Transplantation of Cultured Olfactory Bulb Cells Prevents Abnormal Sensory Responses During Recovery From Dorsal Root Avulsion in the Rat

Cell Transplantation, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3727/096368917X695353 · Published: March 23, 2017

Neurology Pain Management Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effect of transplanting olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and olfactory nerve fibroblasts (ONFs) on the recovery of forepaw responses to thermal stimulation after dorsal root avulsion in rats. The researchers found that rats with transplanted OEC/ONFs did not show abnormal sensitivity to heat/cold after injury, behaving similarly to normal rats. This suggests the transplants may prevent the development of abnormal sensations after spinal root lesions. Immunohistological analysis revealed that in rats with transplants, nerve fibers regenerated into the spinal cord, ensheathed by the transplanted cells. This regeneration may contribute to the prevention of abnormal sensory responses.

Study Duration

3 weeks

Participants

34 adult rats

Evidence Level

Level II; Experimental study

Key Findings

1
Dorsal root avulsion in rats leads to a transient period of exaggerated responses to heat and cold stimuli on the forepaw.
2
Transplantation of OEC/ONFs prevented the development of these abnormal sensory responses, with treated rats behaving similarly to uninjured controls.
3
Immunohistology showed regeneration of nerve fibers into the spinal cord in transplanted rats, with these fibers being ensheathed by the transplanted OECs.

Research Summary

The study examines the impact of OEC/ONF transplants on forepaw thermal responses following dorsal root avulsion in rats, finding that transplants prevented heightened sensitivity to heat and cold. Histological analysis revealed nerve fiber regeneration into the spinal cord, facilitated by OEC/ONF transplants, suggesting a mechanism for the observed functional benefits. The results suggest that OEC/ONF transplantation could be a useful strategy to prevent abnormal sensations like allodynia after spinal root injuries, without worsening existing pain symptoms.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

OEC/ONF transplants may be a viable therapeutic approach to prevent neuropathic pain and abnormal sensory experiences following brachial plexus injuries or spinal root avulsions.

Further Research

Further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which OEC/ONFs prevent abnormal sensory responses and to optimize transplantation protocols for clinical use.

Pain Management

The study highlights the potential of cell-based therapies to address chronic pain conditions resulting from nerve damage, offering a novel approach to pain management.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in rats, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The study only examined the effects of OEC/ONF transplantation up to 3 weeks post-injury, limiting insight into long-term outcomes.
3
Mechanical sensitivity was not assessed, potentially missing a complete picture of sensory recovery.

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