Sonic Hedgehog modulates the inflammatory response and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury in a thoracic contusion–compression model

Abstract Purpose The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway has been associated with a protective role after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). We, therefore, investigated effects of intrathecal Shh-administration in subacute phase thoracic spinal cord (SCI) on secondary processes rats. Methods Twenty-one Wistar rats were subjected clip-contusion/compression SCI at T9. Animals randomized into three treatment groups (Shh, Vehicle, Sham). Seven days SCI, osmotic pumps implanted for seven-day continuous administration Shh. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score, Gridwalk test bodyweight weekly assessed. sacrificed six weeks immunohistological analyses conducted. results compared between statistical analysis was performed ( p < 0.05 considered significant). Results Shh led significantly increased polarization macrophages toward anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype, decreased T-lymphocytic invasion reduced resident microglia injury. Reactive astrogliosis also while changes size posttraumatic cyst as well overall macrophagic infiltration, although reduced, remained insignificant. Finally, Shh, gain (216.6 ± 3.65 g vs. 230.4 5.477 g; = 0.0111) BBB score (8.2 0.2 5.9 0.7 points; 0.0365) improved untreated animals well. Conclusion Intrathecal showed neuroprotective attenuated neuroinflammation, functional recovery severe contusion/compression SCI.