Reactivation of Denervated Schwann Cells by Embryonic Spinal Cord Neurons to Promote Axon Regeneration and Remyelination

Stem Cells International, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7378594 · Published: December 2, 2019

Simple Explanation

In cases of peripheral nerve injuries, delayed axon regeneration can lead to Schwann cell degeneration, hindering recovery. This study explores combining cell transplantation and nerve transfer to improve the nerve's microenvironment. Embryonic spinal cord cells were transplanted into injured nerves, acting as proximal axons to prevent Schwann cell degeneration. Removing these cells then allowed the Schwann cells to reactivate. This reactivation created a favorable environment, enhancing axon regeneration and remyelination, ultimately improving muscle reinnervation. This suggests a potential treatment strategy for complex neurological injuries.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

60 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transplanted embryonic spinal cord cells survived and differentiated into neurons within the injured nerve's distal stump, preventing chronic degeneration of Schwann cells.
2
Excision of the transplanted cells induced Schwann cells to return to a dedifferentiated phenotype, upregulating growth-associated gene expression.
3
The reactivation of Schwann cells enhanced the regeneration and remyelination of proximal axons, leading to improved muscle reinnervation.

Research Summary

The study investigates a novel approach combining cell transplantation and nerve transfer to address challenges in peripheral nerve injury repair. Transplanted embryonic spinal cord cells prevented Schwann cell degeneration, and their subsequent removal reactivated the Schwann cells, creating a regenerative microenvironment. The strategy enhanced axon regeneration, remyelination, and muscle reinnervation, suggesting a promising therapeutic avenue for complex neurological injuries.

Practical Implications

Potential Treatment Strategy

The transplantation strategy could provide a treatment option for complex neurological injuries in the clinic.

Schwann Cell Activation

Reactivation of SCs after neuron resection allows for better environment for growth of axons.

Microenvironment Improvement

Embryonic spinal cord cells improve microenvironment for nerve repair.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of a noninjected control group to account for the effect of the second surgery itself.
2
Embryonic spinal cord cells were a mix of cells, and they lacked a group of other cells such as glial cells to rule out effects of glial cells.
3
Mechanisms underlying protection of denervated muscle from atrophy remain to be elucidated, and require studies from a molecular perspective.

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