title: The density difference between tissue and neural probes is a key factor for glial scarring.
abstract: A key to successful chronic neural interfacing is to achieve minimal glial scarring surrounding the implants, as the astrocytes and microglia may functionally insulate the interface. A possible explanation for the development of these reactions is mechanical forces arising between the implants and the brain. Here, we show that the difference between the density of neural probes and that of the tissue, and the resulting inertial forces, are key factors for the development of the glial scar. Two probes of similar size, shape, surface structure and elastic modulus but differing greatly in density were implanted into the rat brain. After six weeks, significantly lower astrocytic and microglial reactions were found surrounding the low-density probes, approaching no reaction at all. This provides a major key to design fully biocompatible neural interfaces and a new platform for in vivo assays of tissue reactions to probes with differing materials, surface structures, and shapes.
authors.affiliation: Neuronano Research Center, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University.
authors.forename: Gustav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lind
authors.forename: Cecilia Eriksson
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Linsmeier
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schouenborg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D034961:Antigens, Nuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D053331:Ectodysplasins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D020007:Implants, Experimental / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D034961:Antigens, Nuclear; D053331:Ectodysplasins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; C546339:Rbfox3 protein, rat