Journal article
Regeneration and remyelination promoting effects of spinal cord stimulation following spinal cord injury: A scoping review
Experimental neurology, v 396, 115519
21 Oct 2025
PMID: 41130382
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts crucial neural pathways and causes severe neurological deficits that impact the quality of life. Although preliminary research has shown some promise of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in promoting axonal regeneration and remyelination, a clear understanding of the pertinent literature remains, lacking. This scoping review consolidates evidence on the effects of SCS in promoting axonal growth and myelin development, preserving spared tissue integrity, and facilitating functional recovery following SCI.
Pre-clinical studies from 1946 to 2024 that involved the application of SCS in experimental SCI models, and compared outcomes with no-stimulation controls were included. Data extraction focused on injury characteristics, stimulation protocols, markers of axonal regeneration, remyelination, and functional recovery.
Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve reported elevated pro-regenerative markers and reduced inhibitory/apoptotic factors in SCS-treated cohorts. Ten demonstrated enhanced axonal preservation, increased axonal length, or a greater number of axons. Nine showed increased myelin content, myelin thickness, and oligodendrocyte differentiation. Twenty studies assessed locomotor outcomes through behavioral and electrophysiological tests, consistently demonstrating SCS-mediated functional recovery.
Overall, SCS led to improved remyelination, axonal regeneration, and locomotor/electrophysiological function in rodent SCI models. Although the published literature supports the therapeutic potential of SCS for functional recovery, future research should refine stimulation parameters, delivery methods and timing of intervention. Specific issues of translational importance that were found lacking include autonomic recovery (2 of 21 reported), standardized outcomes, reporting common elements, and combination therapies.
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Details
- Title
- Regeneration and remyelination promoting effects of spinal cord stimulation following spinal cord injury: A scoping review
- Creators
- Rahul Sachdeva (Corresponding Author) - University of KentuckyAaryan Dwivedi - University of British ColumbiaMarco Law - University of British ColumbiaChantal Lam - University of British ColumbiaJared T Wilcox - University of KentuckyWarren J Alilain - University of KentuckyJohn Houle - Drexel UniversitySoshi Samejima - University of British ColumbiaAndrei V Krassioukov - International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries
- Publication Details
- Experimental neurology, v 396, 115519
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 15
- Grant note
- Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation (WFLSCRF)US Department of DefenseWFLSCRFInternational Spinal Research TrustPraxisRHFOnwardSpineXConvatecColoplastUBC Work learn ProgramUBC Faculty of Medicine's Multidisciplinary Research Program in Medicine Award
RS is supported by the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation (WFLSCRF) and the US Department of Defense. AK is the endowed chair in the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and is supported through grant funding provided by WFLSCRF, International Spinal Research Trust, Praxis, US Department of Defense, RHF, Onward, SpineX, Convatec, and Coloplast. AD and CL were supported by the UBC Work learn Program, and UBC Faculty of Medicine's Multidisciplinary Research Program in Medicine Award.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Neurobiology and Anatomy
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001606640100001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105019682964
- Other Identifier
- 991022124350504721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Neurosciences