Spontaneous and neurotrophin-induced axonal plasticity after spinal cord injury.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of spontaneous plasticity and neurotrophin-induced axonal plasticity after spinal cord injury. Potential mechanisms underlying spontaneous recovery after spinal cord injury in the adult rat have been investigated in more detail using defined lesions of sub-components of the corticospinal tract (CST). By lesioning sub-components of the corticospinal tract, the contribution of each component to overall skilled motor function can be investigated. Neurotrophic factors have the ability to promote neuronal survival in models of central nervous system (CNS) trauma and neurodegenerative disease. The ability of trophic molecules to enhance axonal growth have made them potential candidates for promoting morphological and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Studies of the developing CNS, wherein axonal growth and the formation of mature neuronal connections are influenced by the expression of target-derived neurotrophic factors, further support a rationale for the use of these substances to promote adult CNS regeneration. Several studies have investigated axonal growth responses to neurotrophin delivery by genetically modified cells producing nerve growth factor (NGF). These studies have highlighted some important aspects of cell transplantation and neurotrophic factor delivery in the injured spinal cord.

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