Mechanism of nerve regeneration in the CNS - Progress in experimental paraplegiology

(SCI) usually leads to permanent motor and sensory deficits. This is due to a lack of any functionally significant regeneration of severed nerve fibre s within the adult central nervous system (CNS). The last 10-15 years have witnessed remarkable progress in understanding the cellular and molecular m echanisms which contribute to the failure of CNS axon regeneration. In this context, several substances with growth promoting or growth inhibiting pro perties have been identified. This has led to the development of a number o f experimental intervention strategies, many of which have promoted a subst antial degree of improved motor function. This knowledge has already result ed in the planning of clinical trials. Nonetheless, there are still substan tial gaps in the detailed understanding of how such intervention strategies should be applied to meet the individual circumstances of patients with ac ute or chronic SCI.