Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (49): 9167-.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.49.011

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Ultrastructure of injured spinal cord following olfactory ensheathing cells transplantation

Liu Xiao-yang, Sun Jian-min, Cui Xin-gang, Jiang Zhen-song   

  1. Department of Spinal Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong Univeristy, Jinan  250021, Shandong Province, China
  • Online:2010-12-03 Published:2010-12-03
  • Contact: Sun Jian-min, Doctor, Chief physician, Department of Spinal Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong Univeristy, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China spine163@163.com
  • About author:Liu Xiao-yang, Studying for master’s degree, Department of Spinal Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong Univeristy, Jinan 250021, Shandong Province, China shuilanwenqing@163.com
  • Supported by:

    the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, No. Y2007C010

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Neural function automatically recovers a little after spinal cord injury. Because of the capacity of myelination belonging to both peripheral and central glial cells, olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) become the most promising cells for repairing damaged nerves. The histological and ultrastructural changes of spinal cord after OECs grafting may help to explain the mechanism of neural restoration.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of transplantation of OECs originating from the olfactory bulbs to repair spinal cord injury, and explore the influence of grafted OECs on histology and ultrastructure of neurons and axons.
METHODS: Wistar rat models were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (group A, no treatment), DMEM/F12 group (group B, administrated with DMEM/F12 medium) and the OECs group (group C, treated with OEC suspension). The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB) was observed each week. Histological changes and immunohistochemical staining were observed 8 weeks later. Reparation of spinal cord injury was assessed. Effects of OEC transplantation on spinal cord tissue and ultrastructure were observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The posterior limb motor function was recovered in three groups. The BBB grade of groups    C was higher than that of group A and group B, especially in the last 4 weeks post operation. Histology revealed that both stumps were connected by nerve fibers through the injury site in group C. Less damage of nerve fibers and neurons at the vicinity of damage site was observed in group C than that in group A and group B. The percentage of caspsase-3 positive cells in group   C was smaller than that in group A and group B. The ultrastructure showed that morphology of fiber and neuron in group C was better than that in groups A and B. Results suggest that transplantation of OECs has significant promotory effects on restoration of spinal cord injury in the rat, and can improve part function of nerve fibers and shows neuroprotection on neurons and nerve fibers.

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