Therapeutic Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Rat Spinal Cord Injuries

Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2018 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00252 · Published: April 23, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Neurology

Simple Explanation

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated source of growth factors. These factors can potentially aid in tissue repair and neuronal regeneration. This study investigates the effects of injecting PRP directly into the spinal cords of rats with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The goal was to assess PRP's potential to promote recovery. The findings suggest that PRP may stimulate angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) and enhance neuronal regeneration after SCI in rats. This indicates a promising therapeutic avenue for SCI treatment.

Study Duration

60 Days

Participants

Female Wistar rats (10 weeks old)

Evidence Level

Level 1: Experimental study in rats

Key Findings

1
In rats with SCIs, i.t. PRP enhanced the locomotor recovery and spared white matter, promoted angiogenesis and neuronal regeneration, and modulated blood vessel size.
2
PRP induced microglia and astrocyte activation and PDGF-B and ICAM-1 expression in rats with normal spinal cords.
3
Sustained PRP treatment exerted more favorable therapeutic effects than a single dose of PRP.

Research Summary

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for spinal cord injuries (SCI) in rats. PRP was administered intrathecally (i.t.) to both normal and SCI rats. The results indicated that PRP induced glial cell activation and growth factor expression in normal spinal cords. In SCI rats, PRP enhanced locomotor recovery, spared white matter, and promoted angiogenesis and neuronal regeneration. Sustained PRP treatment demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared to a single dose, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent for SCI

PRP's safety and ease of preparation suggest it is a promising therapeutic agent for SCI.

Enhancing Endogenous Neuroprotection

PRP safely enhances intrinsic/endogenous neuroprotective growth factors to treat SCI or other neurodegenerative diseases.

Sustained Delivery May Be Beneficial

Sustained PRP treatment for 7 days after SCI may meet the endogenous angiogenesis time course and enhance the endogenous protection reaction after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The GAP-43 IR signal was not fully represented neuronal regeneration.
2
Optimum dose and time course of PRP treatment should be examined in further studies.
3
The effect of other angiogenic factors in the PRP on SCI requires further investigation in future studies.

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