Early Immunomodulation by Intravenously Transplanted Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Functional Recovery in Spinal Cord Injured Rats

Cell Medicine, 2011 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/215517911X582788 · Published: January 1, 2011

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of intravenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation to enhance functional recovery in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. The study found that MSC-treated rats showed modest but significant improvements in locomotor function and somatosensory evoked potentials compared to controls. The researchers suggest that early immunomodulation by intravenously transplanted MSCs is a potential mechanism for functional recovery after SCI.

Study Duration

8 Weeks

Participants

98 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MSCs transplantation resulted in modest but significant improvement in locomotor function of SCI rats.
2
The level of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β was decreased in MSC-treated rats, but that of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased.
3
A proportion of activated microglia and macrophages in total Iba-1+ cells was significantly decreased in MSC-treated rats.

Research Summary

This study explored the mechanisms for functional recovery in SCI rats after intravenous transplantation of MSCs derived from human umbilical cord blood. MSC-treated rats showed a modest but significant improvement in BBB scores and latencies of SSEPs, compared with PBS controls. These results suggest that early immunomodulation by intravenously transplanted MSCs is a potential underlying mechanism for functional recovery after SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Intravenous MSC transplantation may serve as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury.

Immunomodulatory Mechanism

Early immunomodulation is a key mechanism for MSC-mediated functional recovery.

Clinical Translation

Intravenous administration is a preferable minimally invasive method for cell transplants for clinical translation.

Study Limitations

1
The human-specific element was present only for a short while.
2
Delayed transplantation of MSCs 1 week after SCI rather than immediate transplantation should be also tried.
3
Intravenous transplantation of autologous MSCs rather than human MSCs should be tried.

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