Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation improves sympathetic skin responses in chronic spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.30.007 · Published: October 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation on patients with chronic spinal cord injury, focusing on the recovery of autonomic nerve functions, specifically sympathetic skin responses. The researchers measured sympathetic skin responses and assessed spinal nerve function using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale before and after transplantation. The findings suggest that olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation can improve motor, sensory, and autonomic nerve functions in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

Study Duration

3–8 weeks follow up

Participants

43 patients with chronic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level 3; Self-controlled clinical case study

Key Findings

1
Sympathetic skin response latency decreased significantly after olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation, indicating improved autonomic nerve function.
2
The amplitude of sympathetic skin responses increased significantly after transplantation, further supporting the improvement of autonomic nerve function.
3
Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation also improved American Spinal Injury Association scores for movement, pain and light touch, suggesting an overall improvement in neurological function.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the impact of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation on sympathetic skin responses and ASIA scores in 43 patients with chronic spinal cord injury. The results showed significant improvements in sympathetic skin response latency and amplitude, as well as increases in ASIA scores for pain, touch, and motor functions after transplantation. The findings suggest that olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation can improve neurological function, including autonomic nerve function, in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Improved Autonomic Function Assessment

The sympathetic skin response can be used as a supplementary tool to the ASIA scale for a more comprehensive assessment of neurological function in spinal cord injury patients, particularly autonomic nerve function.

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation may offer a therapeutic approach for improving not only motor and sensory functions but also autonomic nerve functions in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Improvements in autonomic nerve functions, such as skin sweating and bladder control, can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size of 43 patients may be considered small, potentially limiting the statistical significance of some findings.
2
The study lacks a control group, making it difficult to definitively attribute the observed improvements solely to the olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation.
3
The follow-up period of 3–8 weeks may be insufficient to assess the long-term effects of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation on neurological function.

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