Transplanted Oligodendrocytes and Motoneuron Progenitors Generated from Human Embryonic Stem Cells Promote Locomotor Recovery After Spinal Cord Transection

STEM CELLS, 2010 · DOI: 10.1002/stem.489 · Published: July 27, 2010

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study explores using cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) to treat spinal cord injury in rats. Specifically, it looks at oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPC) and motoneuron progenitors (MP). The researchers transplanted these cells into rats with complete spinal cord transections. They then observed whether the rats regained any motor function. The results showed that rats treated with OPC and/or MP had significantly better locomotor recovery compared to the control group. This suggests that hESC-derived OPC and MP could be a potential therapy for spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

4 Months

Participants

14 rats per group, female rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transplanted OPC and MP survived, migrated, and differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes and neurons within the injured spinal cord.
2
Rats treated with OPC and/or MP showed significantly enhanced recovery of locomotor function compared to control animals.
3
Electrophysiological tests demonstrated functional spinal reconnection and partial restitution of motor pathways in treated animals.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of transplanted hESC-derived oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPC) and/or motoneuron progenitors (MP) on axonal remyelination and functional recovery of adult rats after complete spinal cord transection. Based on Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores recovery of locomotor function was significantly enhanced in rats treated with OPC and/or MP when compared with control animals. Taken together, these results indicate that OPC and MP derived from hESC could be a useful therapeutic strategy to repair injured spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

hESC-derived OPC and MP offer a promising therapeutic strategy for repairing damaged spinal cords and improving locomotor function after spinal cord injury.

Understanding Cell Differentiation

The study provides insights into the differentiation potential of hESC-derived progenitors and their ability to integrate into the injured spinal cord environment.

Combination Therapy

The combined transplantation of OPC and MP shows superior results compared to single-cell-type treatments, suggesting a synergistic effect for functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and further research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of this approach in humans.
2
The survival rate of transplanted cells was less than 1%.
3
The phenotype of some MP-derived neurons remained unknown.

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