Neural precursors as a cell source to repair the demyelinated spinal cord.
Schwann cells and neural precursor cells derived from adult human brain (subventricular zone) and from bone marrow were studied anatomically and physiologically after transplantation into the demyelinated rat spinal cord. All cell types formed myelin and restored conduction velocity. Following transection of the dorsal funiculus, Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells facilitated axonal regeneration and restoration of conduction across the lesion site. There is discussion on the challenges of cell type selection and preparation for a potential clinical cell therapy study in human demyelinating diseases.
Kocsis
Jeffery D
JD
Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven,VA Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA. jeffrey.kocsis@yale.edu
Akiyama
Yukinori
Y
Radtke
Christine
C
D000818:Animals; D016380:Brain Tissue Transplantation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D009831:Olfactory Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*