Distrabution and migration of olfuctory ensheathing cells transplanted into the contused spinal cord of rats / 中华创伤杂志

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.