Arylsulfatase B Improves Locomotor Function after Mouse Spinal Cord Injury

This study investigates whether the mammalian enzyme arylsulfatase B (ARSB) can improve recovery after spinal cord injury in mice, similar to the bacterial enzyme chondroitinase ABC (ChaseABC). The rationale is that ARSB might be a better therapeutic option due to its greater chemical stability and lower potential for causing an immune response. The researchers injected ARSB into the injured spinal cords of mice and observed that it reduced the presence of chondroitin sulfates, which are known to inhibit nerve regeneration. Mice treated with ARSB showed improved locomotor recovery compared to control groups. The study also found that nerve fibers expressing serotonin and tyrosine hydroxylase were more abundant in the spinal cords of mice treated with ARSB, suggesting that the enzyme promotes nerve regrowth and sprouting. These findings suggest that ARSB could be a promising treatment for spinal cord injuries in humans.

• 1
  ARSB is more thermostable than ChaseABC at physiological temperature and acidic pH levels relevant to injured tissue.
• 2
  A single injection of ARSB after spinal cord injury enhanced locomotor recovery in mice.
• 3
  ARSB treatment resulted in increased presence of serotonergic and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive axons beyond the injury site.