ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the migration and distribution of OECs in injured spinal cord and discuss their relation with the recovery of spinal cord function. Methods The rats were contused by a force of 10 g · 25 mm with NYU-impactor at T10 level. The OECs acutely isolated from green fluorescence protein (GFP) rats were purified, identified and then transplanted into the injured site and the rostral and caudal parts of the spinal cord one week after injury, with total volume of the transplanted OECs for 90 000/μl. Within 13 weeks after transplantation, the migration and distribution of OECs were qualitatively observed on the cryo-sections under fluorescence light microscope. The area and the length of OECs distribution were semi-quantitatively determined. The locomotor function of the spinal cord was appraised by BBB score. Results OECs were located collectively in the transplanted site at early stage after transplantation and then spread gradually mainly along the long axis of the cord. OECs could be found in the cavity of the contused spinal cord. The area and the length of OECs distribution were increased from 1.33 mm2 and 4.23 mm respectively at one week to 3.30 mm2 and 7.68 mm respectively at 13 weeks after transplantation. In the meantime, the locomotor function was gradually improved. Conclusion OECs can migrate within the contused spinal cord, as may contribute to the recovery of locomotor function.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the expression of brain-derived neurotrophical factor (BDNF) in injury spinal cord after transplantation olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), and to investigate the mechanism of OECs repairing spinal cord injury.Methods OECs from GFP transgenic rats were separated and cultured for transplantation. Spinal cord injury rats were separated two groups by random digits table. In experimental group, OECs suspension were transplanted into injured spinal cord following spinal cord injury. In control group, DMEM was transplanted into the injured spinal cord after spinal cord injury. Motor function was evaluated per week after transplantation. The expression levels of BDNF mRNA and protein were detected by using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively, and compared with those from normal SD rats.Results Motor function of two groups was improved gradually after transplantation. The motor function scores in experimental group was obviously higher than in control group at 21st day after transplantation (P<0.05). A lot of survival GFP OECs distributed around impaired myeloid tissue. At 21st day after transplantation, BDNF mRNA and protein expression in experimental group were strongest (P<0.05), and stronger in control group than in normal group (P<0.05).Conclusion The transplantation of OECs can repair the injured spinal cord by increasing the expression of BDNF mRNA and protein to improve local microenvironment.