The collagen scaffold with collagen binding BDNF enhances functional recovery by facilitating peripheral nerve infiltrating and ingrowth in canine complete spinal cord transection

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effects of a collagen scaffold-collagen binding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (CBD-BDNF) complex (CSCB) on behavioral, electrophysiological and histological improvements in canine complete spinal cord transection model. Methods: A total of 24 adult female beagle dogs received a complete spinal cord transection at the T12 level in three groups, including SHAM group (n=8), CTL group (complete spinal cord transection without any treatment, n=8) and CSCB group (complete spinal cord transection with CSCB, n=8). Results: CSCB therapeutic group showed markedly functional recovery by Olby score and spinal somatosensory evoked responses (SSERs) assay at 12 weeks after complete spinal cord transection. Furthermore, numerous peripheral myelinated axons aligned parallel to the long axis of the spinal cord were detected in CSCB group dogs. In stark contrast, the injured site was dominated by fibrous and only scattered axons were detected in the edge of spinal cord in CTL group dogs. Conclusion: The CSCB has an evident therapeutic effect by facilitating peripheral nerve infiltrating following the severe spinal cord injury in canine animals.