Reconstruction of the Damaged Dorsal Root Entry Zone by Transplantation of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells

Cell Transplantation, 2019 · DOI: 10.1177/0963689719855938 · Published: May 16, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can help repair damage to the dorsal root entry zone, a critical area where the peripheral and central nervous systems connect after spinal cord injury. The researchers transplanted OECs into the injured area and observed how these cells interacted with the surrounding nerve tissue to facilitate axon regeneration, which is essential for restoring sensory function. The findings suggest that OECs act as a bridge, allowing damaged nerve fibers to cross the injury site and reconnect with the spinal cord, potentially leading to functional recovery after spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

18 AS rats for immunohistochemistry, 5 rhizotomized rats for BDA tracing study, 13 rats for quantification analysis

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transplanted OECs can survive at the dorsal root entry zone and bridge the gap between the peripheral and central nervous systems after injury.
2
OECs ensheath regenerating axons and promote their entry into the spinal cord's dorsal horn, facilitating sensory axon regeneration.
3
Migrating OECs extensively ensheath cells of the adjacent dorsal root ganglion (DRG), potentially protecting or amplifying afferent signals.

Research Summary

This study explores the anatomical changes associated with olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation after dorsal root injury, focusing on the interaction between transplanted cells and the peripheral and central compartments of the transitional zone. The research reveals that transplanted OECs act as a bridge, allowing sensory axon regeneration into the dorsal horn and then ascend in the dorsal columns, and that they extensively ensheath cells of the adjacent dorsal root ganglion. Quantitative analysis showed no significant difference in dorsal column axonal loss between transplanted and control groups, but the study highlights the potential of OECs to reconstitute the transitional zone and facilitate nerve regeneration.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

OEC transplantation could be a viable strategy for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injuries.

Enhanced Understanding of Repair Mechanisms

The study provides insights into how OECs interact with the nervous system to facilitate axon regeneration.

Future Research Directions

Further investigation is needed to optimize OEC transplantation techniques and understand the molecular signals involved in nerve regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The quantification method used may not be sensitive enough to capture the relatively few axons required to reinstate transmission to the cuneate nucleus.
2
The study does not capture the extent of axon loss or any possible neuroprotective effects of OEC transplants in the crucial early couple of weeks following injury.
3
The molecular signals or guidance cues which enabled axons to cross into the dorsal horn were not investigated.

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