Peripheral nerve (PNS) spinal cord anastomoses bridging spinal cord transection--enhancement of central neurons (CNS) axonal regeneration.
These studies involve 76 mature female dogs at 5.5 to 16 kg. The enhancement of axonal regeneration in the spinal cord transection is shown by implanting intercostal nerve with origin cephalic to spinal cord transection. The nerve is implanted in the distal isolated spinal cord near the transection site. The intercostal nerve peripheral portion is anchored in the distal spinal cord using a plasma clot suture. Regeneration of CNS axons and PNS axons in the spinal cord transection demands care, rehabilitation, and maintenance of normal body functions. After a period of two years repair and rehabilitation "reflex" standing and walking developed in 26 mature female dogs. Surgical section of the implanted nerve resulted in loss of standing and reflex walking and return to a paraplegic condition in 12 dogs. Stimulation of the motor cortex and implanted intercostal nerve resulted in movements of the hind limbs of the standing and reflex walking dogs all having cord transection and intercostal nerve anastomoses.
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Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA.
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D007367:Intercostal Nerves / Q000637:transplantation*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D010243:Paralysis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000601:surgery*