Tissue sparing, behavioral recovery, supraspinal axonal sparing/regeneration following sub-acute glial transplantation in a model of spinal cord contusion

BMC Neuroscience, 2013 · DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-14-106 · Published: September 27, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of transplanting olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) and Schwann cells (SCs) into rats with spinal cord injuries. The cells were transplanted 14 days after injury to see if they could improve movement, promote nerve fiber regeneration, and reduce tissue loss. The results showed that both OEG and SCs transplants improved locomotion and increased the number of nerve fibers projecting into the injured spinal cord.

Study Duration

4 Months

Participants

74 adult female Fischer 344 rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Both OEG and SCs transplantation increased locomotion in rats with spinal cord injuries, as measured by open field tests.
2
Transplantation of OEG and SCs led to a statistically significant increase in the number of supraspinal nuclei projecting into the distal spinal cord.
3
Significant tissue sparing was observed at both 2 weeks and 4 months following glial SCs transplantation.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that transplanting OEG and SCs in the sub-acute phase after spinal cord injury improves anatomical outcomes. This is achieved by increasing spared/regenerated supraspinal fibers and enhancing tissue integrity. The timing of glial transplantation is critical for spinal cord repair.

Practical Implications

Improved Locomotion

OEG and SCs transplantation can enhance locomotor function after spinal cord injury.

Axonal Sparing/Regeneration

Glial cell transplantation can promote the sparing and regeneration of supraspinal axons, potentially improving neurological function.

Tissue Preservation

Transplantation of glial cells can reduce tissue loss and cavitation at the injury site, preserving spinal cord structure.

Study Limitations

1
Ladder walk test did not show statistically significant differences between treatment and control groups.
2
Fluorogold tracing could not distinguish between spared and regenerated axons.
3
Reduced glial survival, particularly for OEG, compared to earlier transplant studies.

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