Breakthrough Study in J Neurosci: Dexmedetomidine Enhances Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

We are excited to share our latest publication in The Journal of Neuroscience titled “Repurposing Dexmedetomidine: Early Pharmacological Hypothermia Enhances Neuroprotection and Improves Locomotor and Bladder Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury.” DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0007-26.2026

In this study, we demonstrate that dexmedetomidine (Dex), an FDA-approved drug, can induce rapid pharmacological hypothermia after spinal cord injury, providing a clinically feasible and equipment-free therapeutic strategy. Compared to conventional cooling, Dex produced greater improvements in locomotor recovery and bladder function, while also preserving spinal tissue, neuronal survival, and axonal integrity.

Mechanistically, Dex-induced hypothermia suppressed early inflammation, enhanced anti-inflammatory signaling, and activated neuroprotective pathways, highlighting a dual-action therapeutic approach with strong translational potential.

This work provides a promising new direction for early intervention in spinal cord injury and other neurotrauma conditions.

We thank our lab members for their dedication and teamwork, and our collaborators in Dr. Gao’s lab for their valuable contributions to this work.