The glial scar in spinal cord injury and repair

Neurosci Bull, 2013 · DOI: 10.1007/s12264-013-1358-3 · Published: August 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

Following spinal cord injury (SCI), glial scarring occurs due to an extreme form of reactive astrogliosis around the injury site. This process involves the misalignment of activated astrocytes and deposition of inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, hindering axonal regeneration. Glial scars, historically viewed as impediments to axon regeneration, are now recognized to play a role in regulating neuro-inflammation and repair processes. Current research focuses on understanding glial scar formation mechanisms and their impact on neuro-inflammation and repair. Therapeutic strategies are being developed to modulate glial scarring after spinal cord injury. These approaches aim to understand the role of glial scar formation in spinal cord repair, with the goal of improving outcomes after injury.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Glial scars are composed of fibrotic and glial tissues, with the glial scar mainly astrocytic, forming a physical barrier to axonal growth after SCI. The glial scar has increased expression of ECM components, predominantly secreted by reactive astrocytes.
2
Reactive astrocytes in glial scars originate from those near the lesion zone and those migrating from distal areas. Other cells, like ependymal, NG2-positive, and meningeal cells, also contribute to reactive astrocyte formation within the glial scar.
3
Molecules such as BMPs, MMPs, EGFR, Eph/Ephrins, and TGF-beta are involved in glial scar formation after SCI. These molecules affect processes such as astrocyte differentiation, ECM remodeling, and inflammatory responses.

Research Summary

Glial scar formation after spinal cord injury involves complex molecular and cellular processes. It involves the misalignment of astrocytes and deposition of inhibitory molecules, impacting axonal regeneration and neuro-inflammation. Glial scars have both beneficial and detrimental roles. In the acute phase, they help contain inflammation and tissue damage. However, in the chronic phase, they can inhibit axonal regrowth and hinder functional recovery. Targeting glial scars through physical and pharmacological interventions is a promising strategy for promoting repair after SCI. These interventions aim to modulate scar formation, reduce inflammation, and enhance axonal regeneration.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

Identifying key molecules and signaling pathways involved in glial scar formation allows for the development of targeted therapies to modulate the scarring process and promote axonal regeneration.

Neuro-inflammation Management

Understanding the interplay between glial scar formation and neuro-inflammation can lead to strategies to control the inflammatory response after SCI, minimizing secondary damage and promoting tissue repair.

Stem Cell Therapy Enhancement

Investigating the role of endogenous stem/progenitor cells in glial scar formation can inform strategies to enhance their regenerative potential and promote axonal regeneration in the injured spinal cord.

Study Limitations

1
The review is limited by the available research at the time of publication (2013).
2
The precise mechanisms underlying glial scar formation are still not fully elucidated.
3
Translating findings from animal models to human clinical applications remains a challenge.

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