Coseeded Schwann cells myelinate neurites from differentiated neural stem cells in neurotrophin-3-loaded PLGA carriers

International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2012 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S30706 · Published: April 13, 2012

Simple Explanation

This study investigates a method to promote nerve repair using a combination of materials and growth factors. Specifically, it uses PLGA scaffolds loaded with NT-3 to support the growth and differentiation of neural stem cells and Schwann cells. The researchers found that this combination encourages the neural stem cells to become neurons and form connections (synapses), and the Schwann cells to wrap around the nerve fibers (myelinate). This suggests a potential strategy for repairing spinal cord injuries. This functional neural construction may be particularly useful as engineered nerve tissue replacement for SCI.

Study Duration

14 days

Participants

Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat pups

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
NT-3-loaded PLGA carriers stably release bioactive NT-3 for up to 4 weeks.
2
Coseeding NSCs and SCs into NT-3-loaded PLGA carriers increased the differentiation of NSCs into neurons.
3
The coculture system developed synaptic connections, exhibited synaptic activities, and myelination of neurites by the accompanying SCs.

Research Summary

The study combines PLGA conduits and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) to generate NT-3-loaded PLGA carriers in vitro, showing stable NT-3 release for up to 4 weeks. Coseeding NSCs and SCs into NT-3-releasing scaffolds promotes NSC differentiation into neurons, formation of synaptic structures, synaptic activity, and myelination by SCs. The findings suggest that this functional neural construct may be useful as engineered nerve tissue replacement for SCI.

Practical Implications

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

The study provides an experimental basis that supports transplantation of functional neural construction in spinal cord injury, potentially leading to improved treatments.

Drug Delivery Systems

NT-3-loaded PLGA carriers can be used as a protein delivery system in vitro, which releases bioactive NT-3 stably and constantly.

Neural Tissue Engineering

The functional neural constructs developed in this study can serve as potential conduits in neural repair.

Study Limitations

1
The study is conducted in vitro, and further in vivo studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach in a living organism.
2
The long-term effects of the NT-3-loaded PLGA carriers on cell survival and differentiation are not fully explored.
3
The specific mechanisms underlying the observed synaptic plasticity and myelination require further investigation.

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