Acute Delivery of EphA4-Fc Improves Functional Recovery after Contusive Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

This study investigates the potential of blocking EphA4 activation using EphA4-Fc to improve recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. The researchers observed significant improvements in locomotor function in rats treated with EphA4-Fc after a contusive spinal cord injury. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that rats treated with EphA4-Fc had a significantly increased cross-sectional area of the dorsal funiculus caudal to the injury epicenter. This suggests that EphA4-Fc treatment may promote structural changes in the spinal cord that support functional recovery. The findings suggest that EphA4-Fc could be a promising therapeutic approach for acute spinal cord injuries. By blocking EphA4 activation, it may be possible to promote functional recovery and improve outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  EphA4-Fc treatment significantly improves locomotor function in rats after contusive spinal cord injury, as measured by the ledged tapered balance beam task and open-field testing.
• 2
  High-resolution MRI reveals a significantly increased cross-sectional area of the dorsal funiculus caudal to the injury epicenter in rats treated with EphA4-Fc, indicating a structural improvement in the spinal cord.
• 3
  EphA4-Fc treatment in the acute phase after contusive SCI has positive effects on locomotor performance, suggesting a potential mechanism involving preservation of white matter.