The integration of NSC-derived and host neural networks after rat spinal cord transection

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• 作者：Bi-Qin Lai^a ; ¹ ; Jun-Mei Wang^b ; ¹ ; Jing-Jing Duan^d ; Yuan-Feng Chen^b ; Huai-Yu Gu^d ; Eng-Ang Ling^e ; Jin-Lang Wu^f ; Yuan-Shan Zeng^a ; ^b ; ^c ; ^{zengysh@mail.sysu.edu.cn}
• 关键词：Neural stem cells ; Three-dimensional gelatin sponge scaffolds ; Neurotrophin-3 ; TrkC ; Neural network ; Spinal cord injury
• 刊名：Biomaterials
• 出版年：2013
• 出版时间：April, 2013
• 年：2013
• 卷：34
• 期：12
• 页码：2888-2901
• 全文大小：4751 K

文摘

Rebuilding structures that can bridge the injury gap and enable signal connection remains a challenging issue in spinal cord injury. We sought to determine if genetically enhanced expression of TrkC in neural stem cells (NSCs) and neurotrophin-3 in Schwann cells (SCs) co-cultured in a gelatin sponge scaffold could constitute a neural network, and whether it could act as a relay to rebuilt signal connection after spinal cord transection. Indeed, many NSCs in the scaffold assumed neuronal features including formation of synapses. By whole-cell patch clamp, the synapses associated with NSC-derived neurons were excitable. Grafting of the scaffold with differentiating NSCs?+?SCs into rats with a segment of the spinal cord removed had resulted in a significant functional recovery of the paralyzed hind-limbs. Remarkably, the NSC-derived neurons formed new synaptic contacts suggesting that the scaffold can form a relay for conduction of signals through the injury gap of spinal cord.