Abstract:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition without treatment, mainly characterized by the loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury. This is accompaniedby several complications such as cardiac and respiratory compromise, and often patients present psychological ail-ments associated with the drastic alteration of their nor-mal lifestyle. SCI pathophysiology derives from a massive damage to the spinal cord tissue, which is propagated by secondary events such as inflammation, excitotoxicity among others, that increase neuronal loss. In a later stage, a glial scar composed by reactive astrocytes and a cystic cavity are formed, creating a physical and chemical bar-rier for axonal regrowth. Strategies capable of inducing neuronal regeneration are therefore a fundamental part for a successful recovery of function for these patients.