Transplantation of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell-induced neural stem cells to treat spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2014 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.147953 · Published: December 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Mesenchymal stem cells are being explored as a novel treatment for nervous system dysfunctions. These cells are advantageous because they are widely available and can be expanded and induced to differentiate into nerve tissue. Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs) have similar functions and features to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. PDMSCs have a stronger proliferation ability. This study transplanted neural stem cells differentiated from human PDMSCs into injured spinal cords of rats. The study observed the recovery of motor and sensory functions, as well as pathological changes in the spinal cord.

Study Duration

3 weeks

Participants

72 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into neuron-like cells.
2
Induced neural stem cells contribute to the restoration of injured spinal cord without causing transplant rejection.
3
Transplantation of PDMSCs or PDMSC-induced neural stem cells can improve the motor dysfunction in the rat model of spinal cord injury.

Research Summary

Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells were induced to differentiate into neural stem cells, which were then transplanted into the spinal cord after local spinal cord injury in rats. The motor functional recovery and pathological changes in the injured spinal cord were observed for 3 successive weeks. Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells may be useful as seed cells during the repair of spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Seed Cell Source

Human PDMSCs may be used as seed cells in a stem cell bank.

Novel Therapy

PDMSCs provide a novel seed cell for clinical cell transplantation to treat spinal cord injury.

Motor Function Improvement

Transplantation of PDMSCs or PDMSC-induced neural stem cells can improve motor dysfunction in spinal cord injury.

Study Limitations

1
Mechanisms underlying spinal cord repair need further study.
2
Additional studies are needed to determine whether these cells have similar functions as nerve cells.
3
The long-term effects of PDMSC transplantation were not evaluated.

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