Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves motor recovery in the rat impactor model for spinal cord injury

PLoS One. 2012;7(1):e29880. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029880. Epub 2012 Jan 12.

Abstract

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves outcome after experimental SCI by counteracting apoptosis, and enhancing connectivity in the injured spinal cord. Previously we have employed the mouse hemisection SCI model and studied motor function after subcutaneous or transgenic delivery of the protein. To further broaden confidence in animal efficacy data we sought to determine efficacy in a different model and a different species. Here we investigated the effects of G-CSF in Wistar rats using the New York University Impactor. In this model, corroborating our previous data, rats treated subcutaneously with G-CSF over 2 weeks show significant improvement of motor function.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / pharmacology*
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Mice
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Recovery of Function / drug effects*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / drug therapy*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor