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CSRO
MAGAZINE BACK ISSUES
Update
on Nerve Regeneration
By: Ronald J. Podhajsky Ph.D.
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Dr. Ronald Podhajsky is a researcher in the laboratory
of Dr. Andrew Blight at the University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill. He has provided this update on his work, engaging
in a new approach toward analyzing the dynamics of nerve
injury and repair, with funding assistance provided by
the Canadian Spinal Research Organization.
Therapeutic intervention is required to reconnect severely injured
nerve tracts in the central nervous system. The design of effective
therapeutic strategies is hampered by the number and complexity of
the chemical signals that bombard each cell during the wound healing
process.
Trained as a bioengineer and neuroscientist at the University of
California, San Diego, I am combining biological and engineering
principles to develop models of nerve regeneration and to examine
the response of the models to disturbances. Using this approach,
the first computer simulations of nerve regeneration were generated,
and predicted cellular responses were confirmed in biological experiments.
By modeling the process using a computer, one can display and manipulate
the network of interacting components in ways that are not possible
in cells. These early simulations are rudimentary, but as more quantitative
data becomes available, it is likely that computer-based simulations
will play an increasingly important role in our attempts to understand
the process of nerve injury and repair, and assist in developing
effective therapeutic strategies.
I am actively gathering quantitative data in studies involving rat
optic nerve. The optic nerve has proven to be an excellent model
of nerve tracts in the central nervous system. These studies characterized
the responses of the cells in optic nerve to crush injury and were
completed with assistance from Drs. Deborah Bidanset and Bruce Caterson
in the Division of Orthopedics at UNC. This same approach was used
to examine the effects of electric field application at the cellular
level and indicated that a modest effect was expressed in stimulated
nerves.
It has been known for some time that peripheral nerve grafts placed
at the end of cut optic nerves allow CNS neurons to grow great distances.
In another experiment, I have created a small gap between the cut
end of optic nerve and the peripheral nerve graft to see if the bridges
that naturally forms in the gap allows growth of the elongating neurons.
It did not, indicating that peripheral nerve grafts must be in close
proximity to the neurons to have growth enhancing effects.
In a collaborative effort Dr. David McKalip, a Neurosurgery resident,
and myself are developing techniques that: 1) allow isolation of
cells that are thought to inhibit CNS regeneration: 2) alter these
cells through genetic engineering, and: 3) reintroduce them into
an environment that normally regenerates. These techniques provide
the opportunity to introduce factors that are likely to enhance regeneration
and assess their effect. This combined application of the classic
systems engineering technique of process modeling, together with
the techniques of genetic engineering, represents an opportunity
to bring these powerful tools to bear directly on the problem of
abortive CNS regeneration. The focus of these tools on nerve regeneration
is an important step toward tissue-engineering in the nervous system.
| London
Majors Come To Bat for Spinal Research |
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On August 1, 1996, the London Majors baseball club held a special
ceremony in honour of Roy McKay. Roy was a community leader, best
known as the manager of the London Majors baseball club for the past
thirty years. Tragically, Roy suffered a spinal injury in a fall
at his home in June of 1995. Months later, he passed away due to
complications resulting from his injury. In the picture perfect setting
of Labatt Park, the City of London turned out to pay tribute to one
of their city's finest citizens in a night which benefited the Canadian
Spinal Research Organization.
London Majors players, both past and present, watched as Roy's wife
and his son, the current Majors manager Alex McKay, unveiled the
official plaque for the historic London Majors clubhouse, now renamed
as the 'Roy McKay Clubhouse.' The generosity of the City of London
was recognized through the event sponsorships of Labatt Breweries
of Canada Ltd., General Motors of Canada Ltd., Diesel Division, and
through several London businesses in the community. The night was
a success, thanks to the effort, partnership, and good will of London
Majors owners Arden and Shelly Eddie.
The game proved to be a near-perfect ending to the night as the Majors
were narrowly beaten by the Brantford Red Sox. The CSRO hit a home
run however, as the City of London showed their support for spinal
cord research. But what we remember the most from that night is Roy
McKay, and we will continue to honour his memory with the annual
'Roy McKay Night' with the London Majors. Be sure to read your future
Quarterly editions for further information.
"I would like to be remembered for being a devoted son and brother,
a loving husband, a great father and a damn good friend."
Roy McKay,1933-1995
The evening was made possible through the generous support of the
following:
Corporate Patron:
Labatt Breweries of Canada
Corporate Sponsor:
General Motors of Canada Ltd., Diesel Division
Amway of Canada Ltd.
Ault Foods ltd.
AVCO Financial Services
Burman's Beauty Supplies Ltd.
Ontario Hydro-Heartland Hydro
Pfizer Canada Inc.
The Radisson Hotel-London Centre
The Employees of Scotia Bank
Hamilton & Highbury Branch, London
A
Growing Community
Barry Munro, "The secret is happiness." |
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Heard about CSRO lately? Of course you have! More and more people
are becoming aware of CSRO and our work. The work of the CSRO and
its members have appeared on CTV news, and City TV in Toronto. Our
own Vice-President, Barry Munro, was featured on the cover of the
'Life Section' of the Toronto Star.
The role of the media has become an important resource for building
public awareness. In co-operation with several radio and television
stations, our public service announcement (PSA) 'The Dream' is being
aired across Canada. The response from our radio and TV PSA's have
been fantastic. We have been receiving calls for information from
across the country asking for information on spinal cord research.
Many of the callers outside of Ontario were not aware of the amount
of work that is being conducted in the field of spinal research.
Thanks to the PSA, people from Vancouver to Moncton are discovering
that something is being done about spinal cord injuries.
CSRO held its First Annual NITELITE Golf Tournament at Annandale
Golf and Country Club in Pickering, Ontario. The September 6th tournament
was different from daytime games of golf, as glowing markers lit
up the fairway. Golfers used special glow-in-the-dark balls to track
their shots, and our 36 foursomes could be seen all over the course,
thanks to their glow-in-the-dark necklaces.
Competition was fierce as each foursome tried to get the best team
score. After playing, everyone met in the clubhouse for our post-tournament
party and raffle draw.
The winning foursome was the team of John Gonsalves, Rex Carson,
Jerry Sommers, and Dave Williams. Raffle prize winners received prizes
such as Sony Walkmans, men's and women's Bretone watches, Blue Jays
tickets, and various dinner for two packages from local restaurants
and pubs.
This turnout was made possible through the hard work of the family
and friends of CSRO. Thanks go to Ryan Durham, Mark Woitzik, Barry
Munro, Brian Mclean, and Ralph Spadafore. The event was a great example
of how CSRO members love to come together for a good cause. Everyone
had a great time, and we can't wait until next year's tournament!
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