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Ikeda-Yorifuji I, Tsujioka H, Sakata Y, Yamashita T. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing identified cells with ependymal cell-like features enriched in neonatal mice after spinal cord injury. Neurosci Res 2022; 181:22-38. [PMID: 35452717 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The adult mammalian central nervous system has limited regenerative ability, and spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes lifelong motor disability. While regeneration is limited in adults, injured spinal cord tissue can be regenerated and neural function can be almost completely restored in neonates. However, difference of cellular composition in lesion has not been well characterized. To gain insight into the age-dependent cellular reaction after SCI, we performed single-nucleus RNA sequencing, analyzing 4,076 nuclei from sham and injured spinal cords from adult and neonatal mice. Clustering analysis identified 18 cell populations. We identified previously undescribed cells with ependymal cell-like gene expression profile, the number of which was increased in neonates after SCI. Histological analysis revealed that these cells line the central canal under physiological conditions in both adults and neonates. We confirmed that they were enriched in the lesion only in neonates. We further showed that these cells were positive for the cellular markers of ependymal cells, astrocytes and radial glial cells. This study provides a deeper understanding of neonate-specific cellular responses after SCI, which may determine regenerative capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyo Ikeda-Yorifuji
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tsujioka
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
| | - Yasushi Sakata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan; Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
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Tsujioka H, Yamashita T. Neural circuit repair after central nervous system injury. Int Immunol 2020; 33:301-309. [PMID: 33270108 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system injury often causes lifelong impairment of neural function, because the regenerative ability of axons is limited, making a sharp contrast to the successful regeneration that is seen in the peripheral nervous system. Nevertheless, partial functional recovery is observed, because axonal branches of damaged or undamaged neurons sprout and form novel relaying circuits. Using a lot of animal models such as the spinal cord injury model or the optic nerve injury model, previous studies have identified many factors that promote or inhibit axonal regeneration or sprouting. Molecules in the myelin such as myelin-associated glycoprotein, Nogo-A or oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein, or molecules found in the glial scar such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, activate Ras homolog A (RhoA) signaling, which leads to the collapse of the growth cone and inhibit axonal regeneration. By contrast, axonal regeneration programs can be activated by many molecules such as regeneration-associated transcription factors, cyclic AMP, neurotrophic factors, growth factors, mechanistic target of rapamycin or immune-related molecules. Axonal sprouting and axonal regeneration largely share these mechanisms. For functional recovery, appropriate pruning or suppressing of aberrant sprouting are also important. In contrast to adults, neonates show much higher sprouting ability. Specific cell types, various mouse strains and different species show higher regenerative ability. Studies focusing on these models also identified a lot of molecules that affect the regenerative ability. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of neural circuit repair will lead to the development of better therapeutic approaches for central nervous system injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Tsujioka
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Bioscience, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Lamblin A, Bascou M, Gorioux R. Traumatisme médullaire cervical pénétrant responsable d’un syndrome de Brown-Séquard. ANNALES FRANCAISES DE MEDECINE D URGENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13341-017-0782-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kuroiwa M, Fukushima N, Yokouchi K, Kawagishi K, Moriizumi T. Morphological analysis of regenerated bulbar fibers in relation to neonatal olfaction. Brain Res Bull 2016; 127:66-73. [PMID: 27575005 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
It was revealed that regeneration of the lateral olfactory tract (LOT) occurred in developing rats and the regenerated olfactory system was functional 4 weeks after transection. The aim of this study was to determine the earliest onset of functional recovery in LOT-injured rats and to quantify regenerated nerve components with functional correlation. Neonatal rats on postnatal day (P) 2 were subjected to unilateral transection of the left LOT and underwent unilateral removal of the right olfactory bulb on P11. Functional recovery of the tract injury was assessed by the suckling capability, which can be achieved by olfaction. Suckling capability was observed on P12 in most neonatally LOT-transected pups. Rat pups were subjected to unilateral transection of the left LOT on P2, and received injections of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) into the bilateral olfactory bulb on P5 to quantify normal and regenerated nerve components in the olfactory cortices at the level of the olfactory tubercle. BDA(+) areas and density indices of the olfactory cortices in the neonatally LOT-transected P12 pups were 11.05×105μm2 and 0.35 on the normal right side and 4.34×105μm2 and 0.21 on the transected left side. We concluded that functional recovery of the LOT-transected neonatal rats occurred as early as 10days after tract transection and that areas and densities of regenerated nerve components essential for functional recovery were approximately 40% and 60% of the age-matched normal values in the olfactory cortices at the level of the olfactory tubercle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Kuroiwa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Nanae Fukushima
- Department of Anatomy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan.
| | - Kumiko Yokouchi
- Department of Anatomy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Kyutaro Kawagishi
- Department of Anatomy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Moriizumi
- Department of Anatomy, Shinshu University School of Medicine, 3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
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Hirayama S, Kawagishi K, Yokouchi K, Fukushima N, Karasawa M, Moriizumi T. Regenerative Capacity of Bulbar Projection Neurons During Development: A Quantitative Neuronal Analysis With Functional Correlation. Chem Senses 2013; 39:47-56. [DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjt053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bang WS, Kim KT, Cho DC, Kim HJ, Sung JK. Valproic Acid increases expression of neuronal stem/progenitor cell in spinal cord injury. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2013; 54:8-13. [PMID: 24044073 PMCID: PMC3772294 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2013.54.1.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigates the effect of valproic acid (VPA) on expression of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in a rat spinal cord injury (SCI) model. Methods Adult male rats (n=24) were randomly and blindly allocated into three groups. Laminectomy at T9 was performed in all three groups. In group 1 (sham), only laminectomy was performed. In group 2 (SCI-VPA), the animals received a dose of 200 mg/kg of VPA. In group 3 (SCI-saline), animals received 1.0 mL of the saline vehicle solution. A modified aneurysm clip with a closing force of 30 grams was applied extradurally around the spinal cord at T9, and then rapidly released with cord compression persisting for 2 minutes. The rats were sacrificed and the spinal cord were collected one week after SCI. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting sample were obtained from 5 mm rostral region to the lesion and prepared. We analyzed the nestin immunoreactivity from the white matter of ventral cord and the ependyma of central canal. Nestin and SOX2 were used for markers for NSPCs and analyzed by IHC and western blotting, respectively. Results Nestin and SOX2 were expressed significantly in the SCI groups but not in the sham group. Comparing SCI groups, nestin and SOX2 expression were much stronger in SCI-VPA group than in SCI-saline group. Conclusion Nestin and SOX2 as markers for NSPCs showed increased expression in SCI-VPA group in comparison with SCI-saline group. This result suggests VPA increases expression of spinal NSPCs in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Seok Bang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
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Blockade of interleukin-6 receptor suppresses inflammatory reaction and facilitates functional recovery following olfactory system injury. Neurosci Res 2013; 76:125-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Yoshida Y, Kataoka H, Kanchiku T, Suzuki H, Imajyo Y, Kato H, Taguchi T. Transection method for shortening the rat spine and spinal cord. Exp Ther Med 2012; 5:384-388. [PMID: 23403404 PMCID: PMC3570119 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2012.841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have presented evidence which indicates that the regeneration of axons in the spinal cord occurs following spinal cord transection in young rats. However, in a transection-regeneration model, the completeness of the transection is often a matter of dispute. We established a method for shortening the rat spine and spinal cord to provide a spinal cord injury (SCI) model in which there was no doubt about whether the axonal transection was complete. In the future, this model may be applied to the chronic period of complete paralysis following SCI. Adult, female Wistar rats (220–250g) were used in the study. The spinal cord was exposed and a 4-mm-long segment of the spinal cord was removed at Th8. Subsequently, the Th7/8 and Th8/9 discs were cut between the stumps of the spinal cord to remove the Th8 vertebra. The stitches which had been passed through the 7th and 9th ribs bilaterally were tied gradually to bring together the stumps of the spinal cord. Almost all the rats survived until the end of the experiment. Uncoordinated movements of the hind limbs in locomotion were observed at 4 weeks after surgery. However coordinated movements of the hind limbs in locomotion were not observed until the end of the experiment. After 12 weeks, an intracardiac perfusion was performed to remove the thoracic spine and the spinal cord. There were no signs of infection. The bone fusion of the Th7 and Th9 vertebrae was observed to be complete in all specimens and the alignment of the thoracic spine was maintained. The spinal canal was also correctly reconstituted. The stumps of the spinal cord were connected. Light microscopy of the cord showed that scar tissue intervened at the connection site. Cavitation inhibiting the axonal regeneration was also observed. This model was also made on the assumption that glial scar tissue inhibits axonal regeneration in chronic SCI. Axonal regeneration was not observed across the transected spinal cord in this model. Attempts should be made to minimize the damage to the spinal cord and the surgery time for successful axonal regeneration to occur. The model developed in this study may be useful in the study of axonal regeneration in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Yoshida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine; Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Re-evaluation of spontaneous regeneration of the lateral olfactory tract. Neurosci Res 2010; 68:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2010.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Shibuya S, Yamamoto T, Itano T. Glial and axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury. Cell Adh Migr 2009; 3:99-106. [PMID: 19372750 DOI: 10.4161/cam.3.1.7372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been regarded clinically as an irreversible damage caused by tissue contusion due to a blunt external force. Past research had focused on the analysis of the pathogenesis of secondary injury that extends from the injury epicenter to the periphery, as well as tissue damage and neural cell death associated with secondary injury. Recent studies, however, have proven that neural stem (progenitor) cells are also present in the brain and spinal cord of adult mammals including humans. Analyses using spinal cord injury models have also demonstrated active dynamics of cells expressing several stem cell markers, and methods aiming at functional reconstruction by promoting the potential self-regeneration capacity of the spinal cord are being explored. Furthermore, reconstruction of the neural circuit requires not only replenishment or regeneration of neural cells but also regeneration of axons. Analysis of the tissue microenvironment after spinal cord injury and research aiming to remove axonal regeneration inhibitors have also made progress. SCI is one of the simplest central nervous injuries, but its pathogenesis is associated with diverse factors, and further studies are required to elucidate these complex interactions in order to achieve spinal cord regeneration and functional reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sei Shibuya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, Japan
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Dran G, Fontaine D, Litrico S, Grellier P, Paquis P. [Stabwound of the cervical spinal cord. Two case reports]. Neurochirurgie 2005; 51:476-80. [PMID: 16327681 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3770(05)83506-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Two cases of Brown-Sequard syndrome following a stab wound of the cervical spinal cord are reported. Spinal cord hemisection was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and surgical exploration. Both patients presented leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid and underwent surgical repair. In the first case, the pia-mater was sutured to close the wound and decrease the risk of post-traumatic syringomyelia. Outcome at ten and two years follow up was good in both patients who were able to walk. One of them returned to work. The contribution of surgical repair of spinal cord stab wounds and mechanisms of recovery are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Dran
- Service de Neurochirurgie, Pavillon G, Hôpital Pasteur, CHU, 30, avenue de la Voie-Romaine, 06000 Nice.
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Di Giovanni S, Faden AI, Yakovlev A, Duke-Cohan JS, Finn T, Thouin M, Knoblach S, De Biase A, Bregman BS, Hoffman EP. Neuronal plasticity after spinal cord injury: identification of a gene cluster driving neurite outgrowth. FASEB J 2004; 19:153-4. [PMID: 15522907 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-2694fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) may result in part from axon outgrowth and related plasticity through coordinated changes at the molecular level. We employed microarray analysis to identify a subset of genes the expression patterns of which were temporally coregulated and correlated to functional recovery after SCI. Steady-state mRNA levels of this synchronously regulated gene cluster were depressed in both ventral and dorsal horn neurons within 24 h after injury, followed by strong re-induction during the following 2 wk, which paralleled functional recovery. The identified cluster includes neuritin, attractin, microtubule-associated protein 1a, and myelin oligodendrocyte protein genes. Transcriptional and protein regulation of this novel gene cluster was also evaluated in spinal cord tissue and in single neurons and was shown to play a role in axonal plasticity. Finally, in vitro transfection experiments in primary dorsal root ganglion cells showed that cluster members act synergistically to drive neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Giovanni
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Iseda T, Nishio T, Kawaguchi S, Yamanoto M, Kawasaki T, Wakisaka S. Spontaneous regeneration of the corticospinal tract after transection in young rats: a key role of reactive astrocytes in making favorable and unfavorable conditions for regeneration. Neuroscience 2004; 126:365-74. [PMID: 15207354 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrated the occurrence of marked regeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST) after a single transection and failure of regeneration after a repeated transection in young rats. To provide convincing evidence for the complete transection and regeneration we used retrograde neuronal double labeling. Double-labeled neurons that took up the first tracer from the transection site and the second tracer from the injection site caudal to the transection site were observed in the sensorimotor cortex. The anterograde tracing method revealed various patterns of regeneration. In the most successful cases the vast majority of regenerated fibers descended in the normal tract and terminated normally whereas a trace amount of fibers coursed aberrantly. In the less successful cases fibers descended partly normally and partly aberrantly or totally aberrantly. To clarify the role of astrocytes in determining the success or failure of regeneration we compared expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin and neurofilament (NF) immunoreactivity (IR) in the lesion between single and repeated transections. In either transection, astrocytes disappeared from the CST near the lesion site as early as 3 h after lesioning. However, by 24 h after a single transection, immature astrocytes coexpressing GFAP- and vimentin-IR appeared in the former astrocyte-free area and NF-positive axons crossed the lesion. By contrast, after a repeated transection the astrocyte-free area spread and NF-positive axons never crossed the lesion. It appears likely that the major sign, and possibly cause of failure of regeneration is the prolonged disappearance of astrocytes in the lesioned tract area.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Iseda
- Department of Integrative Brain Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Wang MY, Hoh DJ, Leary SP, Griffith P, McComb JG. High rates of neurological improvement following severe traumatic pediatric spinal cord injury. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2004; 29:1493-7; discussion E266. [PMID: 15223946 DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000129026.03194.0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective single-center study OBJECTIVES To determine the long-term outcome of pediatric spinal cord injuries SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Spinal cord injuries are uncommon events in the pediatric population. In the few large series reported in the literature, recovery of neurologic function was demonstrated after mild injuries but was rare after severe injuries. METHODS A total of 4,876 cases of pediatric trauma treated at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles over a 9-year period (1993-2001) were reviewed. During the study period, 91 cases of spinal cord or spinal column injury were identified, and 30 cases involving a spinal cord injury were identified. Cauda equina injuries were excluded. Seven craniocervical, 12 cervical, 5 thoracic, and 6 thoracolumbar cases were identified. There were 6 cases of spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality. Eight of the 30 patients received methylprednisolone at the time of admission. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 54 (mean = 19) months. RESULTS Twenty patients presented with complete injuries (ASIA grade A). Of these, 7 died, 7 had no neurologic recovery, and 6 experienced neurologic improvement. Five of these six eventually became ambulatory with functional gains occurring over a 4- to 50-week period. None of these 5 patients was found to have spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality. Of the remaining 10 patients (grades B-D), 8 experienced improvements in neurologic function. Cervical dislocation injuries were associated with a low likelihood of neurologic improvement and atlanto-occipital injuries were associated with early death. CONCLUSIONS Recovery of neurologic function following severe traumatic spinal cord injury occurs with a significantly greater incidence in children than adults, and these improvements can occur over a prolonged postinjury period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA
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Kawaguchi S, Iseda T, Nishio T. Effects of an embryonic repair graft on recovery from spinal cord injury. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 143:155-62. [PMID: 14653160 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(03)43015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
It is widely believed that mammalian CNS axons have little regenerative capacity because their environment is non-permissive to regrowth. This viewpoint is based, in large part, on the fact that in virtually all previous studies on regeneration following spinal cord injury, regenerated axonal projections have been few in number, quite short, and considered to be mostly aberrant. As a result, motor recovery has been very limited in both experimental preparations and the human. In this chapter, we describe use of a neonatal, spinally transected animal model in which selected spinal cord segments were carefully replaced with equivalent tissue from embryonic tissue of the same species. We demonstrate that the new spinal environment is indeed permissive, and reconstruction is possible of neural connections, which are similar to the pre-injury, normal projections. Moreover, the distribution and number of regenerated axons are closely related to the extent of functional motor recovery. Our results suggest that contrary to doctrinaire thought, the mammalian CNS possesses a remarkable capacity for regrowth. For this to be efficacious, however, regenerating axons must contact the inherent, pre-injury guidance system, whose cues were used for establishing appropriate neural connections in the developing animal, and are retained in the adult. It is argued that by use of these guidance cues, regenerating axons that traverse the site of a spinal cord injury, can project on to locate their pre-injury pathways and targets, and thereby restore function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saburo Kawaguchi
- Department of Integrative Brain Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Iseda T, Nishio T, Kawaguchi S, Kawasaki T, Wakisaka S. Spontaneous regeneration of the corticospinal tract after transection in young rats: collagen type IV deposition and astrocytic scar in the lesion site are not the cause but the effect of failure of regeneration. J Comp Neurol 2003; 464:343-55. [PMID: 12900928 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In young rats the corticospinal tract regenerated after a single transection of the spinal cord with a sharp blade, but regeneration failed if the transection was repeated to make a more traumatic injury. To identify cells and associated molecules that promote or impede regeneration, we compared expression of collagen type IV, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and vimentin immunoreactivity (IR) at the lesion sites in combination with anterograde axonal tracing between animals with two types of transection. Axonal regeneration occurred as early as 18 hours after transection; regenerating axons penetrated vessel-like structures with collagen type IV-IR at the lesion site, while reactive astrocytes coexpressing GFAP- and vimentin-IR appeared in the lesioned white matter. In contrast, when regeneration failed astrocytes were absent near the lesion. By 7 days sheet-like structures with collagen type IV-IR and astrocytic scar appeared in the lesioned white matter and persisted until the end of the observation period (31 days). On the basis of their spatiotemporal appearance, collagen type IV-IR sheet-like structures and the astrocytic scar follow, rather than cause, the failure of regeneration. The major sign, and perhaps cause, of failure of axonal regeneration is likely the prolonged disappearance of astrocytes around the lesion site in the early postinjury period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Iseda
- Department of Integrative Brain Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Dam-Hieu P, Liu S, Choudhri T, Said G, Tadié M. Regeneration of primary sensory axons into the adult rat spinal cord via a peripheral nerve graft bridging the lumbar dorsal roots to the dorsal column. J Neurosci Res 2002; 68:293-304. [PMID: 12111859 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the feasibility of using a peripheral nerve autograft (NAG) to promote and guide regeneration of sensory axons from the caudal lumbar dorsal roots to the rostral dorsal column following a lower thoracic cordotomy in adult rats. After a left hemicordotomy at the T13 vertebra level and ipsilateral L3 and L4 rhizotomies, a peripheral NAG (peroneal nerve) was connected to the distal roots stumps, then implanted into the left dorsal column 10 mm rostral to hemicordotomy site (n = 12). After surgery, all animals of the experimental group experienced complete anesthesia in their left hindlimb. Three months later, a slight response to nociceptive stimulation reappeared in L3 and/or L4 dermatomes in 6 of the 12 experimental animals. None of these animals exhibited self-mutilation. Nine months after surgery, we performed retrograde tracing studies by injecting horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the left dorsal column 30 mm rostral to the NAG implantation site. In eight animals, we found HRP-stained neurons in the left L3 and/or L4 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The mean number of HRP-stained neurons per DRG was 71 +/- 92 (range 2-259). In control groups, no HRP-stained neurons were found in L3 or L4 DRG. Histological analysis of the NAG showed evidence of axonal regeneration in all 8 animals with positive retrograde labeling of DRG neurons. However, we did not find a statistical correlation between the number of HRP-stained neurons and the degree of sensory recovery. This study demonstrates that an NAG joining dorsal roots to the dorsal column, thus shunting the original CNS-PNS junction, can support regeneration of central axons from DRG primary sensory neurons into the dorsal column over distances of at least 30 mm despite the inhibitory influence of the CNS white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong Dam-Hieu
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bicêtre, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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Hase T, Kawaguchi S, Hayashi H, Nishio T, Mizoguchi A, Nakamura T. Spinal cord repair in neonatal rats: a correlation between axonal regeneration and functional recovery. Eur J Neurosci 2002; 15:969-74. [PMID: 11918656 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.01932.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to analyse how anatomical regeneration contributes to functional recovery after experimental spinal cord repair. Thoracic spinal cord of neonatal rats was completely transected to make a gap and repaired by grafting a section of embryonic spinal cord. Six weeks after surgery, outcome of locomotor performance was assessed using an open field locomotor scale (BBB scale). Axonal regeneration across the repaired site was quantitatively assessed in the raphe, vestibular, and red nuclei and the sensorimotor cortex by a retrograde tracing method. The rats that had no labelled neurons in any of the supraspinal nuclei showed no hind-forelimb coordination. The rats that had labelled neurons in the brainstem nuclei but not in the sensorimotor cortex showed hind-forelimb coordination of varying grades depending on the amount of regeneration. The rats that had labelled neurons in all of the examined nuclei showed almost normal locomotion. In addition to a relationship between distribution of the labelled neurons and functional recovery, a positive correlation was observed between number of the labelled neurons in each of the supraspinal nuclei and locomotor performance of the rat. Thus the grade of restored function appeared to be regulated by distribution and number of fibres regenerated across the repaired site and into the target region. These results suggest that accurate reconstruction of neural connections is essential for significant functional recovery after spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Hase
- Department of Integrative Brain Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Ito J, Murata M, Kawaguchi S. Regeneration and recovery of the hearing function of the central auditory pathway by transplants of embryonic brain tissue in adult rats. Exp Neurol 2001; 169:30-5. [PMID: 11312555 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.1999.7300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study is the first report of successful regeneration and recovery of hearing function of the central auditory pathway after transection in the adult rat. The ventral cochlear tract in the brain stem to pons was transected on one side in adult rats. Tissue from embryos (E14 to E16) was used to cover the lesion site. In 30% of the rats examined, the axons regrew beyond the transected site and regenerated into the denervated side and terminated at the normal targets. The hearing function of rats was elucidated by recording the auditory brain stem response (ABR). Rats with successful regeneration showed nearly normal ABR. In rats receiving simple transection without covering embryonic tissue, there was no regeneration and hearing function did not recover. Thus, the present findings contradict the widely held view that the adult mammalian central auditory system cannot be restored following damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ito
- Department of Otolaryngology, Otsu Red Cross Hospital, Otsu, 520-0046, Japan. ito.hs.m.kyoto-u.ac.jp
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Kawasaki T, Nishio T, Kawaguchi S, Kurosawa H. Spatiotemporal distribution of GAP-43 in the developing rat spinal cord: a histological and quantitative immunofluorescence study. Neurosci Res 2001; 39:347-58. [PMID: 11248375 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-0102(00)00234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In the rat spinal cord we studied developmental changes in spatiotemporal expression of the growth-associated protein GAP-43, which is known to play an important role in neural development, axonal regeneration, and modulation of synaptic function. GAP-43 was expressed predominantly in the white matter at embryonic day 13 to postnatal day 7, evenly in the white and gray matter at the 2nd to the 3rd postnatal week, and predominantly in the gray matter after the 5th postnatal week. The shifting of predominance was quantitatively assessed. On the basis of histological findings and quantitative assessment of GAP-43 immunoreactivity, it appears likely that the development proceeds from the phase of mostly axonal elongation during the embryonic period and the 1st postnatal week, via the phase of axonal elongation and formation of end arbors and synaptic organization during the 2nd to the 4th postnatal week, to the phase of final maturation of synaptic organization. GAP-43 was continuously expressed through adulthood in neuropil of the gray matter, the pyramidal tract, and the dorsal portion of the lateral funiculus that was identified as serotonergic by confocal laser scanning microscopic studies. The continuous expression may imply perpetual remodeling in these structures even in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kawasaki
- Department of Integrative Brain Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida Konoe, Sakyo, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
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Bradbury EJ, Khemani S, Von R, Priestley JV, McMahon SB. NT-3 promotes growth of lesioned adult rat sensory axons ascending in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. Eur J Neurosci 1999; 11:3873-83. [PMID: 10583476 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.1999.00809.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The regeneration capacity of spinal cord axons is severely limited. Recently, much attention has focused on promoting regeneration of descending spinal cord pathways, but little is known about the regenerative capacity of ascending axons. Here we have assessed the ability of neurotrophic factors to promote regeneration of sensory neurons whose central axons ascend in the dorsal columns. The dorsal columns of adult rats were crushed and either brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) or a vehicle solution was delivered continuously to the lesion site for 4 weeks. Transganglionic labelling with cholera toxin beta subunit (CTB) was used to selectively label large myelinated Abeta fibres. In lesioned rats treated with vehicle, CTB-labelled fibres were observed ascending in the gracile fasciculus, but these stopped abruptly at the lesion site, with no evidence of sprouting or growth into lesioned tissue. No CTB-labelled terminals were observed in the gracile nucleus, indicating that the lesion successfully severed all ascending dorsal column axons. Treatment with BDNF did not promote axonal regeneration. In GDNF-treated rats fibres grew around cavities in caudal degenerated tissue but did not approach the lesion epicentre. NT-3, in contrast, had a striking effect on promoting growth of lesioned dorsal column axons with an abundance of fibre sprouting apparent at the lesion site, and many fibres extending into and beyond the lesion epicentre. Quantification of fibre growth confirmed that only in NT-3-treated rats did fibres grow into the crush site and beyond. No evidence of terminal staining in the gracile nucleus was apparent following any treatment. Thus, although NT-3 promotes extensive growth of lesioned axons, other factors may be required for complete regeneration of these long ascending projections back to the dorsal column nuclei. The intrathecal delivery of NT-3 or other neurotrophic molecules has obvious advantages in clinical applications, as we show for the first time that dorsal column axonal regeneration can be achieved without the use of graft implantation or nerve lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Bradbury
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Guys, Kings and St Thomas School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Physiology, Lambeth Palace Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
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Ito J, Murata M, Kawaguchi S. Spontaneous regeneration and recovery of hearing function of the central auditory pathway in young rats. Neurosci Lett 1998; 254:173-6. [PMID: 10214985 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(98)00694-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous regeneration of the auditory pathway after transection of the ventral cochlear tract of the brain stem to pons was examined in young rats by the anterograde tracing method with wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase. Care was taken to cut the tract as sharply as possible to minimize traumatic injuries. About 59% of the young rats examined showed successful regeneration. Functional recovery of hearing by the regenerated fibers was confirmed by the auditory brain stem response. Thus, the present findings contradict the widely held view that the mammalian central auditory system cannot be restored following damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ito
- Department of Otolaryngology, Otsu Red Cross Hospital, Nagara, Japan.
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