Schwann Cell-Seeded Conduits for Axonal Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Source: Lee, Y., et.al. Transplantation of Schwann Cells Inside PVDF-TrFE Conduits to Bridge Transected Rat Spinal Cord Stumps to Promote Axon Regeneration Across the Gap. J. Vis. Exp. (2017)

This video demonstrates the use of a piezoelectric polymer conduit seeded with Schwann cells to promote axon regeneration in a transected rat spinal cord. The conduit provides structural guidance, while its bioelectric properties stimulate neurite outgrowth. Schwann cells within the conduit secrete neurotrophic factors, supporting axonal bridging between the rostral and caudal stumps.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.

1. Transection at T8

1. Place the retractor around T7 to T9. Once all the laminae are removed, make sure that the gaps between the transverse processes are visible, especially at T8. Also examine the bones along the length on both sides between T7 to T9 to ensure there are no bone fragments protruding outward.
   NOTE: This gap at T8 is important for performing the complete transection. The vertebrae along the length should be removed for easier conduit insertion.....

Results

Figure 1: Window closing after SC/DMEM/F12/matrix injection. Windows are opened by folding back ea.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium: nutrient mixture F-12	ThermoFisher Scientific	11039-021	"DMEM/F12" in protocol.
Female Fischer rat (160-180g)	Envigo
Vannas scissor, straight	FST	15018-10
Micro Spatula	FST	10089-11	Can be any brand of choice.
Curved scissors with blunt end	FST	14017-18	Can be any brand of choice.
Blunt forceps	FST	11006-12	Can be any brand of choice.
Rongeur	FST	16121-14	Can be any brand of choice.
Angled spring scissors	FST	15006-09	Can be any brand of choice.
Absorption triangles	FST	18105-03	Can be any brand of choice.
Gelfoam	Henry Schein	9083300	"Compressed foam" in protocol.
#10 blades	Sklar	06-3010	Can be any brand of choice.
Matrigel	Corning	354234	"Injectable matrix" in protocol.