Plasma polypyrrole implants recover motor function in rats after spinal cord transection

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2012 Oct;23(10):2583-92. doi: 10.1007/s10856-012-4715-2. Epub 2012 Jul 14.

Abstract

We studied the use of three biocompatible materials obtained by plasma polymerization of pyrrole (PPy), pyrrole doped with iodine (PPy/I) and a copolymer formed with pyrrole and polyethylene glycol (PPy/PEG), implanted, separately, after a complete spinal cord transection in rats. Motor function assessed with the BBB scale and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in the implanted rats were studied. Results showed that the highest motor recovery was obtained in rats with PPy/I implants. They also showed a significant reduction in the latency of SEPs. Histological analyses showed no signs of implant rejection; on the contrary, implants based on PPy improved the SEPs conduction and motor function after lesion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory
  • Female
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Plasma Gases*
  • Polymers / administration & dosage*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Pyrroles / administration & dosage*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Plasma Gases
  • Polymers
  • Pyrroles
  • polypyrrole