ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of neurotrophin-3 genetically modified Schwann cells(NT-3-SCs) and neural stem cells(NSCs) combinative transplantation to promote the neurons'survival and axonal regeneration of the spinal cord transected rat. Methods After the transected spinal cord injury(SCI) model was established in SD rats,NT-3-SCs or LacZ report gene modified Scwhann cells(LacZ-SCs) were combinative transplanted with NSCs into the transected site.60 days later,fluorogold(FG) was injected into the caudal spinal cord fo the transected site.7days after FG injected,the sacrifice,cryosection and morphology serious studies were performed to observe the FG labeled neurons in the rostral spinal cord(RSC) of transected site,red nuclei(RN) and the sensorimotor cortex(SMC);The survival neurons in the L_1 Clark's nuclei(CN),RN and SMC were couut,and regenerated axons within or near the transected spinal cord observed. Results From more to less,the order of groups of the survival neurons in the CN,RN and SMC was NT-3-SCS & NSCs group,LacZ-SCs & NSCs group,experimental control group.In the NT-3-SCs & NSCs group and LacZ-SCs & NSCs group,there were 5-HT,CGRP and SP positive axons within or near the transected spinal cord.And some FGlabeled cells were found in RSC,RN and SMC. Conclusion Combinative grafting NSCs and NT-3-SCs could promote the neurons'survival and axonal regeneration of the spinal cord injured rat.