Extended magnetic resonance imaging studies on the effect of classically activated microglia transplantation on white matter regeneration following spinal cord focal injury in adult rats

EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE, 2017 · DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5130 · Published: April 28, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries are a significant challenge in regenerative medicine. This study explores the potential benefits of transplanting activated microglia, a type of immune cell, into damaged spinal cords of adult rats. The aim was to observe if these cells could aid in the regeneration of nervous tissue after injury. The experiment involved dividing rats into two groups: one receiving injections of activated microglia at the injury site, and a control group receiving a saline solution. Over a 12-week period, researchers monitored the rats' functional recovery and assessed changes in the spinal cord using MRI and histological examinations. The key finding was that rats treated with activated microglia showed improved locomotor performance compared to the control group. MRI scans also indicated better water diffusion in the spinal cord, and the size of lesions was smaller in the treated group, suggesting a positive impact of microglia transplantation on spinal cord regeneration.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

30 adult male Wistar rats, 45 2-day old male Wistar C rat pups

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Rats in the microglia-treated group (M) demonstrated significant improvement in locomotor performance compared to the control group (C).
2
MRI analysis revealed moderate improvement in water diffusion along the spinal cord in group M following microglia treatment, compared with group C.
3
The sizes of lesions were significantly smaller in group M than in group C.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effect of transplanting activated microglial cells into injured spinal cords of adult rats. The experiment involved inducing spinal cord injuries in rats and then injecting activated microglia into the injury site in the experimental group, while the control group received saline injections. Functional outcomes were assessed over a 12-week period, with improvements in locomotor performance observed in the microglia-treated group compared to the control group. MRI analysis and histopathological examinations further supported the positive effects of microglia transplantation on spinal cord regeneration. The findings suggest that delivering activated microglia directly into the injured spinal cord can promote white matter regeneration, as evidenced by smaller lesion sizes and improved water diffusion in the treated group.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Activated microglia transplantation may offer a novel therapeutic approach for spinal cord injuries.

Further Research

Further research is needed to optimize microglial activation protocols and transplantation techniques.

Clinical Translation

These findings warrant further investigation to assess the potential for clinical translation and application in human spinal cord injury patients.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The long-term effects of activated microglia transplantation were not fully evaluated.
3
The precise mechanisms by which activated microglia promote regeneration remain to be fully elucidated.

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