High-Dose Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Transplantation Increases Engraftment and Neuronal Distribution and Promotes Functional Recovery in Rats after Acutely Severe Spinal Cord Injury

Severe spinal cord injuries often result in permanent paralysis and create major burdens for patients. This study explores how different doses of transplanted neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) affect recovery after severe spinal cord injury in rats. The researchers transplanted either a low dose or a high dose of NSPCs into the injury site. They then monitored the rats for improvements in motor function, nerve regeneration, and changes in the injury environment. The study found that a high dose of NSPCs led to better survival of the transplanted cells, more nerve regeneration, and greater functional recovery compared to a low dose or no transplant. This suggests that cell dosage is a key factor in stem cell therapy for severe spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  High-dose NSPC transplantation improved the injury microenvironment by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors in the acute phase of severe SCI.
• 2
  A positive correlation was found between the transplantation dose and the number of surviving NSPCs after severe SCI at 7 days postgrafting.
• 3
  High-dose NSPC transplantation significantly promoted motor functional recovery and electrophysiological recovery in rats with complete SCI, as indicated by BBB scores and MEP analysis.