title: Olfactory ensheathing cells: part I—current concepts and experimental laboratory models.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to assess the results of current laboratory studies of olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation for the treatment of central nervous system repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used a literature search and topic review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are numerous successful reports of regeneration and functional improvements in animals after OEC transplantation, but a few negative studies raise questions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the exact mechanisms of action of OECs are not fully understood, it is clear that OECs have beneficial regenerative properties in laboratory studies, and the ease with which OECs can be harvested and cultured in animal models make clinical application a very reasonable prospect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gladwin
authors.affiliation: Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: d.choi@ucl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000637:transplantation*; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Brachial plexus; Olfactory ensheathing cell; Spinal cord; Transplantation