Mesenchymal Stem Cells as an Alternative for Schwann Cells in Rat Spinal Cord Injury

Iranian Biomedical Journal, 2013 · DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1121.2013 · Published: July 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries often lead to permanent neurological problems, and effective therapies are lacking. Transplantation of Schwann cells is a promising approach, but obtaining enough Schwann cells is difficult. Bone marrow stem cells are a potential alternative because they can differentiate into Schwann cells and are easily accessible. This study investigates whether bone marrow-derived Schwann cells can improve functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells from rats' bone marrow were induced to become Schwann cells, placed on collagen scaffolds, and implanted into spinal cord injuries in rats. The study found that this treatment improved motor and sensory function, as well as axonal regeneration and remyelination.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

40 adult male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Differentiated cells showed Schwann cell morphology and markers in vitro.
2
Locomotor and sensory scores were significantly better in the cell-grafted group than in the control and scaffold groups.
3
Histological analysis revealed better axonal regeneration and remyelination in the cell-grafted group compared to the control and scaffold groups.

Research Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of bone marrow-derived Schwann cells (SCs) to improve functional recovery in rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were differentiated into Schwann-like cells in vitro, seeded onto collagen scaffolds, and implanted into rat SCI models. The functional outcomes were assessed through locomotor and sensory tests. The results demonstrated that transplantation of MSC-derived Schwann cells significantly improved motor and sensory functions, as well as axonal regeneration and remyelination, suggesting that bone marrow-derived Schwann cells can be considered as a viable cell source for SCI treatment.

Practical Implications

Cell Source Availability

Bone marrow-derived Schwann cells offer a readily accessible alternative to traditional Schwann cells, overcoming limitations associated with donor morbidity and expansion capacity.

Therapeutic Potential

The successful transplantation of MSC-derived Schwann cells suggests a promising cell-based therapy for spinal cord injury, potentially leading to improved functional outcomes.

Regenerative Medicine

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, specifically in promoting axonal regeneration and remyelination in the injured spinal cord.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and results may not be directly transferable to humans.
2
The long-term effects of Schwann cell-BMSC transplantation were not evaluated.
3
The exact mechanisms by which Schwann cell-BMSCs contribute to SCI repair need further investigation.

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