Implantation with SHED sheet induced with homogenate protein of spinal cord promotes functional recovery from spinal cord injury in rats

Introduction: After spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs, the lesion is in a growth inhibitory microenvironment that severely hinders neural regeneration. In this microenvironment, inhibitory factors are predominant and factors that promote nerve regeneration are few. Improving neurotrophic factors in the microenvironment is the key to treating SCI.Methods: Based on cell sheet technology, we designed a bioactive material with a spinal cord-like structure -SHED sheet induced with homogenate protein of spinal cord (hp-SHED sheet). Hp-SHED sheet was implanted into the spinal cord lesion for treating SCI rats with SHED suspensions as a control to investigate the effects on nerve regeneration.Results: Hp-SHED sheet revealed a highly porous three-dimensional inner structure, which facilitates nerve cell attachment and migration. Hp-SHED sheet in vivo restored sensory and motor functions in SCI rats by promoting nerve regeneration, axonal remyelination, and inhibiting glial scarring.Discussion: Hp-SHED sheet maximally mimics the microenvironment of the natural spinal cord and facilitate cell survival and differentiation. Hp-SHED sheet could release more neurotrophins and the sustained action of neurotrophins improves the pathological microenvironment, which effectively promotes nerve regeneration, axonal extension, and inhibits glial scarring, thereby promoting the in situ centralis neuroplasticity. Hp-SHED sheet therapy is a promising strategy for effective treatment of SCI based on neurotrophins delivery.