The Multifaceted Effects of Agmatine on Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury through Modulations of BMP-2/4/7 Expressions in Neurons and Glial Cells

PLoS ONE, 2013 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053911 · Published: January 21, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of agmatine (Agm) on functional recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. Agmatine, a compound known for its neuroprotective properties, was administered to mice after SCI to observe its impact on recovery. The researchers focused on several key areas: improvement in movement and bladder function, the remyelination of nerve fibers, the survival of neurons, reduction of glial scar tissue, and changes in the expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). The study found that Agm treatment led to improved locomotor recovery and bladder function, inhibited demyelination, reduced neuronal loss and glial scar formation, and modulated the expression of BMP-2/4/7 in neurons and glial cells, suggesting a multifaceted approach to SCI recovery.

Study Duration

35 days

Participants

Male Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice, 8 weeks old

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Agmatine treatment improved locomotor recovery and bladder function in mice with SCI.
2
Agmatine treatment significantly inhibited demyelination events, neuronal loss, and glial scar formation around the lesion site.
3
Agmatine treatment modulated the expression of BMP-2/4/7 in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, promoting neuronal and glial cell survival.

Research Summary

This study provides evidence that agmatine treatment leads to lasting improvements of structure and function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Agmatine modulates BMP-2/4/7 expressions in neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes, which could be vital for directing axonal remyelination and protecting damaged neurons following SCI. The researchers found that Agm treatment improved neurological and histological outcomes, induced oligodendrogenesis, protected neurons, and decreased glial scar formation through modulating the BMP- 2/4/7 expressions following SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Agmatine may have potential as a therapeutic agent for promoting functional recovery after SCI.

Targeted Modulation

The modulation of BMP-2/4/7 expression by agmatine suggests a targeted approach to influencing neuronal and glial cell survival and function after SCI.

Multifaceted Treatment

Agmatine's effects on remyelination, neuroprotection, and glial scar formation highlight its potential as a multifaceted treatment strategy for SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
Further research is needed to elucidate the pharmacokinetics of agmatine in the CNS.
3
The specific mechanisms by which agmatine modulates BMP-2/4/7 expression require further investigation.

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