Neuroectodermal Stem Cells Grafted into the Injured Spinal Cord Induce Both Axonal Regeneration and Morphological Restoration via Multiple Mechanisms

This study investigates if murine clonal embryonic neuroectodermal stem cells can prevent spinal cord secondary damage and induce functional recovery after spinal cord contusion injury. Stem cells were grafted intraspinally or intravenously immediately or one week after injury. Functional tests and detailed morphological analysis were performed to evaluate the effects of grafted cells. The study found that stem cells, applied either locally or intravenously, significantly improved functional recovery compared to controls. The transplanted cells integrated into the host tissue and differentiated into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. In intraspinally grafted animals, corticospinal tract axons regenerated along the ventral border of the cavity.

• 1
  Stem cells applied either locally or intravenously induced significantly improved functional recovery compared with their controls.
• 2
  Stem cell grafting prevented the formation of secondary injury and promoted sparing of the gray and white matters.
• 3
  The grafts produced glial cell derived neurotrophic factor, macrophage inflammatory protein-1a, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in a paracrine fashion for at least one week.