In vivo tracking of neuronal-like cells by magnetic resonance in rabbit models of spinal cord injury

Neural Regen Res, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.36.002 · Published: December 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent disabilities because current treatments have limited effectiveness. Transplanting stem cells into the injured spinal cord is a promising treatment approach. This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track transplanted neuronal-like cells derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in rabbits with spinal cord injuries. The results showed that these transplanted cells can migrate to the injury site and improve functional recovery, and MRI can effectively track them.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

22 New Zealand white rabbits

Evidence Level

Level 2; Animal Study

Key Findings

1
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can be induced to differentiate into neuronal-like cells expressing neuronal markers.
2
Transplanted neuronal-like cells can migrate to the spinal cord injury region.
3
Magnetic resonance imaging is an efficient noninvasive technique for tracking transplanted cells in vivo.

Research Summary

This study investigates the feasibility of using neuronal-like cells from rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to treat spinal cord injury, using magnetic resonance to track transplanted cells in vivo. Superparamagnetic iron oxide-labeled neuronal-like cells were transplanted into rabbit models of spinal cord injury, and their migration was tracked using MRI. The findings suggest that transplanted neuronal-like cells can migrate to the spinal cord injury region and can be tracked by magnetic resonance in vivo, offering a noninvasive technique for visually tracking transplanted cells.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Application

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived neuronal-like cells can be used as a potential alternative for cell therapy in spinal cord injury.

Noninvasive Tracking Method

Magnetic resonance imaging provides a noninvasive method to monitor the migration and distribution of transplanted cells in vivo.

Optimizing Cell Transplantation

The ability to track cells in vivo helps in evaluating the effects of cell transplantation and optimizing cell transplantation treatment strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on animal models, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
Intracellular iron content may decrease over time due to cell division and proliferation, potentially limiting long-term tracking by magnetic resonance.
3
The threshold for detection by magnetic resonance limits the ability to track cells until a certain number have migrated.

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