Spinal Cord Regeneration in Rat using Neural Stem Cell Differentiated from Human Telencephalon

Sang-Rim Kim; Kwang Hoon Chung; Kwang-Bok Lee

doi:10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.3.324

Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.42(3) > 1012660

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Kim, Chung, and Lee: Spinal Cord Regeneration in Rat using Neural Stem Cell Differentiated from Human Telencephalon

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association

Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association 2007; 42(3): 324-331.

Published online: 30 June 2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.3.324

Spinal Cord Regeneration in Rat using Neural Stem Cell Differentiated from Human Telencephalon

Sang-Rim Kim, M.D., Kwang Hoon Chung, M.D., Kwang-Bok Lee, M.D.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Cheju National University College of Medicine, Cheju National University Hospital, Jeju, Korea.

Address reprint requests to Kwang-Bok Lee, M.D. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Cheju National University Hospital, 154, Samdo 2-dong, Jeju 690-716, Korea. Tel: +82.64-750-1119, Fax: +82.64-726-0173, osdr2815@cheju.ac.kr

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of neural stem cells differentiated from a human telencephalon on the neural regeneration in the severed spinal cord.

Materials and Methods

The 1^st surgery involving the insertion of plastic membrane in the transected cord was performed to prevent spontaneous healing of adult female rats (n=20, 171-237 g) with a complete spinal cord transection. The media was inserted only after removing the previously inserted plastic membrane in the control group (n=6). In the experimental group (n=14), media and neural stem cell (1×) were transplanted after removing the membrane, and immunohistochemical staining was performed. The experimental group was perfused transcardially 5 weeks after the 2^nd surgery, and the level of neural cell regeneration determined by immunohistochemical staining. In behavioral analysis, the Basso-Beatie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores of the control and experimental group were compared weekly from immediately after the injury until 5 weeks post-injury after the 2^nd surgery.

Results

Immunohistochemical stain revealed no neural regeneration in the control group. On the other hand, the survival of transplanted human neural stem cells and remarkable neural regeneration (differentiate to neuron and astrocyte) were observed in the experimental group. In the BBB locomotor scale, the experimental group showed significant recovery in terms of control; and the score increased from postoperative 2 weeks to 3 weeks, and reached a plateau from 3 weeks to 5 weeks.

Conclusion

The effect of neural stem cells differentiated from human telencephalon on cord regeneration does not produce functional recovery in the BBB locomotor scale, but there is slight recovery of the muscle function. The survival of transplanted human neural stem cells and the possibility of differentiation to neurons or astrocytes were observed.

Keywords: Neural stem cell, Cord injury, Neural regeneration

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

Diagram summarizing the system of all procedures in this experiment.

Fig. 2

Photograph showing the injured spinal cord (asterix), and the insertion and removal of the plastic membrane (curved arrows) during the 1st surgery (A) and 2nd surgery (B). Showing the wide defect and surrounding scar tissue of the spinal cord result from the inserted plastic membrane.

Fig. 3

Images showing β-gal (+) cell as a red color (B), Neurofilament (+) cell as a green color (A), and double staining (C) with two antibodies.

Fig. 4

Image showing β-gal (+) cell as a red color (B), GFAP (+) cell as a green color (A) and double staining (C) with two antibodies.

Fig. 5

Image showing the behavioral analysis with the BBB locomotor scores of the right (A) and left (B) lower extremities.

Table 1

BBB (Basso-Beatie-Bresnahan) Locomotor Rating Scale

Table 2

Summary of the Data for Immunohistochemical Staining and the BBB Locomotor Scores

^*β-gal: β-galactosidase, ^†GFAP: glial fibillic acidic protein.

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