Sprouting, regeneration and circuit formation in the injured spinal cord: factors and activity

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B, 2006 · DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2006.1890 · Published: July 31, 2006

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Central nervous system injuries have limited repair capabilities, yet functional recovery is observed. Neurite growth and new circuit formation require reactivation of developmental mechanisms and suppression of growth-inhibitory properties. Rehabilitative training is needed to activate new connections.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rats and mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Inactivation of Nogo-A promotes axonal regeneration and improved behavioral recovery after spinal cord injury.
2
Chondroitinase ABC enhances axonal regeneration and functional recovery by neutralizing inhibitory effects of CSPGs.
3
Rehabilitative training plays a crucial role in teaching spinal pathways to generate locomotor patterns and respond to sensory feedback.

Research Summary

CNS injuries have limited repair capabilities, but functional recovery is observed, which is variable. Neurite growth and new circuit formation require reactivation of developmental mechanisms, suppression of growth-inhibitory properties, and rehabilitative training. The repair of the injured spinal cord needs to induce regeneration and guide regrowing fibers to appropriate targets without side effects or complications.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Strategies for SCI

Inactivation of myelin-associated neurite growth inhibitors can promote regeneration of injured axons.

Rehabilitation Approaches

Rehabilitative training can enhance the potential of the CNS to react to injury through plastic changes, similar to those operating during CNS development.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of axon guidance and target recognition in the adult CNS.

Study Limitations

1
Limited understanding of the precise mechanisms leading to the formation of new, functional connections after SCI.
2
Challenges in translating successful experimental therapies from animal models to human clinical trials.
3
Incomplete knowledge about plastic changes within the spinal cord after SCI.

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