Vascularization in the Spinal Cord: The Pathological Process in Spinal Cord Injury and Therapeutic Approach

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in disruption of the vascular structures at the area of damage in the case of primary injury. The secondary injury of SCI is the result of pathophysiological changes such as excitotoxicity, inflammation, ischemia, and oxidative stress. The central nervous system (CNS) retains limited ability to angiogenic potential in order to restore the vascular network following SCI. Researches showed the formation of new blood vessels from mesenchymal cells. Multiple approaches such as the use of bio-scaffolds, cell transplantation, molecular therapy, electrical stimulation, and hypothermia have been used to explore the potential of assisting the endogenous revascularization. This chapter attempts to summarize the advance of the research on regeneration of spinal cord vascular networks and functions.