Pure Schwann cell suspension grafts promote regeneration of the lesioned septo-hippocampal cholinergic pathway.
Regeneration of central nervous system (CNS) axons has been studied in the cholinergic septo-hippocampal system using various 'bridges' able to support fiber growth. In this study, a pure Schwann cell (Sc) suspension labeled with bisbenzimide (Hoechst 33342) was grafted in the lesioned septo-hippocampal pathway. At 2 weeks post-grafting, acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE)-positive fibers invaded the graft and grew in association with the Hoechst-labeled Sc, some of which expressed the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (NGF-R). At 2 months and 4 months post-grafting, the dorsal hippocampus was reinnervated with an apparently normal innervation pattern. Analysis of fiber growth in the hippocampus at four months post-grafting revealed a significant increase of reinnervation in the grafted animals (2 mm) compared to the non-grafted ones. No difference was observed in the number of cholinergic septal neurons expressing the NGF-R. These results demonstrate that a Sc suspension grafted into the lesioned septo-hippocampal system, integrates well into the host tissue, and supports axonal CNS outgrowth, implying that Sc by themselves provide an adequate environment for regeneration to occur.
Montero-Menei
C N
CN
INSERM U 134, Hôpital Salpetrière, Paris, France.
Pouplard-Barthelaix
A
A
Gumpel
M
M
Baron-Van Evercooren
A
A
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000637:transplantation*; D012688:Septum Pellucidum / Q000502:physiology*
D000109:Acetylcholine