Background: The aim was to study functional recovery in experimental animals (rabbits) with transected spinal cords treated with a combination of photo-cross-linked chitosan in a homogeneous mixture with polyethylene glycol (PEG-chitosan).
Methods: 20 rabbits (n = 10 experimental and n = 10 controls) were submitted to complete spinal cord transection at T9. The experimental group received an intraoperative injection of PEG-chitosan. Neurological recovery was assessed using the modified Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale.
Results: In the experimental group, partial recovery of movements, sensory function, and sphincter control were all observed by postoperative day 30. Paraplegia and anesthesia persisted in the control group; 4 controls died versus none in the test group.
Conclusion: PEG-chitosan is a candidate for neurological restoration after spinal paralysis.
Keywords: Chitosan; NeuroPEG; PEG; PEG-chitosan; Polyethylene glycol; Spinal cord injury; Spinal injury.
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