Effect of Graphene Nanoribbons (TexasPEG) on locomotor function recovery in a rat model of lumbar spinal cord transection

Neural Regen Res, 2018 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.235301 · Published: August 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of PEGylated graphene nanoribbons (TexasPEG) to improve motor function recovery in rats after spinal cord injury. The researchers aimed to determine if TexasPEG could help fuse a severed spinal cord and promote nerve regeneration. The experiment involved completely cutting the spinal cords of rats at the L1 level and then treating them with either TexasPEG or a placebo. Over five weeks, the rats' motor skills were evaluated using the BBB locomotor rating scale. The results suggest that TexasPEG can reduce the formation of scar tissue, encourage nerve regeneration, and improve motor function recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. The study provides further evidence for the potential use of membrane fusogens in treating spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

5 Weeks

Participants

20 Female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
TexasPEG treatment significantly improved locomotor function recovery in rats compared to the control group, as measured by BBB scores over 5 weeks.
2
Histological analysis showed that TexasPEG reduced glial scar formation and promoted axonal regrowth at the lesion site in the spinal cord.
3
In vitro experiments demonstrated that TexasPEG enhanced neurite growth of SH-SY5Y cells in a 3D culture, supporting the in vivo findings of improved nerve regeneration.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the efficacy of TexasPEG in promoting locomotor recovery in a rat model of complete spinal cord transection at the L1 level. The study also aimed to elucidate the biological mechanism of recovery using immunohistochemistry and in vitro studies. The TexasPEG group showed a significant recovery as compared to the control group after 2 weeks with the maximal recovery at 5 weeks: recovery is attributable to spinal reconstruction at the lesion level. The study concludes that immediate application of TexasPEG following spinal cord severance can partially reverse paralysis, attenuate glial scar formation, and foster axonal growth, supporting the feasibility of a SCI cure.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

TexasPEG could be a potential therapeutic agent for spinal cord injury, offering a means to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

Clinical Translation

The findings support further research and clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TexasPEG in human SCI patients.

Understanding SCI

The study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying spinal cord regeneration and the role of fusogens in facilitating nerve reconnection.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The BBB scores achieved were lower than those reported in previous studies, possibly due to poor perfusion below the L1 lesion.
3
The study did not investigate the long-term effects of TexasPEG treatment on spinal cord regeneration and functional recovery.

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