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  4. Intravenous Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Enhance Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Intravenous Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Enhance Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

BioMed Research International, 2013 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/573169 · Published: October 7, 2013

Regenerative MedicineNeurology

Simple Explanation

Peripheral nerve injuries can lead to significant functional loss, and current treatments often have limited success. Researchers are exploring cell transplantation to improve nerve regeneration. This study investigates whether intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can enhance recovery in a rat model of peripheral nerve injury. The study found that intravenously injected MSCs reach the site of nerve injury and promote nerve regeneration. Rats treated with MSCs showed improved functional outcomes compared to control groups. The results suggest that cell transplantation using MSCs could be a promising approach to improve functional recovery after peripheral nerve injuries.

Study Duration
21 days
Participants
18 adult wild Sprague Dawley rats
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Labelled MSCs were found in the sciatic nerve lesion site after intravenous injection, indicating a homing effect of the MSCs to the peripheral nerve lesion site.
  • 2
    The MSC treated group showed greater functional improvement compared to control groups, as assessed by footprint analysis and the sciatic functional index (SFI).
  • 3
    Histological analysis revealed increased axonal regeneration in the MSC transplantation group compared to the control group.

Research Summary

This study investigates the impact of intravenously infused mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on functional outcome in a peripheral nerve injury model in rats. The results showed that intravenously infused MSCs after acute peripheral nerve target the lesion site and survive within the nerve, leading to greater functional improvement. The study suggests that nerve repair with cell transplantation could lead to greater functional outcome after peripheral nerve injury.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Intravenous MSC transplantation could be a potential adjunct therapy to improve functional outcomes after peripheral nerve repair.

Mechanism of Action

Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which MSCs enhance nerve regeneration, including immunomodulation, neovascularization, and neurotrophic influences.

Clinical Translation

Given the demonstrated safety of intravenous MSC infusion in clinical studies, this approach warrants consideration for clinical translation in nerve defect repairs.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The precise mechanism for the beneficial effect is not yet clear
  • 2
    Study conducted on rats, further research needed for human application
  • 3
    Limited number of MSCs reached the lesion site

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