Acute delivery of EphA4-Fc improves functional recovery after contusive spinal cord injury in rats.

ABSTRACT: Blocking the action of inhibitory molecules at sites of central nervous system injury has been proposed as a strategy to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery. We have previously shown that genetic deletion or competitive antagonism of EphA4 receptor activity promotes axonal regeneration and functional recovery in a mouse model of lateral hemisection spinal cord injury. Here we have assessed the effect of blocking EphA4 activation using the competitive antagonist EphA4-Fc in a rat model of thoracic contusive spinal cord injury. Using a ledged tapered balance beam and open-field testing, we observed significant improvements in recovery of locomotor function after EphA4-Fc treatment. Consistent with functional improvement, using high-resolution ex vivo magnetic resonance imagin

SUBMITTER: Spanevello MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3689926 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature