Methods of olfactory ensheathing cell harvesting from the olfactory mucosa in dogs

PLoS ONE, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213252 · Published: March 6, 2019

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Veterinary Medicine

Simple Explanation

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are special cells that help nerve fibers regenerate, particularly in the spinal cord. This study explores different surgical methods to obtain these cells from the nasal lining (olfactory mucosa) in dogs. Three methods were tested: a major surgery (rhinotomy), a less invasive approach (keyhole), and using an endoscope (rhinoscopy). The goal was to see which method could safely collect enough OECs for potential spinal cord repair. While all three methods can yield a suitable number of cells, rhinoscopy carries an increased risk of infection in the cell cultures. The keyhole approach is unsuitable for small or brachycephalic dogs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Clinical cases with spinal cord injury and normal dogs

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The keyhole approach and rhinoscopy yielded similar proportions and populations of p75-positive cells, presumed to be olfactory ensheathing cells.
2
Fewer p75-positive cells were obtained by frontal sinus rhinotomy.
3
Rhinoscopy had an increased risk of infection in cell cultures compared to the other two methods.

Research Summary

This study compares three methods for harvesting olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from the olfactory mucosa in dogs: rhinotomy, keyhole approach, and rhinoscopy. All three methods appear safe and provide sufficient numbers of OECs for transplantation, but each has specific advantages and drawbacks. Rhinotomy carries risks of emphysema and CSF rhinorrhea. Rhinoscopy is the least invasive but has a higher risk of cell culture contamination. The keyhole approach is not suitable for small dogs. The proportions and populations of p75-positive cells obtained by the keyhole approach and rhinoscopy were similar.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The findings support the use of these methods in clinical trials for spinal cord injury treatment in dogs, offering a potential source of autologous OECs for transplantation.

Method Selection

The choice of harvesting method should be tailored to the individual dog, considering factors like size, skull shape, and risk tolerance.

Further Research

Future studies should focus on optimizing cell culture techniques to reduce contamination risk and identifying specific markers for canine OECs.

Study Limitations

1
Variable OEC yield among dogs.
2
Potential contamination with Schwann cells due to lack of specific OEC marker.
3
The shape of the skull might affect the size of the olfactory mucosa and might, in turn, affect mucosal layer anatomy and morphology.

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