Low-pressure micro-mechanical re-adaptation device sustainably and effectively improves locomotor recovery from complete spinal cord injury

COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY, 2018 · DOI: 10.1038/s42003-018-0210-8 · Published: December 4, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the long-term effects of implanting a microconnector device after complete spinal cord transection in rats. The device aims to re-adapt the severed spinal stumps. The microconnector facilitates the formation of a tissue bridge, glial and vascular cell invasion, motor axon regeneration, and myelination. This leads to improved motor-evoked potentials and locomotor behavior. The improvement in motor function lasts for at least 5 months, demonstrating the potential of microsystem technology in fostering functional recovery after complete spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

5 Months

Participants

Adult female Wistar rats (HanTac:WH; Taconic and RjHan:W) weighing 230–250 g

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
mMS implantation results in a signiﬁcant increase in axonal regeneration across the lesion site, invasion of glial cells and myelination of regenerating axons as well as neovascularisation throughout the implant.
2
The mMS-treated animal group revealed a signiﬁcantly improved locomotor recovery that persisted for at least 5 months.
3
MEP recordings conﬁrmed the long-term functional improvement following mMS treatment.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that a low-pressure mechanical re-adaptation device (mMS) can improve locomotor outcomes in rats after complete spinal cord transection. The mMS supports tissue preservation, axonal regeneration, and myelination, leading to partial recovery of motor-evoked potentials and improved locomotor behavior. The functional improvement lasts for at least 5 months, with the mMS-treated animals performing significantly better than controls, although a late partial decline was observed.

Practical Implications

Combinatorial Therapies

The mMS device can be combined with other therapies (e.g., drug delivery, cell infusion) to enhance recovery after severe SCI.

Personalized Treatment

Future adaptations of the mMS, such as biodegradability and individual customization using 3D printing, offer possibilities for personalized medical treatment of SCI patients.

Clinical Translation

The microsystem technology shows promise as an effective tool for fostering long-lasting functional improvement after complete spinal injury, warranting further investigation for clinical applications.

Study Limitations

1
The regular BBB open ﬁeld test—which was originally developed for moderate thoracic contusion injuries—does not allow any further discrimination and evaluation of subtle improvements that occur after TX.
2
The late decline in locomotor scores starting at wpo 16 in both the mMS treated as well as control group is not yet fully understood.
3
Muscle atrophy is likely to cause the decrease in locomotor performance since leg muscle use is initially completely lacking after SCI and still remains rather low thereafter.

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