Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (14): 2533-2538.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.14.013

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Autologous activated Schwann cells transplantation via subarachnoid space for rat spinal cord injury 

Wang Chun-yuan1, Feng Shi-qing1, Liu Yang1, Han Ming-yuan1, Li Hui1, Chen Jia-tong2   

  1. 1 Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin   300052, China; 2 Public Cell Culture Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin   300071, China
  • Online:2010-04-02 Published:2010-04-02
  • Contact: Feng Shi-qing, Master, Chief physician, Doctoral supervisor, Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China fengsq321@sina.com
  • About author:Wang Chun-yuan★, Master, Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China a1984081519830326@yahoo.com.cn
  • Supported by:

     the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30872603*; the New Century Excellent Talents in University, the Ministry of Education, No.NCET-06-0251*; a Grant from Tianjin Science and Technology Commission, No. 07JCYBJC10200*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Schwann cells can secrete various neurotrophic factors, and promote functional recovery of injured spinal cord. However, xenogenic Schwann cells transplantation may induce autoimmune response. Moreover, local transplantation results in secondary injury. Vein transplantation may reached injury site passing the blood spinal cord barrier, but the treatment concentration is not effective.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of transplantation of autologous activated Schwann Cells (AASCs) via subarachnoid space on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.
METHODS: A total of 66 rats were used to establish SCI models, and the model rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The unilateral saphenous nerves of rats were ligated directly for 1 week to activate Schwann cells, but inactivated and model control groups were not subjected to nerve ligation. 1 cm nerve was excised from distal end of each group, and Schwann cells were isolated and cultured by tissue mass method. The AASCs, autologous Schwann cells (ASCs) were injected with corresponding Hoechst33342-labeled SCs suspension, but the model control group was injected with DMEM injection. The basso beattie bresnahan (BBB) score and footprint analysis, as well as HE and GFAP immunohistochemistry staining were performed to evaluate functional recovery of rat hind limbs.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On 4 weeks after injury, BBB scores of AASCs were significantly superior to the other groups (P < 0.05). Two weeks after transplantation, some SCs migrated to injured spinal cord. Compared with ASCs group, the center distance of forward and hind feet and extorsion angle of the third toe of hind limb were significantly reduced in the AASCs group at 5 weeks (P < 0.05), the glial scar area was significantly decreased at 13 weeks (P < 0.05), and the cavity area of injured region was significantly diminished (P < 0.05). Results show that AASCs transplantation via subarachnoid space promoted functional recovery after SCI in rats.

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