Aging of the elastic and collagen fibers in the human cervical interspinous ligaments.

Background Context: The ligaments consist of collagen bands intermingled with elastic fibers that support hundreds of pounds of stress per square inch. In the spine the basic functional unit comprises vertebrae, intervertebral disc and ligament tissues. The interspinous ligaments with the function of limiting the spine flexion are exposed to a traumatic and degenerative process that promotes pain or instability.

An experimental model for the transplantation of fetal central nervous system cells to the injured spinal cord in rats.

Introduction: Traumatic spinal cord injury is one of the most disabling conditions occurring in man and thus stimulates a strong interest in its histopathological, biochemical, and functional changes, primarily as we search for preventive and therapeutic methods.

Purpose: To develop an experimental model for transplantation of cells from the fetal rat central nervous system to the site of an injured spinal cord of an adult rat in which the transplanted cells survive and become integrated. This experimental model will facilitate investigations of factors that promote regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord trauma.