Anatomical and functional recovery by embryonic stem cell-derived neural tissue of a mouse model of brain damage.
We have treated undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with all-trans retinoic acid (RA) to induce differentiation in vitro into neuron-like cells with good cell viability for use as a graft. Furthermore, we asked whether the RA-induced neuron-like cells restored neurological dysfunction. To this end, the cells were transplanted into right hemiplegia model of mice, developed by a cryogenic injury of motor cortex. Motor function of the recipients was gradually improved, whereas little improvement was observed in control mice. The lesion showed clustering of mature and almost mature neuron-like cells in mice transplanted with the RA-treated cells. The grafted cells had synaptic vesicles. This finding may suggest their maturation and synaptic connection in the recipient brain. Even though further study is necessary to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the functional recovery, we consider that the ES cells may have advantage for use as a donor source in various neurological disorders including motor dysfunction.
Chiba
Shunmei
S
Department of Immunology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan.
Ikeda
Ritsuko
R
Kurokawa
Manae S
MS
Yoshikawa
Hideshi
H
Takeno
Mitsuhiro
M
Nagafuchi
Hiroko
H
Tadokoro
Mamoru
M
Sekino
Hiroaki
H
Hashimoto
Takuo
T
Suzuki
Noboru
N
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016380:Brain Tissue Transplantation; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D009068:Movement; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014212:Tretinoin