Implantable microsystem for spinal cord adaptation to treat paraplegia - Project Part B: Neurobiological validation

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

Based on the proof-of-concept of the previous project the current project will continue to advance the implantation method of the mechanical microsystem (connector chip) and combine the mechanical microsystem with a supplementary pharmacological application to achieve an optimized combination treatment. An accessorial pharmacological treatment will be applied to inhibit scar formation and improve axon growth.
It is the major aim to improve axonal regeneration and functional outcome after a complete spinal cord injury.

Activities/Methods:

Sub-goals and methods are:
1) the establishment of the surgical procedure for complete transection of the spinal cord
2) validation of the key experiment including functional locomotor testing
3) time-course study to investigate regenerative axon growth using immunohistochemistry and axon tracing techniques
4) optimization of the implantation method and type of connector chip
5) subsequent testing of locomotor function (open field test, BBB-scoring)
6) development of a pharmacological treatment (inhibition of fibrotic scarring through iron chelator application) in combination with the chip implantation
7) test of functional recovery after combination treatment

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