Administration of Chondroitinase ABC Rostral or Caudal to a Spinal Cord Injury Site Promotes Anatomical but Not Functional Plasticity

JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA, 2009 · DOI: 10.1089=neu.2009.1047 · Published: December 1, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Neuroplasticity Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG) inhibit axon growth after spinal cord injury, contributing to glial scar formation. The enzyme Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) breaks down CSPGs, potentially promoting axon regeneration and functional recovery. This study investigates whether ChABC-mediated sprouting of spared fibers rostral or caudal to the injury site can lead to functional improvement after spinal cord injury. The results suggest that while ChABC promotes sprouting of spared fibers, this sprouting does not necessarily translate into improved motor function.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
ChABC injection rostral to a hemisection injury promoted significant sprouting of 5HT+ fibers into the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord.
2
ChABC injection caudal to a hemicontusion injury promoted sprouting of 5HT+ fibers into the ventral horn, but not the dorsal horn.
3
Despite increased serotonergic fiber sprouting, there was no change in the synaptic component synapsin, nor any improvement in motor function as assessed by behavioral tests.

Research Summary

This study examines the effect of ChABC on promoting axonal sprouting rostral or caudal to spinal cord injuries and its impact on functional recovery. The study found that ChABC promotes sprouting of serotonergic fibers, but this sprouting did not lead to improved motor function or increased synapse density. The authors conclude that sprouting of spared fibers after spinal cord injury does not always translate to functional recovery, suggesting other mechanisms may be responsible for ChABC-mediated benefits.

Practical Implications

Refine therapeutic strategies

Future therapies should focus on enhancing the functional integration of new sprouts.

Specificity of targeting

Consideration should be given to specific neuronal populations to maximize synapse formation.

Combination therapies

Combining ChABC with other interventions may be required to promote functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study focused on serotonergic fibers; other fiber types might contribute differently.
2
The behavioral tests may not have been sensitive enough to detect subtle functional changes.
3
Scar-associated CSPG remained intact, which likely impeded regeneration of injured axons.

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