Co-transplantation of schwann cells promotes the survival and differentiation of neural stem cells transplanted into the injured spinal cord

Dev Neurosci. 2005 Jan-Feb;27(1):20-6. doi: 10.1159/000084529.

Abstract

The present study investigates whether Schwann cells (SCs) could promote the survival and differentiation of neural stem cells in the injured spinal cord. Neural stem cells were dissociated and cloned from the hippocampal tissue of newborn rats. SCs were also dissociated and purified simultaneously from the sciatic nerves of 4-day-old rats. The results showed that the number of surviving neural stem cells and differentiated neuron-like cells was significantly increased in the co-grafted (SCs and neural stem cells) group compared with the control group (neural stem cells only). Neuron-like cells that developed axon-like processes were observed more commonly in the co-grafted group. These results demonstrate that SCs can promote the survival and differentiation of transplanted neural stem cells in the injured spinal cord.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Brain Tissue Transplantation / methods*
  • Cell Communication / physiology
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Graft Survival / physiology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism
  • Schwann Cells / transplantation*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins