Reconstruction of Motor Function by Regenerative Medicine and Implantable Neurostimulator Device for Overcoming Intractable Paralysis

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K17997
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56020:Orthopedics-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Tokutake Katsuhiro 名古屋大学, 医学系研究科, 特任助教 (90822289)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 機能的電気刺激 / 運動麻痺 / 再生医療 / neuro-modulation / 神経幹細胞移植 / 運動制御

Outline of Final Research Achievements

A rat model of lower motor neuron injury was used as intractable paralysis. We combined nerve stem cell transplantation into peripheral nerves with an electrical stimulation control system we developed. As a result, denervated muscles that normally do not move were reinnervated. The strategy of stimulating multiple nerves to control reinnervated muscles allowed them to follow the target position of the toe as well as healthy rats. During treadmill walking, the paralyzed leg could be controlled by constructing a system of stimulation accompanying the preliminary movement.

Free Research Field

運動機能再建

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脊髄損傷や広範囲腕神経叢損傷、神経変性疾患などにより生じる下位運動ニューロンの脱落は筋の不可逆的な筋萎縮を引き起こし、麻痺患者に生じる身体的制限及び精神的な負担、また社会的損失は計り知れない。今回の再生医療と工学技術を融合した運動機能再建技術は、未だ治療法のない下位運動ニューロン疾患・損傷による広範な麻痺に対し新たな治療技術となりうる重要な知見であると考える。