Experimental study of tetramethylpyrazine-loaded electroconductive hydrogel on angiogenesis and neuroprotection after spinal cord injury

This study investigates the potential of a tetramethylpyrazine-loaded electroconductive hydrogel (TGTP) to repair spinal cord injuries (SCI). The hydrogel combines the benefits of a supportive matrix with the therapeutic effects of tetramethylpyrazine. The TGTP hydrogel was implanted into rats with SCI to observe its effects on blood vessel regeneration (angiogenesis) and nerve protection (neuroprotection). Researchers assessed motor function, tissue structure, and protein expression related to these processes. The results suggest that TGTP may enhance blood vessel regeneration in the injured area, protect neurons, reduce spinal cord tissue damage, and promote nerve function recovery after SCI in rats.

• 1
  Rats treated with TGTP (group D) showed significantly better hindlimb motor function recovery compared to the SCI group (group B) and the SCI+electroconductive hydrogel group (group C).
• 2
  Masson staining showed that TGTP implantation effectively reduced collagen volume fraction in the injured area, indicating suppressed fibrous scar formation.
• 3
  The TGTP group exhibited more intact neurons and myelin sheath structure in the injured area, along with increased expression of neurofilament 200 (NF200), suggesting a neuroprotective effect.