ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the nerve recanalization and the motor function of hind legs after transplantation of BDNF genetically modified neural stem cells(NSCs) at spinal cord injury site in rat. Methods After L4 spinal cord transection of rat, BDNF genetically modified NSCs were transplanted immediately. Retrograde HRP tracing through sciatic nerve were practiced at 1 week, 1 month, 2 month, 3 month after transplantation of BDNF genetically modified NSCs. The morphological changes were observed at section of spinal cord and the motor functions of both hind legs of rat were detected. Results The morphology of the injured spinal cord sections turned better. Retrograde HRP tracing through sciatic nerve showed some HRP positive neurons and nerve fibers at the site of near rostral end of the nearly injured part at one month after transplantation and increased with the time going by. Motor function of hind legs of rats recovered significantly in all transplantation groups. Conclusion BDNF genetically modified NSCs have repairing effect on spinal cord injury in rat.