Effects of Embryonic Spinal Cord on the Reconstruction of Nerve Tract in Injured Spinal Cord of Adult Rats: Observation of Silver Stain Under Light Microscope

Aim: To determine the role of embryonic spinal cord on the reconstruction of nerve tract in injured spinal cord of adult rats. Methods: After E14 embryonic spinal cord was transplanted into acutely injured spinal cord of adult rats, samples were taken and paraffin sections were made. Then the observation of the growth and regeneration of nerve fibers on the silver stain sections under light microscope was performed. Results: The local host nerve fibers could regenerate into the graft with a short distance at day 7 after transplantation. At day 30, large amount of interlacing fibers could be observed at or near the interface between the host and the graft. Afterwards, the number of interlacing fibers was further increased with prolongation of the survival of the animals. Conclusion: Embryonic spinal cord may roughly repair the nerve tracts of injured spinal cord.