CNS regeneration after chronic injury using a self-assembled nanomaterial and MEMRI for real-time in vivo monitoring

Abstract

To speed up the process of central nervous system (CNS) recovery after injury, the need for real-time measurement of axon regeneration in vivo is essential to assess the extent of injury, as well as the optimal timing and delivery of therapeutics and rehabilitation. It was necessary to develop a chronic animal model with an in vivo measurement technique to provide a real-time monitoring and feedback system. Using the framework of the 4 P's of CNS regeneration (Preserve, Permit, Promote and Plasticity) as a guide, combined with noninvasive manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI), we show a successful chronic injury model to measure CNS regeneration, combined with an in vivo measurement system to provide real-time feedback during every stage of the regeneration process. We also show that a chronic optic tract (OT) lesion is able to heal, and axons are able to regenerate, when treated with a self-assembling nanofiber peptide scaffold (SAPNS). © 2011 Elsevier Inc.