Transplantation of neural stem cells encapsulated in hydrogels improve functional recovery in a cauda equina lesion model

Abstract Background This study explored the therapeutic effects of transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) encapsulated in hydrogels in a cauda equina lesion model. Methods NSCs were isolated from neonatal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and cultured in three-dimensional porous hydrogel scaffolds. Immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, Luxol fast blue staining, TUNEL assay were performed to detect the differentiation capability, ultrastructural and pathological changes, and apoptosis of NSCs. Furthermore, the functional recovery of sensorimotor reflexes was determined using the tail-flick test. Results NSCs derived from DRG were able to proliferate to form neurospheres and mainly differentiate into oligodendrocytes in the three-dimensional hydrogel culture system. After transplantation of NSCs encapsulated in hydrogels, NSCs differentiated into oligodendrocytes, neurons or astrocytes in vivo . Moreover, NSCs engrafted on the hydrogels decreased apoptosis and alleviated the ultrastructural and pathological changes of injured cauda equina. Behavioral analysis showed that transplanted hydrogel-encapsulated NSCs decreased the tail-flick latency and showed a neuroprotective role on injured cauda equina. Conclusions Our results indicate transplantation of hydrogel-encapsulated NSCs promotes stem cell differentiation into oligodendrocytes, neurons or astrocytes and contributes to the functional recovery of injured cauda equina, suggesting that NSCs encapsulated in hydrogels may be applied for the treatment of cauda equina injury.

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Transplantation of neural stem cells encapsulated in hydrogels improve functional recovery in a cauda equina lesion model

10.21203/rs.2.19916/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zhiyi Fu ◽

Huidong Wang ◽

Yujie Wu ◽

Tong Zhu

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Neural Stem Cells ◽

Functional Recovery ◽

Cauda Equina ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Stem Cell Differentiation ◽

Blue Staining ◽

Tail Flick ◽

Pathological Changes ◽

Cauda Equina Lesion

Abstract Background This study explored the therapeutic effects of transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) encapsulated in hydrogels in a cauda equina lesion model.Methods NSCs were isolated from neonatal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and cultured in three-dimensional porous hydrogel scaffolds. Immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, Luxol fast blue staining, TUNEL assay were performed to detect the differentiation capability, ultrastructural and pathological changes, and apoptosis of NSCs. Furthermore, the functional recovery of sensorimotor reflexes was determined using the tail-flick test.Results NSCs derived from DRG were able to proliferate to form neurospheres and mainly differentiate into oligodendrocytes in the three-dimensional hydrogel culture system. After transplantation of NSCs encapsulated in hydrogels, NSCs differentiated into oligodendrocytes, neurons or astrocytes in vivo . Moreover, NSCs engrafted on the hydrogels decreased apoptosis and alleviated the ultrastructural and pathological changes of injured cauda equina. Behavioral analysis showed that transplanted hydrogel-encapsulated NSCs decreased the tail-flick latency and showed a neuroprotective role on injured cauda equina.Conclusions Our results indicate transplantation of hydrogel-encapsulated NSCs promotes stem cell differentiation into oligodendrocytes, neurons or astrocytes and contributes to the functional recovery of injured cauda equina, suggesting that NSCs encapsulated in hydrogels may be applied for the treatment of cauda equina injury.

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Differentiation of neonatal dorsal root ganglion-derived neural stem cells into oligodendrocytes after intrathecal transplantation into a cauda equina lesion model

Genetics and Molecular Research ◽

10.4238/2013.december.2.7 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 6092-6102 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Z.Y. Fu ◽

J.G. Shi ◽

N. Liu ◽

L.S. Jia ◽

W. Yuan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Dorsal Root Ganglion ◽

Neural Stem Cells ◽

Dorsal Root ◽

Cauda Equina ◽

Intrathecal Transplantation ◽

Cauda Equina Lesion

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Brain Transplantation of Immortalized Human Neural Stem Cells Promotes Functional Recovery in Mouse Intracerebral Hemorrhage Stroke Model

Stem Cells ◽

10.1634/stemcells.2006-0409 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 25 (5) ◽

pp. 1204-1212 ◽

Cited By ~ 146

Author(s):

Hong J. Lee ◽

Kwang S. Kim ◽

Eun J. Kim ◽

Hyun B. Choi ◽

Kwang H. Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Neural Stem Cells ◽

Functional Recovery ◽

Stroke Model ◽

Human Neural Stem Cells

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Functional Recovery Following Spinal Cord Hemisection Mediated by a Unique Polymer Scaffold Seeded with Neural Stem Cells

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-662-oo1.2 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 662 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Erin Lavik ◽

Yang D. Teng ◽

David Zurakowski ◽

Xianlu Qu ◽

Evan Snyder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Stem Cells ◽

Spinal Cord Injury ◽

Neural Stem Cells ◽

Functional Recovery ◽

Axonal Guidance ◽

General Character ◽

Cord Injury ◽

Scaffold Structure ◽

Spinal Cord Hemisection

AbstractA dual scaffold structure made of biodegradable polymers and seeded with neural stem cells has been developed to address the issues of spinal cord injury including axonal severance and the loss of neurons and glia. The general design of the scaffold is derived the structure of the spinal cord with an outer section which mimics the white matter with long axial pores to provide axonal guidance and an inner section seeded with neural stem cells to address the issues of cell replacement and mimic the general character of the gray matter. The seeded scaffold leads to improved functional recovery as compared with the lesion control or cells alone following spinal cord injury.

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