Spinal cord transections in mammalian animal models lead to loss of motor function. In this study, we show that functional recovery from complete transection of the adult mouse spinal cord can in fact occur without any intervention if dural injury along with displacement of the ends of the cut cord and fibroblastic infiltration is minimized. Underlying this function is the expression of GAP-43 in axonal growth cones, axonal extension and bridging of the injury site indicated by biocytin retrograde tracing and neuronal remodeling of both the white matter and the gray matter. Such studies suggest a new murine model for the study of spinal cord regeneration.
Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.