Abstract
Achieving regeneration in the central nervous system represents one of the greatest intellectual and practical challenges in neurobiology, and yet it is an absolute requirement if spinal cord injury patients are to have any hope of recovery. The mission of the International Spinal Research Trust (ISRT), established in 1980, is to raise money specifically for spinal research, with a view to ending the permanence of paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. This review summarises some of the major steps forward made in recent years in understanding the mechanisms involved in spinal cord injury and where these discoveries fit in with the ISRT's overall objectives. We review approaches aimed at (1) preventing immediate adverse reactions to injury such as neuronal death and scar formation; (2) minimising inhibitory properties of the CNS environment and maximising the growth potential of damaged neurons; (3) understanding axonal guidance systems that will be required for directed outgrowth and functional reconnection; and (4) optimising the function of surviving systems. We also discuss `infrastructural' prerequisites for applying knowledge gained through spinal research to the clinical condition, including basic scientific issues such as developing representative animal models of spinal cord injury and sensitive quantitative methods for assessing growth and functional restoration. In addition, we point out the importance of communication. The need to share knowledge between research groups is vital for advancing our understanding of injury and repair mechanisms. Equally important is the need for communication between basic scientists and clinicians which will be essential for what is the ultimate goal of the ISRT, the development of relevant treatment strategies that will prove beneficial to the spinal injured patient.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ramer, M., Harper, G. & Bradbury, E. Progress in Spinal Cord Research - A refined strategy for the International Spinal Research Trust. Spinal Cord 38, 449–472 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101055
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3101055
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Developing a spinal cord injury research strategy using a structured process of evidence review and stakeholder dialogue. Part II: Background to a research strategy
Spinal Cord (2015)
-
A modified compression model of spinal cord injury in rats: functional assessment and the expression of nitric oxide synthases
Spinal Cord (2015)
-
Plasmid-based genetic modification of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells: analysis of cell survival and transgene expression after transplantation in rat spinal cord
BMC Biotechnology (2007)
-
International spinal research trust research strategy. III: A discussion document
Spinal Cord (2007)