Macrophage depletion and Schwann cell transplantation reduce cyst size after rat contusive spinal cord injury

Neural Regen Res, 2018 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.230295 · Published: April 1, 2018

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether combining Schwann cell transplantation with macrophage depletion can improve spinal cord injury (SCI) repair in rats. Macrophages contribute to inflammation after SCI, and Schwann cells can promote axon regeneration. The researchers hypothesized that reducing macrophages before transplanting Schwann cells would improve cell survival and integration with the host tissue. They tested this by depleting macrophages with clodronate liposomes in rats with SCI before transplanting Schwann cells. The combined treatment reduced cyst and lesion volumes at the injury site compared to Schwann cell transplantation alone. However, this did not lead to improved Schwann cell survival, axon growth, or locomotor recovery.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

22 adult female Fischer 344 rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The combined treatment of macrophage depletion and Schwann cell transplantation significantly reduced cyst volumes in the injured spinal cord compared to Schwann cell transplantation alone.
2
Lesion volumes were also significantly reduced in the combined treatment group, indicating a positive effect on tissue sparing.
3
Despite the improved histopathology, there was no significant improvement in Schwann cell survival, axon regeneration, or functional recovery (locomotion, sensory) compared to Schwann cell transplantation alone.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of combining macrophage depletion with Schwann cell transplantation in a rat model of contusive spinal cord injury. The rationale was to reduce inflammation and improve the environment for Schwann cell survival and axon regeneration. The key finding was that while the combined treatment significantly reduced cyst and lesion volumes at the injury site, it did not translate into improved functional outcomes or enhanced Schwann cell survival or axon growth compared to Schwann cell transplantation alone. The authors conclude that combining macrophage depletion with Schwann cell transplantation does not offer a significant advantage over Schwann cell transplantation alone for treating spinal cord injury in this rat model.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategy

Combining macrophage depletion with Schwann cell transplantation may not be a viable therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Further Research

Future research should focus on alternative combination therapies that enhance Schwann cell survival and promote axon regeneration into the caudal host/Schwann cell graft interface.

Inflammation Management

Effective management of post-SCI inflammation is crucial, but macrophage depletion alone may not be sufficient to enhance the benefits of Schwann cell transplantation.

Study Limitations

1
The time gap between cessation of clodronate treatment and perfusion (approximately 7 weeks) may have limited the analysis of the combined treatment effect on Schwann cell graft size.
2
A macrophage depletion only group was not included, making it difficult to isolate the effects of macrophage depletion on functional outcomes.
3
The evaluation of axon density was performed on sagittal sections, which may have provided limited information on lateral axon distribution compared to transverse sections.

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