Scar Tissue and its effect on Nerve Regeneration
May 22, 2015 7:23:52 GMT -8
Post by Lαrα on May 22, 2015 7:23:52 GMT -8
I am going to attempt to explain the issue of scar tissue in regards to it inhibiting nerve growth at the spinal cord. For those who like to know the technical terms, the process of formation of scar tissue is Glial Tissue
Glial scar formation (gliosis) is a reactive cellular process involving astrogliosis that occurs after injury to the Central Nervous System. As with scarring in other organs and tissues, the glial scar is the body's mechanism to protect and begin the healing process in the nervous system.
**The problem with scar tissue is that it has such an adverse effect on nerve cell regeneration and literally causes a block that prevents regrowth of the nerves**
The worst of this is that the Gilial cells gather and deposit scar tissue at the area of the injury, normally these cells support neurons, these guys really do think they are doing a great job and in some aspects they are!
Molecules that inhibit neuron growth (neurons also called nerve cells are trillions of cells in the body. Cells of the nervous system) concentrate at the scar then also, double whammy!
Messages are transmitted from the brain to parts of the body via these guys (neurons) but scar tissue causes a block and thus, the 'signal' cannot continue to the parts of the body it needs to reach so movement can be initiated.Another factor is that Neurons ( Nerve cells) at most parts of the body can regenerate and offer the opportunity of regeneration and return of function but this is not the same for the neurons at the brain and spinal cord which is why injury results in paralysis.
Therefor, this scar tissue is such a significant factor in paralysis as unfortunately regeneration cannot occur past the injury site where the scar tissue is formed!
Chondroitin and keratan sulphate proteoglycans are among the main inhibitory extracellular matrix molecules that are produced by reactive astrocytes in the glial scar, and they are believed to play a crucial part in regeneration failure
From this inability to regenerate and progress past the barrier formed at the scar tissue, function of the muscle is lost where the nerve cells cannot reach and eventual muscle wastage occurs.
Some info on progress in research
"The ideal treatment for promoting axon regeneration after spinal cord injury would inhibit the formation of scar tissue," says Professor Frank Bradke, who leads a working group at the DZNE's site in Bonn and who conducted the study.
"However, it is also important that the growth-inhibiting factors are neutralized while reactivating the poor axons' regenerative potential." A feasible administration of a potential treatment is also essential for clinical application.
In cooperation with international researchers, Bradke and his team have now managed to take another step towards the development of a future treatment.
From their previous research, it was already known that stabilizing microtubules would reduce the formation of scar tissue and promote axonal growth. Microtubules are long, tubular filaments inside the cell that can grow and shrink dynamically. They are part of the cell's supportive skeleton, which also controls cell growth and movement. Source
"However, it is also important that the growth-inhibiting factors are neutralized while reactivating the poor axons' regenerative potential." A feasible administration of a potential treatment is also essential for clinical application.
In cooperation with international researchers, Bradke and his team have now managed to take another step towards the development of a future treatment.
From their previous research, it was already known that stabilizing microtubules would reduce the formation of scar tissue and promote axonal growth. Microtubules are long, tubular filaments inside the cell that can grow and shrink dynamically. They are part of the cell's supportive skeleton, which also controls cell growth and movement. Source
I will be adding to this info..
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