Effects of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Transplantation through CSF on the Subacute and Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

PLoS ONE, 2013 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073494 · Published: September 11, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) transplantation through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats at subacute and chronic stages. BMSCs were injected into the CSF of rats with SCI at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-injury. The study found that BMSC transplantation improved locomotor function and promoted axonal regeneration in both subacute and chronic SCI rats. The average BBB score for locomotor assessment increased significantly in the BMSC-injection subgroups. The researchers suggest that BMSCs might function as neurotrophic sources via the CSF, promoting the survival and neurite extension of cultured neurons. This suggests a potential mechanism for the observed benefits of BMSC transplantation.

Study Duration

4 weeks after initial injection

Participants

Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old, female)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
BMSC transplantation significantly improved locomotor function in both subacute and chronic SCI rats, as measured by the BBB score.
2
Numerous axons associated with Schwann cells extended longitudinally through the lesion in BMSC-injected subgroups, indicating axonal regeneration.
3
BMSC-injected CSF promoted the survival and neurite extension of cultured neurons, suggesting a neurotrophic effect.

Research Summary

The study examined the effects of BMSC infusion into the CSF on subacute and chronic SCI in rats. BMSCs were injected into the fourth ventricle of rats at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-injury, and locomotor improvements and spinal cord repair were assessed. Results indicated that BMSCs had beneficial effects on both locomotor improvement and tissue repair, including axonal regeneration, in both subacute and chronic SCI rats. The study suggests that BMSCs may function as neurotrophic sources via the CSF, contributing to the observed improvements in locomotor function and tissue repair.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

BMSC infusion through the CSF may be a feasible treatment for patients with subacute or chronic SCI, as the study demonstrated its effectiveness in rats. The method of lumbar puncture is clinically suitable for BMSC transplantation.

Neurotrophic Potential

BMSCs may release trophic factors that promote tissue repair and axonal regeneration in the spinal cord, offering a potential therapeutic mechanism for SCI.

Regenerative Capacity

The study demonstrates that the spinal cord retains plasticity for nerve regeneration even in chronic SCI, suggesting that therapeutic interventions can be effective at later stages of injury.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and results may not be directly translatable to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms by which BMSCs exert their beneficial effects remain unclear and require further investigation.
3
The long-term effects of BMSC transplantation on SCI were not assessed in this study.

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