Abstract: An extracellular matrix-modified decellularized nerve scaffold and use thereof are provided. The extracellular matrix-modified decellularized nerve scaffold is prepared from a natural porcine optic nerve. The scaffold has a plurality of longitudinal channels and a plurality of transversal foramina intercommunicated with the longitudinal channels, which have relatively uniform diameters and relatively even distributions in the scaffold. The extracellular matrix-modified decellularized optic nerve scaffold of the present invention changes the poor microenvironment of existing decellularized material that lacks cell growth factors and nutrients, supports seeded cells to form neural networks in vitro or in vivo, and enables the connection of ascending nerve fibers or descending nerve fibers of the injured spinal cord to their target cells after transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing or ameliorating neural damage in a mammalian fetus or a newborn infant, which is caused by maternal gestational hypertension (GH). The method includes orally administering germination activated sporoderm-broken Ganoderma lucidum spores (“GLSs”) to a pregnant mammal having GH. The neural damage includes a decrease in hippocampal cell proliferation and neuron number. The present invention further provides a method for preventing or ameliorating the increased expression of hippocampal hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1a) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a mammalian embryo caused by maternal GH.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preventing and reducing embryonic neural tube defects (NTDs) caused by cell cycle arrest in the neuroepithelial cells of the embryo. The method comprises administering germination activated sporoderm-broken Ganoderma lucidum spores (“GLSs”) to a female mammal capable of becoming pregnant an effect amount of GLSs. GLSs are preferred to be administered to the female mammal prior to or at an early stage of the pregnancy. The GLSs reduce embryonic NTDs caused by cell cycle arrest in the neuroepithelial cells.