Stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α) improves neural recovery after spinal cord contusion in rats

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1 alpha) is an important cytokine, implicated in the control of stem cell trafficking and bone marrow-derived stem cell mobilization. Generally, SDF-1 alpha regulates multiple physiological processes such as embryonic development and organ homeostasis. There is also good evidence that SDF-1 alpha and its receptor CXCR4(1) are key regulators of neurorepair processes after brain ischemia and spinal cord injury. In this study, we investigated the influence of chronic intrathecal delivery of SDF-1a after spinal cord contusion. After contusion T9, male Wistar rats at the age of 12 weeks were intrathecally treated with SDF-1 alpha in different doses (100, 500 and 1000 ng/ml) via an osmotic pump for 28 days. Thereafter, animals were subjected to an open field locomotor test. Behavioral scores were significantly higher in SDF-1a treated animals compared to placebo-treated groups. In addition, we evaluated histopathological changes in the spinal cord in the presence or absence of SDF-1 alpha. Chronic delivery of SDF-1a decreased numbers of apoptotic cells, boosted astroglia and microglia response, induced angiogenesis, and potentiated the number of proliferating cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results clearly indicate an improved functional CNS long-term recovery after spinal cord injury. This behavioral restoration was paralleled by a reduction of apoptosis and changes in neuroinflammatory cells. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.