Figure 2.

Behavior, imaging, and electrophysiological observations following NN tissue implantation. A) Gradual recovery of pelvic limb motor function was observed from the fourth week after SCI in all canines in all three groups. Olby scores in the NN group were higher than those in the CS or SCI groups 8–24 weeks after SCI. B) At 24 weeks after surgery, weight‐bearing gaits were frequently encountered in the NN group but not in the CS or SCI groups. Nor, Normal group. C) At 24 weeks after surgery, MRI confirmed complete transection injury at the T10 level in the NN, CS, and SCI groups. Canines in the NN group displayed a narrower gap between the two ends of the transected spinal cord as determined by MRI and more significant nerve tract regeneration as determined by DTI, compared with the CS and SCI groups. D) FA values in the areas rostral or caudal to the I/G site in the NN group were higher than those in the CS and SCI groups. E) ADC values in the I/G site and areas rostral or caudal in the NN group were lower than those in the CS and SCI groups. F) Schematic diagram showing the stimulation and recording sites for cortical motor evoked potentials (CMEPs). G) CMEPs were detected at the L1–L2 segments of the spinal cord in the NN group (n = 11), relative to negligible CMEP waves in the CS (n = 10) and SCI groups (n = 4). H) Representative spinal somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were detected in 3/11 canines in the NN group, but not in the CS and SCI groups. Bar charts for I) CMEP latency and J) amplitude showing significantly shorter latency and higher amplitude in the NN group relative to the CS and SCI groups (*p < 0.05). Nor, Normal group.