Transplantation of choroid plexus epithelial cells into contusion-injured spinal cord of rats

Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 2016 · DOI: 10.3233/RNN-150546 · Published: January 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigated the potential of choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPECs) to improve recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. CPECs were transplanted into the injured spinal cord, and the rats' locomotor functions and tissue repair were assessed. The researchers found that rats receiving CPEC transplants showed significant improvement in their ability to move. The transplanted cells also appeared to promote axonal regeneration and reduce cavity formation in the injured spinal cord. These findings suggest that CPEC transplantation could be a promising therapeutic approach for SCI by enhancing tissue recovery and promoting the regrowth of damaged nerve fibers.

Study Duration

5 weeks

Participants

32 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level 2; Animal Study

Key Findings

1
Transplantation of CPECs significantly improved locomotor behaviors in rats with SCI, as measured by BBB scores.
2
Numerous axons grew through the astrocyte-devoid areas in the spinal cord lesion, with some interactions with CPECs.
3
Cavity formation was reduced in cell-transplanted spinal cords compared to controls, indicating improved tissue repair.

Research Summary

This study examined the effect of choroid plexus epithelial cell (CPEC) transplantation on locomotor improvement and tissue repair in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The results showed that CPEC transplantation enhanced locomotor improvement and tissue recovery, including axonal regeneration, in rats with SCI. The study suggests that CPECs are effective for the histological and functional recoveries of an injured spinal cord, possibly by releasing certain neurotrophic factors after transplantation.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

CPEC transplantation may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury by promoting axonal regeneration and tissue repair.

Neurotrophic Factor Release

CPECs might exert their beneficial effects by releasing neurotrophic factors that facilitate axonal regeneration and protect injured axons.

Understanding Axonal Regeneration

The study provides insights into the patterns of axonal regeneration in spinal cord lesions, highlighting the role of astrocyte-devoid areas and collagen matrices.

Study Limitations

1
CPECs did not survive long-term in the spinal cord lesion, limiting their potential for sustained tissue repair.
2
The origin of Schwann cells surrounding axons in the astrocyte-devoid areas was not clarified.
3
It was not determined whether axons extending through the astrocyte-devoid areas are ascending or descending fibers.

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