Implantation of Engineered Axon Tracts to Bridge Spinal Cord Injury Beyond the Glial Scar in Rats

TISSUE ENGINEERING: Part A, 2021 · DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0233 · Published: March 8, 2021

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries often lead to a glial scar, hindering nerve regeneration. This study explores using tissue-engineered neural networks (micro-TENNs) to bridge the injury site. Micro-TENNs, pre-formed neural networks, were implanted across spinal cord injuries in rats to promote axon regeneration across the glial scar. The implanted micro-TENNs facilitated axonal outgrowth into the host spinal cord, showing potential as a 'living bridge' for spinal cord repair.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

43 female Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Graft DRG axons survived at 1 week post-implantation within the hydrogel encasement.
2
Graft-derived axonal outgrowth was observed within the spinal cord up to 4.5 mm from the implant site at 1 month postinjury.
3
Limited astroglial response was noted within the host, suggesting minimal trauma and scar formation in response to the graft.

Research Summary

This study investigated the use of micro-TENNs in a rodent model of SCI, using a minimally invasive model of SCI utilizing an epidural embolectomy balloon catheter to cause mechanical compression. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using micro-TENNs as a potential living scaffold for SCI repair in a reproducible, clinically relevant epidural compression model while using a minimally invasive implantation technique. Micro-TENN sensory neurons survive and extend axons into the host spinal cord following a minimally invasive SCI in rats, serving as the foundation for future studies.

Practical Implications

Living Scaffold for SCI Repair

Micro-TENNs show potential as a living scaffold to bridge spinal cord injuries, promoting axonal regeneration.

Minimally Invasive Implantation

The study demonstrates a minimally invasive implantation technique for micro-TENNs, reducing trauma and scar formation.

Combination Therapy Potential

Micro-TENNs combine cell-based and scaffold-based therapies to provide structural and trophic support for regenerating axons.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of functional assessment and detailed measurements of host axon regeneration.
2
Optimization studies needed to improve consistency of micro-TENN outgrowth.
3
Future work needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and implications for functional recovery.

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