Reconstruction of the injured spinal cord by implantation of a hydrogel based on chitosan and β-glycerol phosphate-motor behavior and ventilatory assessments

摘要

Over the last few years, increasing attention has been focused on the development of biomaterials that will be able to support axonal regeneration and will lead to successful recovery after spinal cord injuries. Especially hydrogels are being actively investigated due to their intrinsic properties that are favourable in spinal cord tissue regeneration. The main advantage of this type of biomaterials is the fact that their mechanical properties and structural architecture can be easily modulated. They exhibit excellent biological properties that allow on good cell-adhesion. Moreover, they provide a proper biocompatibility and biodegradability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogel grafts based on chitosan and P-glycerol phosphate on spinal cord injury at the C2 level. Twenty six adult male albino Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 experimental groups (Control, Lesion alone and Lesion+Hydrogel) and examined with the use of the following behavioural tests: ladder walking test, forelimb grip strength test and respiratory assessment by whole-body plethysmography measurement. Six weeks post-grafting, both the behavioral test results and respiratory data have indicated a better functional recovery of animals receiving hydrogel in the lesion cavity in comparison with animals with non-implanted. Chitosan-P-glycerol phosphate hydrogels could be excellent candidate for spinal cord regeneration, and should be used as adjuvant with other treatments in order to enhance functional recovery.