Role of endogenous Schwann cells in tissue repair after spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.02.011 · Published: January 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Schwann cells, crucial for nerve function, are being explored for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment due to their ability to secrete neurotrophic factors. This review focuses on the behavior of these cells already present (endogenous) after SCI, particularly their role in tissue repair and axon regeneration. After a spinal cord injury, endogenous Schwann cells migrate to the injury site from nerve roots, assisting in the formation of new tissue and the insulation of nerve fibers (myelination). These cells can also travel considerable distances away from the injury, both up and down the spinal cord. The migration of endogenous Schwann cells can be stimulated by minimal damage within the spinal cord, such as scar tissue removal, and they can integrate with astrocytes under specific conditions. Moreover, transplanting cells like Schwann cells or bone marrow stem cells can encourage these endogenous cells to move into the injured area.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

rat

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Following spinal cord injury, endogenous Schwann cells invade the lesion site, involving in tissue repair and axonal regeneration and myelination.
2
Invaded Schwann cells can move a long distance away from the injury site both rostrally and caudally.
3
Endogenous Schwann cells can be induced to migrate by minimal insults within the spinal cord and integrate with astrocytes under certain circumstances.

Research Summary

Following spinal cord injury, numerous endogenous Schwann cells migrate into the lesion site from the nerve roots, involving in the formation of repaired tissue and myelination of regenerating and demyelinated axons. They are able to travel a long distance for myelinating axons rostrally and caudally from the injury site. The endogenous Schwann cells could be induced to move by minimal invasive insult, such as photochemical glial scar ablation, or transplanted cells including exogenous Schwann cells, OECs, and BMSCs. Should these inherent abilities of endogenous Schwann cells be developed and utilized for tissue repair and axonal regeneration, it would shed light into the strategies for the restoration of injured spinal cord in animal experiments and clinical trials.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

Harnessing endogenous Schwann cells could offer a minimally invasive approach to spinal cord repair, potentially avoiding the complexities of cell transplantation.

Combination Therapy

Combining scar ablation with cell transplantation (Schwann cells, OECs, BMSCs) may synergistically promote endogenous Schwann cell migration and tissue repair.

Microenvironment Modification

Creating a CNS environment that facilitates migration and integration of endogenous Schwann cells could be crucial for effective spinal cord repair strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The precise mechanisms regulating endogenous Schwann cell migration and integration remain unknown.
2
The long-term effects and potential adverse consequences (e.g., Schwannoma, neuropathic pain) of enhancing endogenous Schwann cell activity need further investigation.
3
The role of endogenous Schwann cells in neuronal survival and synaptic connection is not well documented.

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