Short-term infusion of GDF11 after SCI attenuates pericytes loss and BSCB damage to promote recovery of spinal cord function

Key Points

• GDF11 infusion improves spinal cord function by lessening damage to the blood-spinal cord barrier and reducing pericytes loss.
• A significant reduction in BSCB damage was observed, which is crucial for preserving spinal cord function after injury.
• Observational analysis revealed how GDF11 prevents the loss of pericytes, a key cell type involved in maintaining blood vessel stability.
• These findings highlight the potential for GDF11 as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injuries, necessitating further exploration.