Improvement of gait patterns in step-trained, complete spinal cord-transected rats treated with a peripheral nerve graft and acidic fibroblast growth factor

Exp Neurol, 2010 · DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.05.003 · Published: August 1, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether a combination of peripheral nerve grafts (PNG) and acidic fibroblast growth factor (αFGF), along with step training, can improve walking ability in rats with complete spinal cord injuries. The rats were divided into groups: some received the nerve graft and growth factor, some received step training, some received both, and some received neither. The researchers then measured their stepping ability. The results showed that the rats who received the nerve graft and growth factor treatment had improved stepping compared to those who did not. This suggests that this treatment may help to restore some walking function after a spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

50 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level II: Animal Study

Key Findings

1
PNG plus αFGF treatment resulted in a clear improvement in locomotor performance with or without step training.
2
The level of recovery of locomotor ability among the rats receiving the repair procedures was not affected by step training.
3
The number of 5-HT fibers observed below the lesion was related directly to stepping performance.

Research Summary

The study investigated the effects of peripheral nerve grafts (PNG) and acidic fibroblast growth factor (αFGF) combined with step training on locomotor performance in rats with complete spinal cord transections. Rats receiving PNG and αFGF treatment showed significantly better stepping ability compared to those without the treatment. Step training did not significantly enhance locomotor recovery in either treated or untreated rats. The presence of 5-HT fibers below the spinal cord lesion was associated with improved stepping performance, suggesting a potential role of axonal regeneration in the observed functional recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

PNG and αFGF treatment shows promise as a therapeutic intervention for improving locomotor function after spinal cord injury.

Regeneration Importance

The correlation between 5-HT fiber presence and stepping performance highlights the importance of axonal regeneration in SCI recovery.

Training Considerations

Step training alone may not be sufficient for significant locomotor improvement in adult rats with complete spinal cord transection without additional interventions to increase spinal cord excitability.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly translatable to humans.
2
The lack of a significant effect of step training could be due to insufficient excitability of the spinal circuitry in the rats.
3
The correlation between 5-HT fibers and stepping performance does not prove a causal relationship.

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