Therapeutic potential of in utero mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) transplantation in rat foetuses with spina bifida aperta

J. Cell. Mol. Med., 2012 · DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01470.x · Published: July 1, 2012

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Women's Health

Simple Explanation

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are birth defects that happen when the neural tube doesn't close completely. This study explores a new way to treat spina bifida, a type of NTD, before birth by transplanting stem cells into the spinal cord of rat fetuses. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are special cells that can turn into different types of cells, including nerve cells. The researchers transplanted MSCs into rat fetuses with spina bifida and found that the cells survived and showed signs of becoming nerve cells. The transplanted MSCs also seemed to help protect the existing nerve cells in the spinal cord from dying. This suggests that using MSCs before birth could help improve the nerve problems caused by spina bifida.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Rat foetuses with retinoic acid induced NTDs

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transplanted MSCs survived in the defective spinal cord of rat foetuses with induced neural tube defects.
2
MSCs differentiated into cells expressing markers of neurons, glia, and myoblasts in the defective spinal cord.
3
MSCs expressed neurotrophic factors and reduced spinal tissue apoptosis in NTD.

Research Summary

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of in utero mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) transplantation in rat foetuses with spina bifida aperta. The results suggest that prenatal MSC transplantation could treat spinal neuron deficiency in NTDs by the regeneration of neurons and reduced spinal neuron death in the defective spinal cord. The study provides evidence that transplanted MSCs could ameliorate sensory and motor neuron deficiency in spinal malformation by differentiation into neurons in situ and reduction of spinal neuron apoptosis.

Practical Implications

Potential New Therapy

The study suggests a new potential therapy for spina bifida aperta using MSCs transplantation.

Amelioration of Neuron Deficiency

MSCs can differentiate into neurons and reduce spinal neuron apoptosis, potentially improving sensory and motor functions.

Application to Other Congenital Anomalies

The application of MSCs in cell replacement therapy could be explored for other complicated congenital malformations besides NTDs.

Study Limitations

1
Functional outcome of prenatal MSCs transplantation has not been determined.
2
Rat foetuses with spina bifida aperta died after birth, preventing assessment of long-term effects.
3
Further studies are needed to modify surgical intervention to treat foetuses at earlier stages and enhance survival.

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