomotor improvements as trained saline-injected animals.

Study Duration

9 Weeks

Participants

48 adult male Sprague Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The hydrogel did not induce an additional inflammatory reaction at the lesion site.
2
Significant locomotor improvements were observed in hydrogel-injected animals, similar to those in trained saline-injected animals.
3
The H-reflex depression recovery was induced by the hydrogel and, to a lesser degree, exercise, but not when combined.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effectiveness of a physically cross-linked PNIPAAm-g-PEG hydrogel, injected one week post-injury, in improving functional recovery after a T10 spinal cord contusion in rats. The study also examines the effect of combining hydrogel treatment with intensive rehabilitation training, compared to saline injection with or without training. The results indicate that the hydrogel does not induce additional inflammation and leads to similar locomotor improvements as exercise alone, but the combination does not enhance recovery further. The hydrogel also shows potential in restoring spinal reflexivity.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The PNIPAAm-g-PEG hydrogel shows therapeutic potential for preserving/repairing the spinal cord after lesion due to its biocompatibility and positive impact on locomotor recovery and spinal reflexivity.

Rehabilitation Strategies

The study suggests the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation training, particularly step-training, in promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury, emphasizing the importance of repetitive and rhythmical movements.

Combination Therapies

The findings indicate that combining hydrogel treatment with exercise may not always result in additive benefits, suggesting a need for further investigation into optimal therapeutic strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The combination of hydrogel with exercise did not show higher recovery compared to that evaluated by the two strategies independently.
2
The mechanisms initiated by hydrogel are certainly not consolidated when the mechanisms initiated by the exercise begin.
3
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury