Longitudinal electrophysiological changes after mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in a spinal cord injury rat model

This study explores how mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation affects recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The researchers used transcranial electrically stimulated motor-evoked potentials (tcMEPs) to track changes in nerve function over time. Rats with SCI were given either MSCs from bone marrow (rbMSCs) or cranial bone (rcMSCs), or a control solution (PBS). The scientists then monitored their motor skills and recorded tcMEPs to see when and how nerve signals reappeared. The study found that tcMEPs reappeared sooner in rats treated with MSCs, especially those receiving rcMSCs. The reappearance of tcMEPs correlated with improved motor function, suggesting that tcMEPs can be a useful tool for assessing recovery after SCI.

• 1
  tcMEP waveforms appeared earlier in MSC-transplanted rats compared to PBS-administered rats, with the earliest appearance observed 7 days after SCI.
• 2
  MEP waveforms appeared at approximately the same level on the BBB scale (average score, 11 points), indicating a correlation between tcMEP reappearance and a specific level of motor function recovery.
• 3
  The rcMSC group displayed a higher number of tcMEP reappearances and a shorter period between SCI and tcMEP reappearance compared to the rbMSC and PBS groups, suggesting a greater recovery effect.