仿生诱导骨促进兔横突间脊柱融合的研究

目的 探讨仿生诱导骨促进兔脊柱融合的可行性.方法 成骨诱导化培养兔脂肪基质细胞、制备释放重组人骨形成发生蛋白(rhBMP)-2的壳聚糖/胶原蛋白/B磷酸三钙基质,联合生物凝胶+动态种植,构建仿生诱导骨;兔腰4～5横突间融合模型移植4组,A1仿生骨诱导骨;A2自体髂骨;B1 rhBMP-2的复合基质;B2空白支架.行组织学、免疫组织化学、新骨及诱导因子定量分析、手动触检,生物力学检查.结果 A1组骨性融合能力最强,融合率、新骨面积、BMP含量及力学指标均高于其他组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);A2组次之,B1组新骨生长不明显,融合相对延缓.B2组未融合.结论 仿生诱导骨能强化骨诱导、传导效应,超越自体骨修复效果,促进脊柱融合.     

新型仿生活性人工骨诱导兔腰椎横突间脊柱融合研究

目的采用先进快速成形技术（RP）结合骨组织工程方法研制新型仿生活性人工骨，并探讨其在兔腰椎横突间脊柱融合的应用情况。方法首先采用RP制备薄块型聚乳酸一聚羟乙酸／磷酸三钙（PLGA／TCP）人工骨载体，进而高效复合牛骨形态发生蛋白（bBMP）以制备仿生活性人工骨。扫描电镜观察载体材料及人工骨超微结构。将健康新西兰兔28只（平均体重4.1kg）随机均分为A、B两组（每组14只）。A组：于兔腰4～5右、左侧横突间分别植入仿生活性人工骨（A1组）、自体髂骨（A2组）；B组：于兔腰4～5右、左侧横突间分别植入复合自体新鲜红骨髓的PLGA／TCP载体材料（B1组）、单纯PLGA／TCP载体材料（B2组）。于术后6周和12周，定期大体观察、手法检测、组织学[苏木素-伊红（HE）、三色法及四环素-钙黄绿素荧光检测]和影像学方法（X、CT）系统评价脊柱融合情况。结果RP制备的PLGA／TCP载体具有规则的空间支架结构、相互贯通的孔隙及材料表面微孔特征。这些均有利于bBMP的高效复合。动物实验结果显示，A1组仿生活性人工骨植入具有强的诱骨活性及骨性融合能力，不仅成骨早、新骨形成量大，而且在新骨形成及改塑的同时载体材料逐渐降解。术后12周可形成较为典型的骨小梁及骨髓结构，骨代谢活性亦接近正常。A2组自体髂骨移植能达到良好骨性融合，但术后12周所形成的新骨结构尚须进一步塑形及完善。B1组、B2组术后12周仍遗有较多的载体材料有待降解，基本无成骨能力。术后12周，A1、A2、B1、1324组横突间融合率分别为100．0％、58．3％、18．2％和0％，A1组融合率最高（P〈0．01）。结论先进RP制备的PLGA／TCP载体不仅具有良好的空间超微结构及孔隙特性，而且能高效复合bBMP以正确构建新型组织工程人工骨。该仿生活性人工骨诱导兔横突间脊柱融合获得成功．为生物制造脊柱外科所需的新型、高效人工骨移植材料奠定了重要基础。     

血管化纳米诱导骨的构建及促进兔横突间融合的研究

我们研制释放血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)的人工膜材,作为毛细血管网的基质材料,同步构筑血管化纳米诱导骨,并应用于兔横突间融合部位,观察其能否促进脊柱融合,分析其作用机制,探讨应用潜力.     

载rhBMP-2人工骨促进家兔脊柱融合实验研究

目的 探讨CPC作为rhBMP-2载体促进家兔脊柱融合的作用及效果. 方法 取1 mg rhBMP-2分别与1 g CPC、体积为6.0 cm×2.0 cm×0.5 cm的医用明胶海绵(absorbable gelatin sponge,AGS)吸附复合,冻干制备rhBMP-2/CPC、rhBMP-2/AGS生物材料.45只24周龄新西兰兔,体重2.5～3.5 kg,随机分为A(n=17)、B(n=11)、C(n=17)3组.暴露L5、6横突,将L5、6横突后缘骨皮质磨除,露出松质骨,行后路双侧L5、6横突间植骨,A、B、C组分别植入rhBMP-2/CPC、rhBMP-2/AGS、CPC 3种材料.于术后4、8、24周,行大体、组织学观察及影像学检查. 结果 术后4、8周脱钙组织切片,A组均见明显骨痂连接;B组仅见小片骨痂;C组见纤维连接,局部少许软骨.术后4周A、B、C组脱钙组织切片评分分别为(7.30±0.76)、(3.68±1.60)和(1.75±0.54)分,术后8周分别为(8.32±1.11)、(3.75±1.23)和(1.47±0.23)分;各时间点A、B组以及A、C组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).不脱钙硬组织切片术后4、8周A组均见类松质骨样骨组织再生,C组植入物周围见纤维连接,少许成骨.术后4周单位面积内成骨面积A、C组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后8周,A、C组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).三维重建CT评分A、B、C组分别为(2.50± 0.57)、(1.00±0.00)和(1.00±0.00)分,C组与A、B组以及A、B组间比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05). 结论 CPC作为rhBMP-2载体能够促进家兔脊柱骨性融合,可作为一种新型的人工骨修复材料.     

成骨诱导的兔骨髓基质干细胞成骨活性的表达及维持

目的观察成骨诱导的兔骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)体内、外环境下成骨活性的表达及维持。方法观察BMSCs在体外成骨诱导培养条件下的成骨分化特性;构建兔BMSCs与活骨组织共培养模型模拟体内“成骨环境”,将成骨诱导的MSCs置于共培养及普通传代培养条件下进行传代培养,观察经成骨诱导的BMSCs在体外及模拟体内的培养条件下细胞的表型维持情况。结果药物成骨诱导培养的BMSCs,其ALP活性及骨钙素均显著高于普通培养组(P<0.05);经过诱导培养的BMSCs,其Ⅰ型胶原、骨钙素免疫组化阳性。RT-PCR法半定量测定Ⅰ型胶原mRNA,成骨诱导培养的Ⅰ型胶原mRNA表达量明显高于普通传代培养对照组。药物成骨诱导后的细胞在体外普通传代培养传5代后,细胞碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性、骨钙素水平及Ⅰ型胶原表达稳定维持在较高水平,保持其成骨细胞的表型;在共培养条件下,ALP活性、骨钙素水平Ⅰ型胶原表达保持在高水平,且ALP活性、骨钙素水平在大部分时间点均高于普通传代培养。结论药物成骨诱导培养呈现促BMSCs向成骨方向转化的特点,能使ALP、骨钙素及Ⅰ型胶原表达短期内达到高水平;经成骨诱导的BMSCs在体外或模拟的体内传代培养条件下,均能维持成骨表型,保持成骨活力。     

两种接种密度骨髓基质干细胞复合β-TCP对兔腰椎横突间融合的效果

[目的]观察两种不同接种密度的骨髓基质干细胞(bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ,BMSCs),在成骨诱导分化后复合β-TCP应用于兔腰椎横突间脊柱融合的术后融合效果.[方法]应用BMSCs/β-TCP复合体对随机分为两组(低密度接种组和高密度接种组)的实验兔进行腰椎横突间非去皮质骨脊柱融合术,观察两组动物术后大体腰椎融合率、影像学特征、骨矿含量(bone mineralization content,BMC),骨密度(bone mineralization density,BMD)和矿化组织体积(bone mineralization tissue volume,BMV)及组织形态学变化.[结果]与低密度接种组比较,高密度接种组术后融合率明显提高,可达到71.4%(P＜0.05).显微CT图像结果显示高密度接种组横突间不仅新骨形成量多,而且融合稳固,且其BMC、BMD和BMV及新骨生成率均高于低密度接种组(P＜0.05).[结论]使用接种密度为10×106 cells/ ml的人工骨具有较好的融合效果,融合率可达到71.4%,这一点为临床应用BMSCs复合生物材料体外构建人工骨应用于非去皮质骨脊柱后路融合有一定的指导意义.     

组织工程化脂肪基质细胞诱导脊柱融合的实验研究

目的 探讨组织工程化脂肪基质细胞诱导脊柱融合的能力.方法 从成年大鼠腹股沟处无菌获取脂肪组织,消化分离培养出脂肪基质细胞.在大鼠脊柱融合模型中将32只大鼠随机分为4组,每组8只,分别植入骨形态发生蛋白-2(BMP-2)基因重组的腺病毒载体转染的脂肪细胞(A组)、LacZ基因重组的腺病毒载体转染的脂肪细胞(B组)、未转染脂肪细胞(C组)、胶原海绵对照(D组).测定A组和B组的BMP-2的定量表达.比较4组术后4、6、8周X线片评分.8周后处死大鼠,进行MicroCT扫描分析和组织学观察.结果 ELISA法结果显示A组BMP-2表达水平为3.46 ng/mL,而B组无BMP-2表达.A组4、6、8周X线片评分分别为(4.56±1.01)分、(4.72±0.24)分、(4.92±0.13)分,均明显高于其他组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).Micro CT和组织学切片均显示A组全部获骨性融合,而其他组均未融合.结论 组织工程化的脂肪基质细胞能够很好地诱导脊柱融合,有望成为一种新颖、有效的治疗方法.

Abstract：

Objective To assess the capability of inducing spinal fusion by adipose derived stromal cells in a rat model. Methods Adipose derived stromal cells were isolated from inguinal fat pads in rats.In the rat model of spinal fusion,32 rats were randomized into 4 groups.In group A,the cells infected with AdBMP-2 were implanted.In group B,cells infected with AdLacZ were implanted.In group C,uninfected cells were implanted.In group D,only collagen sponges were implanted.Expressions of BMP-2 were quantified in groups A and B.The radiographic scores were compared at weeks 4,6 and 8 among the 4 groups.After sacrifice at week 8,the spine samples were assessed by radiographs,MicroCT,and histological analysis. Results ELISA revealed a 3.46 ng/mL expression of BMP-2 in group A but no expression in group B.The mean radiographic scores for group A at weeks 4,6 and 8 were 4.56 ± 1.01,4.72 ± 0.24,4.92 ±0.13,significantly higher than those for the other groups ( P ＜ 0.05) .MicroCT and histological analysis revealed spinal fusion in all the rats in group A.None of the rats in the control groups developed fusion.Conclusion Because tissue engineered adipose derived stromal cells can induce spinal fusion,they may be a promising strategy for spinal fusion in the future.     

异种脱蛋白松质骨为载体构建组织工程骨用于脊柱横突间融合的实验观察

目的探讨异种脱蛋白松质骨（deproteinization bone,DPB）作为骨组织工程载体的性能及其用于山羊脊柱横突间融合的作用。方法取成年猪股骨远端松质骨通过理化方法制成DPB载体,对其形态结构、组成成分、生物力学特性以及材料对种子细胞生物学行为的影响进行检测分析。将载体材料复合一定量的自体骨髓间充质干细胞（mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs）重组人骨形成蛋白2（recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2,rhBMP-2）构建组织工程骨。取6～8月龄雄性山羊12只,制成L3-4双侧横突间植骨模型,左侧植入组织工程骨为A组,右侧植入等体积自体髂骨作对照为B组。分别于4、8及12周行X线片和组织学观察并对比分析。结果采用脱蛋白处理后的松质骨可见大小不等、相互交通、开放孔隙的网架结构。孔径200～500μm,孔隙率60％左右。其无机成分为羟基磷灰石,有机成分为胶原,力学性能保存良好,有良好的细胞相容性。两组移植后不同时间点X线表现：A组植入横突间第4周与横突桥接处部分区域模糊,以内侧明显;第8周上下桥接部间隙变小,大量连续骨痂生成;12周后完全融合。早期A组密度略低于B组,12周后基本相同。移植区组织学观察：A组植入后第4周以多点方式形成新骨,第8周岛状生长的骨组织贯穿整个移植材料,12周编织骨交错排列,髓腔形成,成骨活性接近自体髂骨移植。B组,4周时有较多新骨形成;8周时出现大量胶原纤维,周边成骨明显;12周时,纤维组织减少,成骨活跃。结论异种DPB是一种良好的组织工程骨载体材料,可为再血管化和成骨细胞的分化提供一个稳定的环境。     

脂肪间充质干细胞的成骨诱导分化

目的　研究脂肪间充质干细胞 (MSCs)在特定培养条件下向成骨细胞分化 ,探讨其作为骨组织工程的种子细胞的可行性。方法　取 3周龄Lewis大鼠的腹股沟脂肪垫 ,消化法获得脂肪MSCs,用成骨诱导培养基诱导其向成骨细胞分化 ,组织化学染色、免疫细胞化学染色和Westernblotting检测细胞分化的情况。结果　从成体大鼠脂肪组织中培养出脂肪MSCs,能大量稳定增殖传代。在地塞米松、抗坏血酸、β-甘油磷酸钠的诱导下 ,脂肪MSCs的ALP活性增高 ,VonKossa染色出现钙结节 ,OPN、BMP - 2免疫细胞化学染色阳性 ,Westernblotting检测到诱导后细胞OPN、BMP - 2的表达 ,且随诱导时间延长表达增强。结论　从脂肪组织中可获得具有多分化潜能的MSCs,并能在体外稳定增殖传代 ,经诱导后可分化为脂肪细胞和成骨细胞 ,有可能成为骨组织工程较理想的种子细胞之一     

具有骨诱导活性的仿生骨基质材料的制备

目的将一种具有与骨形态发生蛋白2相似骨诱导活性的多肽p24共价结合于改性聚（丙交酯-co-乙交酯）基质材料上，以制备出具有骨诱导活性的仿生骨基质材料。方法将活性多肽p24通过交联剂共价结合于改性PLGA材料上作为实验组；以未加交联剂多肽溶液和材料简单混合反应为对照组，通过X射线光电子光谱法和扫描电镜检测交联情况；同时对两组材料进行钙离子吸附实验，初步评价其仿生矿化能力。结果XPS检测结果表明，实验组及对照组材料表面均已结合硫元素，两者含有硫元素含量分别为1.50％及0.09％；钙离子吸附实验结果表明，12h及24h时实验组材料的钙离子吸附量分别为0，126mg及0．231mg；12h及24h时对照组材料的钙离子吸附量分别为0．053、0．102mg。多肽交联之材料较混合之材料的钙离子吸附能力显著增强。结论在改性PLGA三嵌段材料上固定了BMP2活性多肽，为以后发挥其骨诱导活性修复骨缺损奠定了良好基础。     

凝胶包埋兔脂肪基质细胞接种三维支架动态构建组织工程化骨

目的 探讨高效的细胞种植方法,提高工程化骨构建质量.方法 成骨诱导化脂肪基质细胞,制备含rhBMP-2的纳米化壳聚糖/胶原蛋白/β磷酸三钙(Cs-Col-β-TCP)支架,构建工程化骨.静态种植静态培养(A组),振荡种植静态培养(B组),凝胶+振荡种植静态培养(c组),凝胶+静态种植静态培养(D组).第1、4、 8、 12、16、20、24、28天,扫描电镜、共聚焦显微镜观察,检测细胞存活率、细胞增殖、碱性磷酸酶、DNA、骨钙素水平.结果 C组细胞分布均匀、呈三维内生长、细胞外基质丰富,细胞存活率、增殖活力、碱性磷酸酶、DNA、骨钙素水平均高于其他组(79.53±2.67、0.59±0.20、65.16±6.85、207.62±19.36、55.22±8.51,P<0.05).结论 凝胶联合振荡种植可提高细胞接种效率及增强诱导成骨活性.     

Dorsal root ganglion electrical stimulation promoted intertransverse process spinal fusion without decortications and bone grafting: a proof-of-concept study

Background context

Periosteum, endosteum, and bone are innervated by sensory nerves expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is a known osteoanabolic peptide and plays an important role in fracture healing and spinal fusion. Synthesis and release of CGRP are found in sensory neurons located in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) and can be upregulated by electrical stimulation (ES) at DRG.

Purpose

To prove our study hypothesis on the potential of precise ES at DRG through implantable microelectrical stimulation system (IMESS) for its effect on promoting spinal fusion in a rat model without decortications and bone grafting.

Study design

An experimental animal study.

Methods

A novel IMESS was developed for stimulating L4–L6 DRG in rats. Sixteen rats were used and divided equally into the control group without ES and the ES group, with a daily 20 minutes ES to DRG for 6 weeks. At the end of 6 weeks, radiography and microcomputed tomography were conducted to evaluate new bone formation and spinal fusion. Bilateral L4–L6 DRGs were harvested for immunohistochemistry and quantification of neurons with upregulated CGRP expression.

Results

In the ES group, rate of radiographic fusion with complete and uninterrupted bony bridging was 100% (8/8) at the right L4/L5 transverse processes and 75% (6/8) at the right L5/L6 transverse processes. Bony callus formation was absent at the left L4–L6 transverse processes in the ES group and in bilateral L4–L6 transverse processes in the control group.

Conclusions

We proved for the first time that precise ES at DRG through IMESS effectively promoted intertransverse process fusion in rat model without decortications and bone grafting. Electrical stimulation at DRG might be an attractive minimal invasive bioengineering approach and an alternative therapy for intertransverse process fusion that is increasingly being used for the treatment of degenerative spine disorders.     

An update on bone substitutes for spinal fusion

With the current advances in spinal surgery, an understanding of the precise biological mechanism of each bone substitute is necessary for inducing successful spinal fusion. In this review, the categories of bone substitutes include allografts, ceramics, demineralized bone matrix, osteoinductive factors, autogenous platelet concentrate, mesenchymal stem cells, and gene therapy. Further, clinical studies have been evaluated by their levels of evidence in order to elucidate the precise effect of the bone substitute employed and to establish clinical guidance. This article will review both clinical studies based on evidence and basic research in current advances in order to avoid as far as possible any chances of failure in the future and to understand cellular biology in novel technologies.     

负载SOX-9的大鼠脂肪干细胞成软骨分化的实验研究

目的 SOX-9基因转染大鼠的ADSCs(Adipose stromal cells,ADSCs),诱导其向软骨细胞分化,为软骨组织工程学种子细胞提供新方法.方法 分离、培养大鼠的ADSCs,免疫荧光法进行鉴定;SOX-9基因转染ADSCs,对转染后细胞进行筛选;MTT法测定筛选后细胞的增殖活性;RT-PCR、Western blot对筛选后细胞的表达进行检测.结果 成功分离、培养大鼠的ADSCs;细胞表面标志物CD29和CD44表达阳性,CD106和CD34表达阴性;基因转染后细胞的增殖力变强;转染SOX-9的ADSCs在目的基因SOX9、Aggrecan、Collagen Ⅱ mRNA的表达和软骨特异性基质-Collagen Ⅱ的分泌上明显高于转染空载体组和对照组;结论 SOX-9基因转染后ADSCs具有了软骨细胞的表型特征,可以用作软骨组织工程的种子细胞.     

Nitric oxide modulates recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-induced corticocancellous autograft incorporation: a study in rat intertransverse fusion

A novel rat model was used to investigate the effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition in posterior spinal fusion augmented with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2. Nitric oxide (NO) has important physiological functions including the modulation of fracture healing. Recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) enhances spinal fusion. It is not known whether nitric oxide has a role in rhBMP-2 enhanced spinal fusion and remodeling. A novel rat intertransverse fusion model was created using a defined volume of bone graft along with a collagen sponge carrier, which was compacted and delivered using a custom jig. The control groups consisted of a sham group (S, n = 20), an autograft + carrier group (A, n = 28) and a group consisting of 43 μg of rhBMP-2 mixed with autograft + carrier (AB, n = 28). Two experimental groups received a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N ^G-nitro l-arginine methyl ester, in a dose of 1 mg/ml ad lib in the drinking water (AL, n = 28) and one of these experimental groups had rhBMP-2 added to the graft mixture at the time of surgery (ALB, n = 28). Rats were killed at 22 and 44 days, spinal columns subjected to radiology, biomechanics and histology. On a radiographic score (0–4) indicating progressive maturation of bone fusion mass, no difference was found between the A and AL groups, however, there was a significant enhancement of fusion when rhBMP-2 was added when compared to the A group (P < 0.001). However, on day 44, the ALB group showed significantly less fusion progression when compared to the AB group (P < 0.01). There was a 25% (P < 0.05) more fusion-mass-area in day 44 of ALB group when compared to day 44 of the AB group indicating that NOS inhibition delayed the remodeling of the fusion mass. Biomechanically, the rhBMP-2 groups were stiffer at all time points compared to the NOS inhibited groups. Decalcified histology demonstrated that there was a delay in graft incorporation whenever NOS was inhibited (AL and ALB groups) as assessed by a 5 point histological maturation score. In a novel model of rat intertransverse process fusion, nitric oxide synthase modulates rhBMP-2 induced corticocancellous autograft incorporation.     

凝胶包埋BMP-2基因及振荡构建工程化骨的生物效应评估

目的 分析构建工程化骨的生物学行为,评估优化构筑工程化骨的方法. 方法 用人骨形态发生蛋白2腺病毒载体(Ad-BMP-2)转染兔脂肪基质细胞,nB-TCP/Cs/PCL支架接种及构建工程化骨,分A组(基因转染加静态培养),B组(凝胶加生长因子加振荡培养)、C组(凝胶加基因转染加振荡培养)和D组(凝胶加生长因子加静态培养);第1、4、8、12、16、20、24、28天,电镜、共聚焦显微镜观察,检测凋亡率、增殖、碱性磷酸酶活性及体内成骨分析.结果 C组细胞生长旺盛,细胞外基质丰富,凋亡率低于其它组(P＜0.05),增殖活力、碱性磷酸酶水平均高于其它组(P＜0.05),工程化骨发育成熟. 结论 凝胶包埋成骨基因与振荡模式为构建工程化骨的理想方法.     

Effect of nano-hydroxyapatite／collagen composite and bone morphogenetic protein-2 on lumbar intertransverse fusion in rabbits

Objective: To investigate the effect of nanohydroxyapatite/collagen (nHA/collagen) composite as a graft extender and enhancer when combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on lumbar intertransverse fusion in rabbits. Methods: Sixty-four adult female New Zealand white rabbits, aged 1 year and weighing 3.5-4.5kg, underwent similar posterolateral intertransverse process arthrodesis and were randomly divided into 4 groups based on different grafts: autogenous cancellous bone alone (ACB group), nHA/collagen alone ( HAC group ), half autogenous cancellous bone and half nHA/collagen (ACB HAC group) and nHA/collagen combined with rhBMP-2 (HAC BMP group ). The fusion masses were analyzed by manual palpation, radiography, biomechanical testing and histological examination. Results: Fusion was observed in 4 cases in the 6th week and in 5 cases in the 10tb week after surgery in ACB group. No case showed fusion in HAC group. In ACB HAC group, there was fusion in 3 cases in the 6th week and in 4 cases in the 10th week after surgery. In HAC BMP group, fusion in 1 case was found in the 4th week, in 5 cases in the 6th week and in 6 cases in the 10th week after surgery. It suggested that ACB, ACB HAC and HAC BMP groups showed similar fusion ratio and mechanical strength in the 6th and 10th week after surgery. According to the microstructure analysis of the samples, nHA/collagen had no negative effect when implanted together with ilium autograft. In HAC BMP group, new bone-like tissue was observed in the 2nd week postoperatively, and nearly all of the implanted composites were replaced by mature bone matrix and new bones in 10th week postoperatively. Conclusions：The nHA/collagen, especially combined with rhBMP-2, is a promising bone substitute, for it has quick biodegradation, fine bone-bending ability, and high osteoconductivity on posterolateral spinal fusion in rabbits.     

Effect of neurotransmitters and bone marrow cells for neuronal regeneration in iatrogenic spinal cord injury: An experimental study

Background:

Spinal cord trauma is a major health problem with associated physical, social, economic and psychological sequelae. Despite many advances in research and treatment modalities, the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury remains unclear, and morbidity and mortality among these patients remain high. This experimental study investigates the regenerative cell proliferation effects of bone marrow supplemented with neurotransmitters combinations in the regeneration of spinal cord injury

Materials and Methods:

Ethical Committee Clearance was obtained for animal study. All animal care and procedures were in accordance with the CPCSEA and National Institute of Health guidelines. Thirty Wistar rats with monoplegia following surgical hemitransection of the spinal cord were used for the study. Half of them were randomly selected as the test group and the rest as the control group. Spinal cord injury model of Wistar rats in the test group were treated by infusing a combination of neurotransmitters and bone marrow at the site of injury using a special polythene tube and reservoir for 21 days. In the control group of rats with monoplegia, normal saline was infused at the site of injury for 21 days. The observations are recorded along with results.

Results:

The monoplegia in the test group of rats recovered significantly (P value < 0.01) with supplementation of the bone marrow cells and neurotransmitters combination. In the control group of rats, there was no recovery. The reward-seeking locomotor test and sensory recovery test confirmed recovery from spinal cord injury in the test group with significance.

Conclusions:

The neurotransmitters and bone marrow combination was responsible for functional recovery in the test group of rats with experimental spinal cord injury We believe that the combination of neurotransmitters along with bone marrow may be a scope of future research in patients with spinal cord injury.