Acid Fibroblast Growth Factor and Peripheral Nerve Grafts Regulate Th2 Cytokine Expression, Macrophage Activation, Polyamine Synthesis, and Neurotrophin Expression in Transected Rat Spinal Cords

Spinal cord injuries often lead to inflammation, attracting macrophages to the damaged area. This study found that combining peripheral nerve grafts with aFGF encourages the expression of certain interleukins (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13). This, in turn, promotes a specific type of macrophage response (M2 macrophages) and boosts the production of polyamines. Polyamines are crucial for the recovery process. The treatment also increases the expression of neurotrophins like NGF and BDNF, further aiding in axonal regeneration. Macrophages expressing polyamines and BDNF may benefit axonal regeneration at 14 d.

• 1
  The study found that a combination of peripheral nerve grafts and acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) induced higher levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, and IL-13 in the graft areas of rat spinal cords.
• 2
  The treatment induced a twofold upregulation of polyamine levels at 14 d, and treatment with inhibitors of arginase I and ornithine decarboxylase attenuates the functional recoveries of repaired rats.
• 3
  The study showed that aFGF alone induced higher IL-4 expression at 10 d than nerve grafts alone, while nerve grafts distinctly induced the expression of NGF at 10 and 14 d compared with aFGF treatment alone.