Effect of microgene of pSVPoMcat to modify Schwann's cell on growth associated protein-43 expression after spinal cord injury in adult rats

Objective To study the effect of microgene of pSVPoMcat implanted to modify Schwann's cells (SC)on growth associated protein 43 (GAP 43) expression after spinal cord injury in adult rats. Methods Hemisection of the T8 segment of the spinal cord was performed on all the experiment rats. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group A with microgene of pSVPoMcat implanted to genetically modify SC; Group B with SC implanted; Group C with hemisection of the spinal cord only. The changes of expression of GAP 43 in spinal cord were observed by immunochemistry with antibodies against GAP 43. Simultaneously, the combined behavorial score (CBS) was measured. Results There was not any significant difference ( P 0.05) among the three groups in the first week and the twelfth week. There was a significant difference ( P 0.05) among the three groups in the second, fourth, eighth week and more expression of GAP 43 at the second week in group A. The neurofunctional recovery was best in group A. Conclusions The microgene of pSVPoMcat implanted to modify SC can promote the expression of GAP 43 in spinal cord and functional recovery in adult rats after spinal cord injury.