Autologous activated Schwann cells transplantation via subarachnoid space for rat spinal cord injury / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Schwann cells can secrete various neurotrophic factors,and promote functional recovery of injured spinal cord.However,xenogenic Schwann cells transplantation may induce autoimmune response.Moreover,local transplantation results in secondary injury.Vein transplantation may reached injury site passing the blood spinal cord barrier,but the treatment concentration is not effective.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effects of transplantation of autologous activated Schwann Cells(AASCs)via subarachnoid space on spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS:A total of 66 rats were used to establish SCI models,and the model rats were randomly divided into 3 groups.The unilateral saphenous nerves of rats were ligated directly for 1 week to activate Schwann cells,but inactivated and model control groups were not subjected to nerve ligation.1 cm nerve was excised from distal end of each group,and Schwann cells were isolated and cultured by tissue mass method.The AASCs,autologous Schwann cells(ASCs)were injected with corresponding Hoechst33342-labeted SCs suspension,but the model control group was injected with DMEM injection.The basso beattie bresnahan(BBB)score and footprint analysis,as well as HE and GFAP immunohistochemistry staining were performed to evaluate functional recovery of rat hind limbs.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:On 4 weeks after injury,BBB scores of AASCs were significantly superior to the other groups (P＜0.05).Two weeks after transplantation,some SCs migrated to injured spinal cord.Compared with ASCs group,the center distance of forward and hind feet and extorsion angle of the third toe of hind limb were significantly reduced in the AASCs group at 5 weeks(P＜0.05),the glial scar area was significantly decreased at 13 weeks(P＜0.05),and the cavity area of injured region was signiflcentJy diminished(P＜0.05).Results show that AASCs transplantation via subarachnoid space promoted functional recovery after SCI in rats.