Microgene pSVPoMcat implanted to modify Schwann cell and recovery of function after spinal cord injury

Objective To investigate the effect of microgene pSVPoMcat to modify genetically Schwann cell(SC) on recovery of function after spinal cord injury(SCI).Methods Experimental animals were divided into three groups:the group of microgene pSVPoMcat implanted to genetically(group A),SC implanted group(group B),and the control group(group C),each group having 10 animals.The cortical somatasensory evoked potentials(CSEP) and combined behavioral score(CBS) were continually monitored from operation second week to twelfth week.We used image analysis system to compare the latent period and peak amplitudes of CSEP and count the axon number among the different group.At the same time,electron microscope obsevation was conducted.Results The peak latency and amplitudes of group A,B showed a recovery tendency and it was constant with CBS.The number of regenerated axons of the group A and group B were (388± 163) and (109± 16),respectively(P < 0.01),in line with the observation of electron microscope.Conclusion We conclude that microgene pSVPoMcat to modify genetically SC plays a promoting role in recovery of central function after SCI.