Extended data figure 8. AST axon regrowth through scar-forming astrocytes and CSPGs in SCI lesions.

(a,b) Images show individual channels and various combinations of immunofluorescence staining for CTB, GFAP and CS56 to detect total CSPGs from a WT mouse after SCI followed by delayed injection of a hydrogel depot releasing NT3 and BDNF, shown as multichannel images in main text Figures 5e₂ and 5e₃. Arrows in (a) denote robust regrowth of many AST axons along, through and past scar-forming astrocytes into and through the lesion core; note that the stimulated axons are regrowing through CSPG containing areas in the astrocyte scar and lesion core. (b) High magnification orthogonal images of axons in three visual planes. Arrows in (b) denote AST regrowing axons tracking along CSPG-positive and GFAP-negative structures. Arrowheads in (b) denote AST axons tracking along GFAP-positive and CSPG-positive astrocyte processes, passing from one astrocyte process to another.