Effect of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on cognitive functions in rats with ischemic stroke

Abstract

The effect of intravenous transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells on the recovery of cognitive functions was studied in Wistar-Kyoto rats after brain stroke induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in the left hemisphere. Analysis 2 and 5 weeks after stroke showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells 3 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion reduced the area of cerebral injury, preserved cognitive functions, and decreased mortality in experimental animals.

Combined Therapeutic Strategy Using Erythropoietin and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Potentiates Neurogenesis after Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

“…Indeed, the long-term administration of EPO, starting 24 h after cerebral ischemia, improved spatial memory in the Morris water maze in a model of traumatic brain injury (Lu et al, 2005). Another study reported an improvement of cognitive function in the Morris water maze after the administration of MSC 3 days after cerebral ischemia (Sokolova et al, 2006). In this study, the cotreatment ameliorates long-term memory in ischemic rats, whereas the administration of MSC or EPO alone had not significant effect.…”

Therapeutic properties of mesenchymal stem cells for autism spectrum disorders

“…in spinal cord injury [84,87]. Similar improvement by MSC treatment was detected in animal models of stroke [88], Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [89], Huntington's disease [90] and Parkinson's disease [91,92]. Furthermore, preclinical data suggest potential benefits of MSC for neuropsychiatric disorders [93].…”

Stem Cells for Enhancing Recovery after Stroke: A Review

“…Additionally, murine HSC demonstrate an age-dependent diminution of self-renewal, increased apoptosis and functional exhaustion under conditions of stress (38). Nevertheless, BMSC improved outcome in experimental models of stroke (39, 40), and preserved cognitive function has also been seen with intravenous transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into rat models of Middle Cerebral Artery occlusion (MCAo) (41). Similarly, behavioural and neurological improvement has been demonstrated with intravenous infusion of CD133 + cells in stroke rats (42); the stem cell marker CD133, a transmembrane cell surface antigen, is specifically expressed on 30–75% of CD34 + cells and has potential benefit for stem cell transplantation because they are less differentiated.…”