Induction of axon growth into Schwann cell implants grafted into lesioned adult rat spinal cord.

Polymerized collagen rolls enclosing Schwann cells (SCs) raised in culture were grafted into cystic cavities formed after lesioning the thoracic spinal cord of adult rats. Axons were already present within the graft by 14 days after implantation and both ensheathed and myelinated axons were numerous by 28 days. This axonal ingrowth was maintained over longer survival periods. The axons within the graft always appeared related to Schwann cells. Acellular collagen rolls did not show axonal ingrowth. These Schwann cell-collagen implants resemble peripheral nerve grafts in their ability to induce axonal regeneration into the graft.