Abstract
BACKGROUND: Myelin-associated proteins contribute to failure of axon regeneration in the injured central nervous system of the adult. METHODS: In this study, we employed a recombinant DNA vaccine encoding the myelin-derived inhibitors NogoA, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and tenascin-R (TnR), so as to effect the production of antibodies against these myelin-related antigens, in a rodent head injury model and ascertained its potential for promoting axonal plasticity and functional recovery. Adult rats underwent lateral fluid percussion at the left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and treatment with the DNA vaccine before or after injury. Behavioral tests and neuroanatomical tract tracing was carried out. FINDINGS: The vaccinated rats showed improved corticorubral plasticity and functional recovery compared to control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that a DNA vaccination approach may provide a promising strategy for promoting repair after traumatic brain injury.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Intracranial Pressure and Brain Monitoring XIII |
| Editors | Geoffrey T Manley, Claude Hemphill, Shirley Stiver |
| Place of Publication | Austria |
| Publisher | Springer-Verlag London Ltd. |
| Pages | 347 - 351 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-211-85577-5 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |
