Long-term survival, axonal growth-promotion, and myelination of Schwann cells grafted into contused spinal cord in adult rats

This study explores the potential of Schwann cells (SCs) transplantation to treat spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. SCs were genetically modified to express green fluorescent protein (GFP), allowing them to be easily tracked after transplantation. The study found that transplanted SCs survived remarkably well for up to 24 weeks after grafting into the injured spinal cord. They were able to proliferate, migrate along the central canal, and myelinate regenerated axons. Although the transplanted SCs showed promising survival and functionality, they did not result in significant behavioral improvements in the rats. This suggests that a combination of strategies may be needed to achieve meaningful functional regeneration after SCI.

• 1
  Grafted SCs-GFP exhibited remarkable survival up to 24 weeks post-grafting in the contused spinal cord of adult rats.
• 2
  SCs-GFP proliferated after injection, peaking at 2 weeks, and then gradually decreasing thereafter, ceasing by 12 weeks post-grafting.
• 3
  Grafted SCs-GFP migrated along the central canal and myelinated regenerated axons within the lesion site, expressing P0 and MBP.