Multiple Channel Bridges for Spinal Cord Injury: Cellular Characterization of Host Response

TISSUE ENGINEERING: Part A, 2009 · DOI: 10.1089=ten.tea.2009.0081 · Published: November 1, 2009

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of multiple channel bridges, made from a biocompatible material, to help heal spinal cord injuries. These bridges are designed to provide support to the injured area and encourage the growth of new nerve fibers. The bridges have tiny channels that guide cells and nerve fibers to grow across the damaged area. The researchers looked at how different types of cells interacted with the bridges, including cells that help with healing and cells that can block nerve growth. The results showed that the bridges allowed cells to move in and align along the channels, and also reduced the formation of scar tissue that can prevent nerve regeneration. This suggests that the bridges could be a useful tool for promoting spinal cord repair.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

Long Evans rats (female, 8–10 weeks old, 175–200 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Multiple channel bridges support cellular infiltration, creating a permissive environment for neural fiber growth.
2
The bridges reduce the presence of reactive astrocytes and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which inhibit regeneration, at the injury site.
3
Neural fibers preferentially grow within the bridge channels compared to the pores, indicating the channels' role in directing nerve growth.

Research Summary

This study investigates the host response to porous multiple channel bridges implanted in a rat spinal cord hemisection model, focusing on the distribution and organization of cells within the bridge. The findings demonstrate that the bridges maintain their architecture in vivo, support cellular infiltration of fibroblasts, macrophages, Schwann cells, and endothelial cells, and promote alignment of cells within the channels. The study concludes that these multiple channel bridges have the potential to promote and direct spinal cord regeneration by supporting cellular infiltration, creating a permissive environment, and directing the growth of neural fibers.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Multiple channel bridges can be used as a platform for the transplantation of cells, or localized delivery of neurotrophic factors to enhance axonal extension.

Drug Delivery

The porous region between channels can serve as a reservoir for the localized, sustained release of protein and plasmid, which can be employed to target-specific cellular processes.

Further Research

These bridges provide a versatile system to investigate approaches that enhance axonal extension into and through an injury site, or to investigate the mechanisms limiting spinal cord regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The lateral hemisection model is not the ideal model with which to assess functional recovery.
2
The study primarily focuses on the cellular response and does not fully elucidate the long-term functional outcomes.
3
The specific mechanisms by which the bridge reduces astrocyte reactivity and CSPG deposition require further investigation.

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