The Journal of Neuroscience, 2001 · DOI: · Published: December 1, 2001
In adult mammals, the spinal cord does not regenerate well after injury. However, researchers used fetal spinal cord transplants and neurotrophins to stimulate axon regrowth in rats after complete spinal cord transection. Surprisingly, when the transplants and neurotrophins were given 2-4 weeks *after* the injury, the rats showed much better axon regeneration and motor function recovery than if they were given immediately after the injury. This suggests that there may be a longer window of opportunity for treating spinal cord injuries than previously thought, and that even long-standing injuries can be improved.
The findings suggest a broader therapeutic window for intervention after spinal cord injury, challenging the notion that immediate treatment is always optimal.
Neurotrophins, particularly BDNF and NT-3, play a crucial role in promoting axonal regeneration and functional recovery in delayed treatment strategies.
The timing of fetal spinal cord transplantation is critical; delayed transplantation may be more effective than acute transplantation in promoting axonal regeneration and functional recovery.