Potential of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells from Different Sources for Spinal Cord Repair

PLoS ONE, 2013 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062860 · Published: April 24, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent disabilities, and there's currently no cure. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are a promising therapy. OECs can be taken from either the olfactory bulb (OB) or the olfactory mucosa (OM). Taking them from the OM is less invasive. This study shows that transplanting OECs from either source can help with recovery after a severe spinal cord injury in rats.

Study Duration

60 days

Participants

95 8-weeks old and 30 3–4 weeks old male inbred Fischer rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Transplantation of OECs from OB or OM induces electrophysiological and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
2
OEC transplantation reduces astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation, which are detrimental after SCI.
3
The purification step is essential for OM-OECs but not required for OB-OECs to induce spinal cord recovery.

Research Summary

This study compares the potential of OECs from the olfactory bulb (OB-OECs) and olfactory mucosa (OM-OECs) for spinal cord repair after severe SCI. The results demonstrate that transplantation of OECs from either source leads to electrophysiological and functional recovery, reduces astrocyte reactivity and glial scar formation, and improves axonal regrowth. Purified OM-OECs showed the best benefit/risk ratio and can integrate and survive up to 60 days into the spinal cord, supporting their potential as a therapy for SCI.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

OM-OECs represent a more accessible source of cells for autologous transplantation in humans with SCI, due to the less invasive harvesting procedure.

Therapeutic Strategy

Purification of OM-OECs is crucial for their effectiveness in promoting spinal cord repair, highlighting the importance of cell preparation techniques.

Further Research

Further studies should focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of OM-OECs and the role of ADAMTS-4 in regulating glial scar formation.

Potential of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells from Different Sources for Spinal Cord Repair

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

Therapeutic Strategy

Further Research

Study Limitations

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Potential of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells from Different Sources for Spinal Cord Repair

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

Therapeutic Strategy

Further Research

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?