Chitosan produces potent neuroprotection and physiological recovery following traumatic spinal cord injury.
Chitosan, a non-toxic biodegradable polycationic polymer with low immunogenicity, has been extensively investigated in various biomedical applications. In this work, chitosan has been demonstrated to seal compromised nerve cell membranes thus serving as a potent neuroprotector following acute spinal cord trauma. Topical application of chitosan after complete transection or compression of the guinea pig spinal cord facilitated sealing of neuronal membranes in ex vivo tests, and restored the conduction of nerve impulses through the length of spinal cords in vivo, using somatosensory evoked potential recordings. Moreover, chitosan preferentially targeted damaged tissues, served as a suppressor of reactive oxygen species (free radical) generation, and the resultant lipid peroxidation of membranes, as shown in ex vivo spinal cord samples. These findings suggest a novel medical approach to reduce the catastrophic loss of behavior after acute spinal cord and brain injury.
Cho
Youngnam
Y
Center for Paralysis Research, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. cho22@purdue.edu
Shi
Riyi
R
Borgens
Richard B
RB
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D048271:Chitosan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D023822:Tissue Engineering
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D048271:Chitosan