Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Improves Locomotor Function in Spinal Cord Transection Rats Associated with Nerve Regeneration and IGF-1 R Expression

Cell Transplantation, 2019 · DOI: 10.1177/0963689719860128 · Published: September 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation as a treatment for spinal cord transection (SCT) in rats. The researchers investigated whether NSCs could improve motor function after SCT and examined the mechanisms involved. NSCs were transplanted into the lesion site of rats with SCT. The study assessed motor function, nerve fiber conduction, and anatomical changes using various methods, including immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and magnetic resonance imaging. The research team also examined the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1 R) after NSC transplantation. The study suggests that NSC transplantation might improve motor function by activating IGF-1 R, especially in the rostral site.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Adult Sprague-Dawley rats (180–220 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
NSC transplantation reduced SCT-induced deficits, including increased NeuN-positive cells (neurons) and decreased apoptotic cells in the spinal cord.
2
Neurophysiological profiles showed decreased latency and increased peak-to-peak amplitude of spinal nerve fiber conduction in transplanted rats.
3
MRI results indicated increased fractional anisotropy and number of nerve fibers at the injury site after NSC transplantation.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that NSC transplantation can improve motor function in rats with spinal cord transection (SCT). The observed improvements were associated with nerve regeneration, increased neuronal survival, and reduced apoptosis at the injury site. The researchers suggest that the beneficial effects of NSC transplantation may be mediated by the activation of IGF-1 R, particularly in the rostral segment of the spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Potential therapeutic strategy

NSC transplantation could be a potential clinical treatment for spinal cord injury.

Underlying mechanism

The study provides insight into the mechanisms of NSC transplantation, specifically the role of IGF-1 R activation in promoting motor function recovery.

Future Research

Further studies are needed to optimize NSC transplantation protocols and fully elucidate the mechanisms involved in SCI repair.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms by which NSC transplantation promotes nerve regeneration and IGF-1 R activation remain to be fully elucidated.
3
The long-term effects of NSC transplantation on motor function and spinal cord repair were not assessed in this study.

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