Regeneration without surgery
Paralyzed mice were restored mobility without surgery and in just a month
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
Scientists have made great progress in the regeneration of the damaged spinal cord, but modern approaches require surgical intervention. Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital have found molecules that stimulate the restoration of functions. The mice were cured in just 4-5 weeks, and without side effects.
Article by Chen et al. Reactivation of Dormant Relay Pathways in Injured Spinal Cord by KCC2 Manipulations is published in the journal Cell – VM.
Even partial damage to the spinal cord leads to paralysis. For a long time, scientists have been thinking about why the preserved fibers stop transmitting nerve impulses, because the physical connection is not broken. Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital (USA) managed not only to answer this question, but also to offer a new way to return the ability to move to paralyzed patients.
Most of the research in this area focuses on the regeneration of neurons. Despite impressive successes, the restoration of damaged areas does not always help to restore limb mobility, notes Science Daily.
A team of scientists from Boston took a different approach. They drew attention to epidural stimulation, an approach that has already shown its effectiveness for patients with spinal cord injuries. Its essence lies in the impact on the areas of the spinal cord lying below the damaged area.
The researchers assumed that stimulation changes the excitability of neurons, and decided to simulate its effect differently – with the help of chemicals. They selected several compounds among those that affect the excitability of neurons and are able to overcome the blood-brain barrier.
Each of the substances was tested on paralyzed mice, in which only a few intact nerve fibers remained as a result of spinal cord injuries. The drugs were injected into the animals for 8-10 weeks.
One of the tested compounds – CLP290 – had the strongest effect. It allowed 80% of mice to restore limb mobility 4-5 weeks after the start of administration. The effect of the drug continued 2 weeks after the end of therapy. At the same time, no side effects were detected.
The researchers found that CLP290 activates the KCC2 protein located on the membrane of neurons. Spinal cord injuries reduce the amount of this protein in inhibitory neurons, and this is what disrupts the processing of signals coming from the brain. The neural circuit receives only excitatory signals, which leads to loss of motor function. The introduction of CLP290 made it possible to partially restore the transmission of braking signals.
The team is currently searching for other compounds that affect KCC2. They suggest combining several approaches in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. For example, gene therapy stimulating KCC2 can be used in conjunction with epidural stimulation.
Paralyzed people with irreversible spinal cord injuries are also given hope by new medical technologies. Researchers from the USA are developing a NeuroLife brain implant, which will become an "adapter" between the body and the brain. Experts hope that the device will become available in five years.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru