Rewiring of regenerated axons by combining treadmill training with semaphorin3A inhibition

Molecular Brain, 2014 · DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-14 · Published: March 10, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how to improve recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The researchers combined a drug that helps nerve fibers regenerate (SM-345431, a semaphorin3A inhibitor) with extensive treadmill training. The drug was delivered using a new system designed for continuous release. The study found that while the drug alone helped nerve fibers grow back, combining it with treadmill training significantly improved the rats' ability to walk. This suggests that the combined treatment helped the new nerve fibers connect to the right places in the spinal cord, leading to better motor function.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

53 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SM-345431 treatment, using a novel drug delivery system, enhanced axon regeneration in the injured spinal cord.
2
Combining SM-345431 with treadmill training significantly improved hindlimb motor performance, restoring plantar steps on a treadmill.
3
The combined treatment reinforced the wiring of central pattern generators in lumbar spinal circuits, enhancing motor function, especially in extensor muscles.

Research Summary

The study investigated the effects of combining a semaphorin3A inhibitor (SM-345431) with treadmill training on axon regeneration and motor function recovery in rats with complete spinal cord transection (SCT). SM-345431, delivered via a novel drug delivery system, enhanced axon regeneration, angiogenesis, and remyelination. However, the most significant improvements in motor function were observed when SM-345431 treatment was combined with extensive treadmill training. The combined treatment promoted the rewiring of regenerated axons and reinforced spinal networks in the caudal spinal stump, leading to continuous plantar step walking on a treadmill.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

The novel drug delivery system developed in this study shows potential for clinical application in humans with spinal cord injuries.

Combination Therapy

Combining treatments that promote axon regeneration with specific rehabilitation strategies that promote rewiring may be more effective for treating spinal cord injuries.

Targeted Rehabilitation

Extensive treadmill training can assist in the correct wiring of axons regenerated by semaphorin3A inhibitor treatment, contributing to further motor functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the observed improvements in motor function.
3
The long-term effects of the combined treatment were not evaluated.

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