Intrathecal Delivery of BDNF Into the Lumbar Cistern Re-Engages Locomotor Stepping After Spinal Cord Injury

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Intrathecal Delivery of BDNF Into the Lumbar Cistern Re-Engages Locomotor Stepping After Spinal Cord Injury Via Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, IEEE Transactions on - new TOC Delivery of neurotrophins to the spinal injury site via cellular transplants or viral vectors administration has been shown to promote recovery of locomotion in the absence of locomotor training in adult spinalized animals. These delivery methods involved risks of secondary injury to the cord and do not allow for precise and controlled dosing making them unsuitable for clinical applications. The present study was aimed at evaluating the locomotor recovery efficacy and safety of the neurotrophin BDNF delivered intrathecally to the lumbar locomotor centers using an implantable and programmable infusion mini-pump. Results showed that BDNF treated spinal cats recovered weight-bearing plantar stepping at all velocities tested (0.3-0.8 m/s). Spinal cats treated with saline did not recover stepping ability, especially at higher velocities, and dragged their hind paws on the treadmill. Histological evaluation showed minimal catheter associated trauma and tissue inflammation, underlinin g that intrathecal delivery by an implantable/programmable pump is a safe and effective method for delivery of a controlled BDNF dosage; it poses minimal risks to the cord and is clinically translational. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.