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

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.

• Authors: Guillermo J Cruz, Rodrigo Mondragón-Lozano, Araceli Diaz-Ruiz, Joaquín Manjarrez, Roberto Olayo, Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos, Maria-Guadalupe Olayo, Juan Morales, Laura Alvarez-Mejía, Axayacatl Morales, Marisela Méndez-Armenta, Noel Plascencia, Maria del Carmen Fernandez, Camilo Ríos
• Journal: Journal of materials science. Materials in medicine (J Mater Sci Mater Med) Vol. 23 Issue 10 Pg. 2583-92 (Oct 2012) ISSN: 1573-4838 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22798167 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

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

Topics

• 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, therapy)