Molecular biological mechanism underlying improvement of functional recovery after the exercise therapy combined with the electrical stimulation of injured spinal cord

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18515
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University (2021); Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety, Spinal Injuries Center (2019-2020)
• Principal Investigator: Kobayakawa Kazu 九州大学, 大学病院, 助教 (40772322)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 脊髄損傷 / 電気刺激 / リハビリテーション / シナプス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The effects of electrostimulation (ES) of lumbar spinal cord or the combined use of ES and training were analyzed by using RNA-Seq. The expression of genes related to GO-term such as positive regulation of neuron differentiation or positive regulation of neurogenesis was significantly increased by single ES after hemisection of the spinal cord. When ES and training were used in combination for one week after spinal cord hemisection, the expression of genes related to GO-term such as neuron projection development, axonogenesis, synapse and myelination was increased, which suggests promotion of axon and myelin regeneration.

Free Research Field

脊髄損傷

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の結果、脊髄損傷後の脊髄電気刺激自体に脊髄内在性神経幹細胞のニューロンへの分化を促し、アストログリオーシスを軽減する効果がある事が示唆された。また、組織学的にも電気刺激によってシナプス蛋白増加が起きる事が確認された。本研究成果は脊髄電気刺激と四肢トレーニングの併用が神経回路再構築を介して、脊髄損傷の運動機能回復を促進する可能性を示している。