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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Experimental Contusive Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: December 17, 2014
Spinal cord repair: from experimental models to human application
1Department Physiology and MRC, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Cambridge University, UK.
Abstract:
Axon regeneration fails in the CNS because the glial environment is inhibitory, and because the regenerative response of CNS is poor. Regeneration can therefore be induced by removing the inhibitory effect of CNS glial molecules, by increasing the regenerative in animal models of spinal cord injury has recently been achieved by several strategies that apply these principles. The successful techniques have been to block inhibitory molecules made by astrocytes, to implant peripheral nerve grafts embedded in a bFGF-containing fibrin gel, to implant olfactory ensheathing cells, to graft embryonic spinal cord tissue, and to implant trophic factor-secreting fibroblasts. The next challenge is to prepare to apply these types of treatment to human patients with spinal cord injuries.
Insights
Strategies to overcome inhibitory glial environments and enhance poor regenerative responses show promise for central nervous system (CNS) axon regeneration in spinal cord injury models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- Axon regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is hindered by an inhibitory glial environment and a weak intrinsic regenerative capacity.
- This failure impedes recovery after CNS injuries, particularly spinal cord injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize recent strategies that promote axon regeneration in animal models of spinal cord injury.
- To highlight techniques that address the inhibitory CNS environment and enhance the intrinsic regenerative potential.
Main Methods:
- Blocking inhibitory molecules produced by astrocytes.
- Implanting peripheral nerve grafts within a fibrin gel containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
- Utilizing olfactory ensheathing cells, embryonic spinal cord tissue grafts, or trophic factor-secreting fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Several techniques have successfully induced axon regeneration in animal models.
- These methods involve overcoming glial inhibition and/or boosting cellular regenerative capacity.
- Successful strategies include molecular blockade, cell transplantation, and tissue grafting.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming CNS glial inhibition and enhancing regenerative capacity are key to promoting axon regeneration.
- Current strategies show significant potential for treating spinal cord injuries in animal models.
- The next critical step is translating these findings towards clinical application in human patients.
