Newly regenerated axons via scaffolds promote sub-lesional reorganization and motor recovery with epidural electrical stimulation.

ABSTRACT: Here, we report the effect of newly regenerated axons via scaffolds on reorganization of spinal circuitry and restoration of motor functions with epidural electrical stimulation (EES). Motor recovery was evaluated for 7 weeks after spinal transection and following implantation with scaffolds seeded with neurotrophin producing Schwann cell and with rapamycin microspheres. Combined treatment with scaffolds and EES-enabled stepping led to functional improvement compared to groups with scaffold or EES, although, the number of axons across scaffolds was not different between groups. Re-transection through the scaffold at week 6 reduced EES-enabled stepping, still demonstrating better performance compared to the other groups. Greater synaptic reorganization in the presence of regenerated axons w

SUBMITTER: Siddiqui AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8528837 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature