Implantation with SHED sheet induced with homogenate protein of spinal cord promotes functional recovery from spinal cord injury in rats

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) create an environment that inhibits nerve regeneration. Improving the supply of neurotrophic factors is crucial for SCI treatment. The study introduces a novel bioactive material, hp–SHED sheet, designed to mimic the spinal cord structure and promote nerve regeneration. Hp–SHED sheets were implanted into SCI rats and compared to SHED suspensions. The results showed that hp–SHED sheets have a porous structure that supports nerve cell attachment and migration, leading to improved sensory and motor functions. The study suggests that hp–SHED sheets mimic the natural spinal cord environment, promoting cell survival and differentiation, releasing more neurotrophins, and inhibiting glial scarring. This offers a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI by delivering neurotrophins.

• 1
  Hp–SHED sheet has a porous three-dimensional inner structure, which facilitates nerve cell attachment and migration.
• 2
  Hp-SHED sheet in vivo restored sensory and motor functions in SCI rats by promoting nerve regeneration, axonal remyelination, and inhibiting glial scarring.
• 3
  Hp–SHED sheet maximally mimics the microenvironment of the natural spinal cord and facilitate cell survival and differentiation.