Therapeutic effects of combined cell transplantation and locomotor training in rats with brain injury

This study explores a new approach to treating brain injuries by combining cell transplantation with locomotor training. The researchers transplanted neural cells into the brains of rats with injuries, followed by treadmill training. The study found that the combined therapy promoted the growth of nerve fibers from the transplanted cells and improved motor function recovery in the rats compared to cell transplantation alone. These results suggest that combining cell transplantation and locomotor training could be a promising strategy for helping patients recover from brain injuries.

• 1
  Locomotor training promoted neurite extensions from the grafted cells, with extensions reaching the spinal cord in the TMT(+) group but limited to the internal capsule in the TMT(−) group.
• 2
  The combined therapy of cell transplantation and locomotor training improved motor function recovery in rats, as evidenced by a higher success rate in the foot fault test compared to cell transplantation alone, particularly one week after transplantation.
• 3
  Locomotor training increased neuronal activity in the grafted cells, as indicated by a higher percentage of C-FOS+ cells in the TMT(+) group compared to the TMT(−) group, suggesting enhanced neuronal connectivity.