Transplantation of Embryonic Spinal Cord Derived Cells Helps to Prevent Muscle Atrophy after Peripheral Nerve Injury

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030511 · Published: February 27, 2017

Neurology Genetics Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Injuries to peripheral nerves are common and can lead to muscle atrophy. This study investigates whether transplanting embryonic spinal cord cells can help prevent this atrophy. The researchers injected fetal spinal cord cells and cultured neural progenitor cells into injured nerves of rats. They then assessed the muscle atrophy in the biceps brachii. The results showed that both types of cells survived, extended axons, and formed neuromuscular junctions, reducing muscle atrophy. Fetal cells, especially from the lumbar region, were most effective.

Study Duration

6 and 12 weeks

Participants

112 adult female SD rats (220–250 g) for the first in vivo part of the study. Another 10 SD rats were used for the next part of the study.

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Both fetal spinal cord cells (P0) and neural progenitor cells (P2) were able to survive in the injured peripheral nerve environment.
2
Transplanted cells extended axons towards the muscle and formed functional neuromuscular junctions.
3
Fetal spinal cord cells (P0), particularly lumbar cells, were more effective at reducing muscle atrophy compared to neural progenitor cells (P2).

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of transplanting embryonic spinal cord-derived cells into injured peripheral nerves to prevent muscle atrophy. Both fetal cells (P0) and neural progenitor cells (P2) showed the ability to survive, extend axons, and form functional neuromuscular junctions, leading to reduced muscle atrophy. Fetal lumbar cells were most effective and helped preserve muscle endplates, leading to earlier functional recovery after delayed surgical repair.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for Nerve Injuries

Cell transplantation, especially with fetal lumbar cells, could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injuries.

Improved Functional Recovery

Preserving muscle endplates through cell transplantation leads to earlier and improved functional recovery after nerve repair.

Cell Source Optimization

Fetal spinal cord cells from the lumbar region are a better source for transplantation compared to neural progenitor cells or cells from other spinal cord segments.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The long-term effects of cell transplantation were not evaluated beyond 12 weeks.
3
The exact mechanisms by which transplanted cells prevent muscle atrophy were not fully elucidated.

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