Enhanced Functional Recovery in MRL/MpJ Mice after Spinal Cord Dorsal Hemisection

PLoS ONE, 2012 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030904 · Published: February 13, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Adult MRL/MpJ mice possess unique regeneration capabilities, healing ear punches and injured hearts with normal tissue and without scars. This study investigates if MRL/MpJ mice show enhanced spinal cord healing and axon regeneration after injury, compared to control C57BL/6 mice. The research involves a dorsal spinal cord hemisection in MRL/MpJ and C57BL/6 mice, assessing functional and histological evidence of recovery.

Study Duration

88 days

Participants

MRL/MpJ and C57BL/6 mice

Evidence Level

Level 2: Experimental study using animal model

Key Findings

1
MRL/MpJ mice exhibit faster and more complete motor function recovery post-spinal cord injury compared to C57BL/6 mice.
2
Enhanced regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST) was observed in MRL/MpJ mice after spinal cord injury.
3
MRL/MpJ mice show a reduced astrocytic response and fewer micro-cavities at the injury site, creating a more growth-permissive environment.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates enhanced functional recovery in MRL/MpJ mice after spinal cord dorsal hemisection compared to C57BL/6 mice. The improved recovery in MRL/MpJ mice is associated with enhanced regeneration of CST axons, reduced astrocytic response, and diminished micro-cavity formation. Microarray data complement histological findings, revealing a transcriptional profile associated with a more efficient spinal cord repair in MRL/MpJ mice.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Interventions

The MRL/MpJ mouse can be used as a model for therapeutic interventions after spinal cord injury.

Drug Development

Targets that reduce astrogliosis may improve outcomes after SCI.

Scarless Healing

Further studies into the genetics of scarless wound healing are warranted.

Study Limitations

1
The study only examined one time point for gene expression changes.
2
Only one control strain of mice was used.
3
RNA was collected only from the lesion epicenter.

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