Label-free multiphoton microscopy reveals relevant tissue changes induced by alginate hydrogel implantation in rat spinal cord injury

Scientific Reports, 2018 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29140-z · Published: July 19, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a major health problem that can cause lasting physical, mental, and social challenges for patients and can be costly for healthcare systems. After the initial injury, further damage occurs, leading to tissue death, scarring, and preventing nerve regrowth. Hydrogels are materials that could be used to create implants that support tissue repair. The study examines the impact of a soft alginate hydrogel on spinal cord injury in rats, focusing on its ability to reduce inflammation and scarring, as well as encourage nerve regrowth. The study uses label-free multiphoton microscopy, a technique that allows researchers to view unstained tissue and observe detailed tissue structures, to monitor the effects of the hydrogel on the injured spinal cord. This technology combines three imaging techniques to visualize different aspects of tissue repair and damage.

Study Duration

154 DPI

Participants

42 female Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Alginate hydrogel implantation led to better hindlimb function recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries compared to untreated controls, suggesting that the hydrogel has a positive effect on functional outcomes.
2
Multiphoton microscopy revealed that the hydrogel implants influenced the injury-induced tissue response, leading to decreased inflammation and reduced scarring, creating a more favorable environment for nerve regeneration.
3
The presence of the alginate hydrogel prevented the demyelination of contralateral white matter near the lesion, indicating a neuroprotective effect of the implant on the spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effects of non-functionalized soft calcium alginate hydrogel implants on spinal cord injury in rats, using label-free multiphoton microscopy for detailed tissue characterization. The research found that the hydrogel implants improved functional outcomes, decreased inflammation and scarring, increased the presence of axons, and prevented demyelination, suggesting a neuroprotective and regeneration-promoting effect. The study concludes that alginate hydrogel promotes a regeneration-friendly environment after spinal cord injury and that label-free multiphoton microscopy is a suitable technique for regeneration studies.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Alginate hydrogels, due to their biocompatibility and neuroprotective properties, may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injuries.

Diagnostic Tool

Label-free multiphoton microscopy can be utilized as a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing tissue changes and monitoring the effectiveness of regenerative therapies in spinal cord injuries.

Further Research

The study highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms by which alginate hydrogels promote nerve regeneration and reduce inflammation in spinal cord injuries.

Study Limitations

1
The study acknowledges that the label-free multiphoton microscopy used was incapable of fully addressing the glial scar, which is another important aspect of spinal cord injury.
2
The study did not demonstrate massive ingrowth of axons in the hydrogel.
3
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.

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