Intraspinal implantation of hNT neurons into SOD1 mice with apparent motor deficit.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hNT neuron transplants on motor neuron function in SOD1 (G93A) mice when motor deficits were already apparent.


METHODS
The hNT neurons were implanted into L(4)-L(5) segments of the ventral horn spinal cord of mice at 15-16 weeks of age: either G93A mice, transgenic mice carrying the normal allele for human SOD1 gene (hTg), or control wild type mice (wt). Behavioral tests (rotorod, beam balance, extension reflex, footprint) were performed prior to transplantation and at weekly intervals afterwards.


RESULTS
HNT neuron transplantation in the SOD1 mice delayed disease progression for 3-4 weeks, although lifespan was not affected.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that hNT neuron transplantation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for ALS in the later phase of the neurodegeneration.
Garbuzova-Davis
S
S
Center for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Willing
A E
AE
Milliken
M
M
Saporta
S
S
Sowerby
B
B
Cahill
D W
DW
Sanberg
P R
PR
D000818:Animals; D000870:Anterior Horn Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D000072105:Superoxide Dismutase-1; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000379:methods / Q000473:pathology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000637:transplantation
C000606290:SOD1 protein, human; C000606291:Sod1 protein, mouse; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D000072105:Superoxide Dismutase-1