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Snider S, Cavalli A, Colombo F, Gallotti AL, Quattrini A, Salvatore L, Madaghiele M, Terreni MR, Sannino A, Mortini P. A novel composite type I collagen scaffold with micropatterned porosity regulates the entrance of phagocytes in a severe model of spinal cord injury. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2016; 105:1040-1053. [PMID: 26958814 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a damage to the spinal cord that results in loss or impaired motor and/or sensory function. SCI is a sudden and unexpected event characterized by high morbidity and mortality rate during both acute and chronic stages, and it can be devastating in human, social and economical terms. Despite significant progresses in the clinical management of SCI, there remain no effective treatments to improve neurological outcomes. Among experimental strategies, bioengineered scaffolds have the potential to support and guide injured axons contributing to neural repair. The major aim of this study was to investigate a novel composite type I collagen scaffold with micropatterned porosity in a rodent model of severe spinal cord injury. After segment resection of the thoracic spinal cord we implanted the scaffold in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Controls were injured without receiving implantation. Behavioral analysis of the locomotor performance was monitored up to 55 days postinjury. Two months after injury histopathological analysis were performed to evaluate the extent of scar and demyelination, the presence of connective tissue and axonal regrowth through the scaffold and to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration at the injured site. We provided evidence that the new collagen scaffold was well integrated with the host tissue, slightly ameliorated locomotor function, and limited the robust recruitment of the inflammatory cells at the injury site during both the acute and chronic stage in spinal cord injured rats. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1040-1053, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Snider
- Division of Neurosurgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Division of Neurosurgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Colombo
- Division of Neurosurgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Luigi Gallotti
- Division of Neurosurgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Division of Neuroscience and INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Salvatore
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Marta Madaghiele
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Terreni
- Division of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - Pietro Mortini
- Division of Neurosurgery, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Eggers R, Tannemaat MR, De Winter F, Malessy MJA, Verhaagen J. Clinical and neurobiological advances in promoting regeneration of the ventral root avulsion lesion. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:318-35. [PMID: 26415525 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Root avulsions due to traction to the brachial plexus causes complete and permanent loss of function. Until fairly recent, such lesions were considered impossible to repair. Here we review clinical repair strategies and current progress in experimental ventral root avulsion lesions. The current gold standard in patients with a root avulsion is nerve transfer, whereas reimplantation of the avulsed root into the spinal cord has been performed in a limited number of cases. These neurosurgical repair strategies have significant benefit for the patient but functional recovery remains incomplete. Developing new ways to improve the functional outcome of neurosurgical repair is therefore essential. In the laboratory, the molecular and cellular changes following ventral root avulsion and the efficacy of intervention strategies have been studied at the level of spinal motoneurons, the ventral spinal root and peripheral nerve, and the skeletal muscle. We present an overview of cell-based pharmacological and neurotrophic factor treatment approaches that have been applied in combination with surgical reimplantation. These interventions all demonstrate neuroprotective effects on avulsed motoneurons, often accompanied with various degrees of axonal regeneration. However, effects on survival are usually transient and robust axon regeneration over long distances has as yet not been achieved. Key future areas of research include finding ways to further extend the post-lesion survival period of motoneurons, the identification of neuron-intrinsic factors which can promote persistent and long-distance axon regeneration, and finally prolonging the pro-regenerative state of Schwann cells in the distal nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Eggers
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Fred De Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J A Malessy
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognition research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Volpato FZ, Führmann T, Migliaresi C, Hutmacher DW, Dalton PD. Using extracellular matrix for regenerative medicine in the spinal cord. Biomaterials 2013; 34:4945-55. [PMID: 23597407 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regeneration within the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is limited, and traumatic injury often leads to permanent functional motor and sensory loss. The lack of regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI) is mainly caused by the presence of glial scarring, cystic cavitation and a hostile environment to axonal growth at the lesion site. The more prominent experimental treatment strategies focus mainly on drug and cell therapies, however recent interest in biomaterial-based strategies are increasing in number and breadth. Outside the spinal cord, approaches that utilize the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote tissue repair show tremendous potential for various application including vascular, skin, bone, cartilage, liver, lung, heart and peripheral nerve tissue engineering (TE). Experimentally, it is unknown if these approaches can be successfully translated to the CNS, either alone or in combination with synthetic biomaterial scaffolds. In this review we outline the first attempts to apply the potential of ECM-based biomaterials and combining cell-derived ECM with synthetic scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Zomer Volpato
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove 4059, Australia
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Patel V, Joseph G, Patel A, Patel S, Bustin D, Mawson D, Tuesta LM, Puentes R, Ghosh M, Pearse DD. Suspension matrices for improved Schwann-cell survival after implantation into the injured rat spinal cord. J Neurotrauma 2010; 27:789-801. [PMID: 20144012 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2008.0809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Trauma to the spinal cord produces endogenously irreversible tissue and functional loss, requiring the application of therapeutic approaches to achieve meaningful restoration. Cellular strategies, in particular Schwann-cell implantation, have shown promise in overcoming many of the obstacles facing successful repair of the injured spinal cord. Here, we show that the implantation of Schwann cells as cell suspensions with in-situ gelling laminin:collagen matrices after spinal-cord contusion significantly enhances long-term cell survival but not proliferation, as well as improves graft vascularization and the degree of axonal in-growth over the standard implantation vehicle, minimal media. The use of a matrix to suspend cells prior to implantation should be an important consideration for achieving improved survival and effectiveness of cellular therapies for future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Patel
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA
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Straley KS, Foo CWP, Heilshorn SC. Biomaterial design strategies for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. J Neurotrauma 2010; 27:1-19. [PMID: 19698073 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2009.0948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly debilitating nature of spinal cord injuries has provided much inspiration for the design of novel biomaterials that can stimulate cellular regeneration and functional recovery. Many experts agree that the greatest hope for treatment of spinal cord injuries will involve a combinatorial approach that integrates biomaterial scaffolds, cell transplantation, and molecule delivery. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of biomaterial-scaffold design strategies currently being applied to the development of nerve guidance channels and hydrogels that more effectively stimulate spinal cord tissue regeneration. To enhance the regenerative capacity of these two scaffold types, researchers are focusing on optimizing the mechanical properties, cell-adhesivity, biodegradability, electrical activity, and topography of synthetic and natural materials, and are developing mechanisms to use these scaffolds to deliver cells and biomolecules. Developing scaffolds that address several of these key design parameters will lead to more successful therapies for the regeneration of spinal cord tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin S Straley
- Chemical Engineering Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California 4305-4045, USA
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Cai J, Ziemba KS, Smith GM, Jin Y. Evaluation of cellular organization and axonal regeneration through linear PLA foam implants in acute and chronic spinal cord injury. J Biomed Mater Res A 2007; 83:512-20. [PMID: 17503492 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.31296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There are few studies of neural implants in spinal cord injury (SCI) focused on supporting directed axon growth. In this study, we fabricated a macroporous poly (lactic acid) (PLA) foam with oriented inner channels. Amorphous foam without linear channels served as a control in an acute SCI injury model, and the effectiveness of foam with linear channels was further investigated in a chronic SCI model. Implants were placed into a 2 mm hemisection lesion cavity at the T8 spinal cord level in adult rats. Two weeks post-implantation, tissue sections including the implants were examined using antibodies against GFAP, p75, ED-1, laminin, GAP-43, and CGRP. Foam implants were well-integrated with the host spinal cord. In linear foams, numerous DAPI-stained cells were found within the inner channels. Schwann cells but not astrocytes had migrated within the channels. Intense laminin staining was observed throughout the extracellular matrix substrate. GAP-43- and CGRP-positive axons grew through the implants following the linear channels. In the amorphous control foams, DAPI staining distributed evenly through the pores. However, the growth of GAP-43 or CGRP-positive axons was misguided and impeded at the entrance area of the foam. Higher numbers of GAP-43 and CGRP-positive axons grew into linear foam implants after chronic SCI than acute SCI. These results suggest the potential application of linear foam implants in cell and axon guidance for SCI repair, especially for chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cai
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0298, USA
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Fukuda A, Hirata H, Akeda K, Morita A, Nagakura T, Tsujii M, Uchida A. Enhanced reinnervation after neurotization with Schwann cell transplantation. Muscle Nerve 2005; 31:229-34. [PMID: 15609348 DOI: 10.1002/mus.20254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of using Schwann cell transplantation to enhance reinnervation after direct nerve-to-muscle neurotization (NMN). The denervated anterior tibial muscle was neurotized by tibial nerve implantation, and Schwann cell suspension (transplantation group) or an equivalent volume of culture medium (control group) was injected at the implantation site. In the control group, few axons invaded the muscle, demonstrating that skeletal muscle was poorly permissive to the advancement of axons. In the transplantation group, a large number of regenerating axons grew for a longer distance throughout the muscle, and reinnervated motor endplates were significantly more abundant. Enhanced reinnervation and functional recovery of the muscle in the transplantation group was confirmed by a significant increase in the compound muscle action potential and in muscle weight. These results suggest that intramuscular Schwann cell transplantation has potential as a cell therapy to improve functional recovery after NMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Fukuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mie University Faculty of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu City, Mie 514-8507, Japan
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Wu W, Chai H, Zhang J, Gu H, Xie Y, Zhou L. Delayed Implantation of a Peripheral Nerve Graft Reduces Motoneuron Survival but Does Not Affect Regeneration following Spinal Root Avulsion in Adult Rats. J Neurotrauma 2004; 21:1050-8. [PMID: 15319004 DOI: 10.1089/0897715041651006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult spinal motoneurons can regenerate their axons into a peripheral nerve (PN) graft following root avulsion injury if the graft is implanted immediately after the lesion is induced. The present study was designed to determine how avulsed motoneurons respond to a PN graft if implantation takes place a few days to a few weeks later. Survival, regeneration, and gene expression changes of injured motoneurons after delayed PN graft implantation were studied. The survival rates of spinal motoneurons were 78%, 65%, 57%, or 53% if a PN graft was implanted immediately, 1, 2, or 3 weeks after root avulsion, respectively. Interestingly, most of the surviving motoneurons were able to regenerate their axons into the graft regardless of the delay. All regenerating motoneurons expressed p75, but not nNOS, while all motoneurons that failed to regenerate expressed nNOS, but not p75. p75 and nNOS may, therefore, be used as markers for success or failure to regenerate axons. In the group with immediate graft implantation, 85% of the surviving motoneurons extended axons into the PN graft, while in the groups in which implantation was delayed 1, 2, or 3 weeks, 84%, 82%, and 83% of the surviving motoneurons, respectively, were found to have regenerated into the grafts. These findings indicate that avulsed spinal motoneurons retain the ability to regenerate for at least 3 weeks, and perhaps for as long as they survive. Therefore, the delayed implantation of a PN graft after root avulsion may provide a continued conducive environment to support regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wutian Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Gauthier P, Réga P, Lammari-Barreault N, Polentes J. Functional reconnections established by central respiratory neurons regenerating axons into a nerve graft bridging the respiratory centers to the cervical spinal cord. J Neurosci Res 2002; 70:65-81. [PMID: 12237865 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The present work investigated, in adult rats, the long-term functional properties and terminal reconnections of central respiratory neurons regenerating axons within a peripheral nerve autograft bridging two separated central structures. A nerve graft was first inserted into the left medulla oblongata, in which the respiratory centers are located. Three months later, a C3 left hemisection was performed, and the distal tip of the graft was implanted into the C4 left spinal cord at the level of the phrenic nucleus, a natural central inspiratory target. Six to eight months after medullary implantation, the animals (n = 12) were electrophysiologically investigated to test 1) the phrenic target reinnervation by analyzing the phrenic responses elicited by bridge electrical stimulation and 2) the bridge innervation by unitary recordings of the spontaneous activity of regenerated axons within the nerve bridge. In the control group (n = 6), the medullary site of implantation corresponded to the dorsolateral medulla, a region known to be an unsuitable site for inducing respiratory axonal regrowth after nerve grafting. Stimulation of the nerve bridge never elicited phrenic nerve response, and no respiratory units were found within the nerve bridge. In the experimental group (n = 6), the proximal tip of the nerve bridge was implanted within the ventrolateral medulla at the level of the respiratory centers. Electrical stimulation of the nerve bridge induced phrenic nerve responses that reflected a postsynaptic activation of the phrenic target. Subsequent unitary recordings from teased fibers within the bridge revealed the presence of regenerated inspiratory fibers exhibiting discharge patterns typical of medullary inspiratory neurons, which normally make synaptic contacts with the inspiratory phrenic target. These results indicate that, when provided with an appropriate denervated target, central respiratory neurons with regenerated axons along a nerve bridge can remain functional for a long period and can make precise and specific functional reconnections with central homotypic target neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gauthier
- Physiologie Neurovégétative, UMR 6153 CNRS INRA, Faculté des Sciences et des Techniques de Saint-Jérôme (Aix-Marseille III), Marseille, France.
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