Permissive Schwann Cell Graft/Spinal Cord Interfaces for Axon Regeneration

This study investigates how to improve spinal cord repair using Schwann cells (SCs). The research focuses on the interfaces between the spinal cord and SC grafts, aiming to promote axon regeneration across these interfaces after a spinal cord injury. The researchers compared two methods of transplanting SCs: using a fluid mixture that gels after transplantation and using a pre-gelled mixture. They found that the fluid mixture promoted better regeneration of brainstem axons across the interface. The study also found that astrocytes, a type of glial cell, play a crucial role. When astrocyte processes elongated into the SC bridge, it created a more permissive environment for axon regeneration, leading to improved hindlimb movement in rats with spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  Initially fluid bridges of SCs and Matrigel improved regeneration of brainstem axons across the rostral interface compared to pregelled bridges.
• 2
  Brainstem axon regeneration was directly associated with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP+) astrocyte processes that elongated into the SC bridge.
• 3
  Both brainstem axon regeneration and number of GFAP+ processes in the bridges correlated with improvement in hindlimb locomotion.