Growth factors oligodendrocyte development

NT3 is also critical for glial development. There is good evidence that NT3 acts to stimulate the proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, probably in concert with platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) (see below). 

CoUarini EJ, Pringle N, Mudhar H, Stevens G, Kuhn R, Monuki ES, Lemke G, Richardson WD (1991) Growth factors and transcription factors in oligodendrocyte development. J CeU Sci Suppl 15 117-123... 

Proliferation and differentiation of glial cells is also influenced by FGF-2. It is a mitogen for cultured oligodendrocytes128 and modulates the platelet-derived, growth factor-driven pathway of oligodendrocyte development.129... 

Raff, M.C., Lillien, L.E., Richardson, W.D., Burne, J.F. and Noble, M.D. (1988) Platelet-derived growth factor from astrocytes drives the clock that times oligodendrocyte development in culture. Nature 333 562-565. 

If we consider the temporal development of SCI, there are several different rationales for treatment, aU of which could benefit from the use of biodegradable polymers. In the acute phase, delivery of neuroprotective factors can reduce the loss of neurons and oligodendrocytes in areas close to the central necrosis. Substances or cells that modulate the inflammatory response and thereby reduce the degeneration can be delivered probably with a bit longer delay. Once the degeneration is irreversible, biomaterials could be used to stimulate regenerative axon growth and/or replace cells that have been lost due to the injury. 

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