ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluation of the result of transplantation of BDNF gene transfected olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) to repair spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods The rat with SCI were divided into non-OECs, OECs and transfected OECs groups. The evidences of anatomical regeneration across the transection site were demonstrated by both neuronal tracing and immunohistochemical methods. Results 12w after implantation the retrograde labeling study with flurogold showed abundant labeled neurons in the superior part of CNS. There were a lot of labeled neurons in the intermediate zone and dorsal column of lower thoracic spinal cord rostral to the transection site. Labeled neurons were also observed in the upper thoracic and cervical spinal cord, reticular nucleus and raphe nucleus of oblongata, as well as reticular nucleus and parabrachial nucleus of pons. The anterograde labeling of PHA-L showed that regenerated fibers of upper neurons overcame glial scar and regrew into the distal part of spinal cord through the grafts. Some labeled fibers extended long enough to the caudal gray matter of the transected site. Conclusion The implantation of OECs transfected by BDNF gene may benefit the survival and regeneration of the injured axons, and accelerate the repair of the injured spinal cord in a more efficient way than that with OECs alone.