New research on paralyzed dogs aimed at helping humans

I think it's wonderful that we have vets willing to help paralyzed dogs and in the meantime, therapies are being tested that may possibly bring us closer to a cure in humans.  In addition to Texas A&M, the ISRT in the UK picked up a research project that has pushed forward for humans and is also being tested in paralyzed pet dogs.  During the last decade, the bacterial enzyme chondroitinase has emerged as a promising intervention to treat spinal cord injury; numerous studies have demonstrated its effect in reducing scarring, preserving nerve function in the injury zone and improving recovery of normal movements. However, the experimental therapy needs further pre-clinical data gathered in models with greater clinical relevance. This project will therefore test the treatment in pet dogs who have sustained severe and chronic accidental spinal cord injury. If the project demonstrates efficacy then it would provide a ‘green light’ for human clinical trials, thus accelerating the translation of the intervention from laboratory to clinic.  Here's an article about Dr. Ravi Bellamkonda, PhD, Walter H. Coulter Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Bellamkonda’s lab focuses on peripheral nerve regeneration and interfacing, as well as overcoming the CSPG (Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan) contribution to regenerative failure in the central nervous system. He also looks at interfacing technologies that might better integrate electronics into the nervous system.   LINK:

I think we're getting closer than ever on the bladder issue.  It's certainly not a cure all, but we have 2 scientists that are paving the way to help us.  Their story just hit international headlines a few weeks ago after their paper was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.  Here's the story of Dr. Jerry Silver of Case Western Reserve University and Dr. Yu-Shang Lee of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, USA.  LINK:

Thankyou grammy for the information and link to the studies/research that are looking at the use of  the bacterial enzyme chondroitinase in the treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries.
Can i ask if its effectiveness is to be seen best at the time of new injury as it helps to reduce the scar tissue and thus preserve nerve function?

Lara, actually lots of research has been published about the efficacy of Chondroitinase ABC (Ch'ase) in both acute and CHRONIC time points.  You'll see lots of information about research where this scar dissolving enzyme is being worked with.  It rids the chronic scar lesion of CSPG so potentially new axons can grow across the injury site easier.  We're hoping that research will result in it's use in chronic therapies in the future.  The ISRT in the UK is instrumental in pushing the development forward since it may well be a critical component to any future SCI therapies.  You can read about this important effort in their latest newsletter HERE. 

Dr. Mark Bacon (Research Director at ISRT) will be coming from the UK to Boston for the Working 2 Walk Symposium and will be reporting on their efforts and success in moving this forward.  Indeed this should be an international effort.  Neurobiological researchers throughout the world agree that this is a critical step in helping recovery and regeneration for SCI. 

In fact, Dr. Ravi Bellamkonda is working with paralyzed pet dogs to prove it helps with paralysis in larger animals before it goes into human clinical trials. He also is able to thermo-stabilize this volatile bacterial enzyme for up to 6 weeks while regeneration is taking place.