Laminin-coated multifilament entubulation, combined with Schwann cells and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, promotes unidirectional axonal regeneration in a rat model of thoracic spinal cord hemisection

This study explores how to guide nerve fibers (axons) to regrow after a spinal cord injury in rats. Researchers used tiny tubes filled with small fibers coated with a sticky protein called laminin. They also added special cells (Schwann cells) and a growth factor to help the nerves regenerate in the right direction. The goal was to create a supportive environment for the damaged nerves to regrow across the injured area. The results showed that this combination helped the axons grow in a specific direction, reduced scarring, and decreased inflammation, suggesting it could be a promising approach for treating spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  Channels with filaments significantly reduced the lesion cavity, astrocytic gliosis, and inflammatory responses at the graft-host boundaries.
• 2
  The laminin coated low density filament provided the most favorable directional guidance for axonal regeneration which was enhanced by co-grafting of Schwann cells and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor.
• 3
  Combination of exogenous SCs and GDNF can synergistically enhance this regenerative effect resulting in a remarkable axonal growth into the graft environment.