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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Combining Peripheral Nerve Grafting and Matrix Modulation to Repair the Injured Rat Spinal Cord
Published on: November 20, 2009
Carbohydrate mimics promote functional recovery after peripheral nerve repair
Olga Simova1, Andrey Irintchev, Ali Mehanna
1Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
Objective:
The outcome of peripheral nerve repair is often unsatisfactory, and efficient therapies are not available. We tested the therapeutic potential of functional mimics of the human natural killer cell glycan (3-sulfoglucuronyl beta1-3 galactoside) (HNK-1) epitope, a carbohydrate indicated to favor specificity of motor reinnervation in mice.
Methods:
We applied a linear HNK-1 mimic peptide, scrambled peptide, or vehicle substances in polyethylene cuffs used to reconstruct the severed femoral nerves of adult mice. We used video-based motion analysis and morphological and tracing techniques to monitor the outcome of nerve repair.
Results:
After glycomimetic application, quadriceps muscle function recovered to 93% of normal within 3 months. Restoration of function was less complete (71-76%) in control groups. Better functional recovery was associated with larger motoneuron somata, better axonal myelination in the quadriceps nerve, and enhanced precision of target reinnervation. Lesion-induced death of motoneurons was reduced by 20 to 25%. The glycomimetic enhanced survival and neurite outgrowth of both mouse and human motoneurons in vitro by 30 to 75%. Application of a novel cyclic glycomimetic also enhanced functional recovery in vivo.
Interpretation:
The improved outcome of nerve repair after glycomimetic application may be attributed to neurotrophic effects. Our results hold promise for therapeutic use in humans.
