Transplantation of Skin Precursor-Derived Schwann Cells Yields Better Locomotor Outcomes and Reduces Bladder Pathology in Rats with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Stem Cell Reports, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.05.017 · Published: July 14, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores the potential of using Schwann cells derived from skin precursors (SKP-SCs) to treat chronic spinal cord injuries in rats. The researchers transplanted these cells into the injured spinal cords of rats eight weeks after the initial injury. The results showed that the transplanted SKP-SCs survived long-term, integrated into the spinal cord tissue, and helped to reduce the formation of scar tissue. They also promoted the growth of new nerve fibers and the formation of myelin, which is important for nerve function. Importantly, the rats that received the SKP-SC transplants showed improved locomotor function and reduced bladder problems, suggesting that this cell-based therapy could be a promising treatment for chronic spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

29 weeks post-injury

Participants

47 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SKP-SCs survived long-term at the site of chronic SCI, integrated into the host spinal cord, and mitigated astroglial scar formation.
2
SKP-SC transplantation elicited better functional outcomes and improved bladder pathology.
3
Transplanted SKP-SCs promoted axonal growth and ensheathment/myelination, and stimulated a massive increase in the presence of endogenous SCs.

Research Summary

The study investigates cell transplantation for SCI in chronic settings, using skin-derived precursors differentiated into Schwann cells (SKP-SCs) in rats 8 weeks post-injury. SKP-SCs survived transplantation, integrated with host tissue, mitigated glial scar formation, enhanced endogenous SC presence, and myelinated host axons. SKP-SC transplantation improved locomotor outcomes and decreased bladder wall thickening, suggesting skin-derived SCs are promising for treating chronic SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

SKP-SCs offer a promising cell-based therapy for chronic SCI due to their ability to promote neural repair and functional recovery.

Clinical Relevance

The study's use of a clinically relevant contusion model and delayed intervention strengthens the translational potential of SKP-SC therapy for human SCI.

Autologous Transplantation

The accessibility of skin as a source of SKPs makes autologous transplantation a feasible option for treating chronic SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The exiting and connectivity of those TH+ axons, and thus their contribution to functional recovery, remained uncertain in this study.
2
Considerable variability in lesion size, cavity size, and the amount of existing substrate in the TofT control group.
3
This study used a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans with SCI.

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