The Regeneration Potential after Human and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Injury Model can be Monitored by MRI

Abstract

Traumatic nerve injuries are a major clinical challenge. Tissue engineering using a combination of nerve conduits and cell-based therapies represents a promising approach to nerve repair. The aim of this study was to examine the regeneration potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) after transplantation in a nonautogenous setting and to compare them with autogenous rat ASCs (rASCs) for early peripheral nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the use of MRI to assess the continuous process of nerve regeneration was elaborated. The sciatic nerve injury model in female Sprague-Dawley rats was applied, and a 10-mm gap created by using a fibrin conduit seeded with the following cell types: rASCs, Schwann cell (SC)-like cells from rASC, rat SCs (rSCs), hASCs from the superficial and deep abdominal layer, as well as human stromal vascular fraction (1 × 10(6) cells). As a negative control group, culture medium only was used. After 2 weeks, nerve regeneration was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, MRI was performed after 2 and 4 weeks to monitor nerve regeneration. Autogenous ASCs and SC-like cells led to accelerated peripheral nerve regeneration, whereas the human stem cell groups displayed inferior results. Nevertheless, positive trends could be observed for hASCs from the deep abdominal layer. By using a clinical 3T MRI scanner, we were able to visualize the graft as a small black outline and small hyperintensity indicating the regenerating axon front. Furthermore, a strong correlation was found between the length of the regenerating axon front measured by MRI and the length measured by immunocytochemistry (r = 0.74, p = 0.09). We successfully transplanted and compared human and autologous stem cells for peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. Furthermore, we were able to implement the clinical 3T MRI scanner to monitor the efficacy of cellular therapy over time.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Nerve Repair: Hype or Reality?

“…This molecule was, however, not detected in the cells prior to their administration, suggesting that the stem cells induced the local production of GDNF by endogenous Schwann cells [Marconi et al, 2012]. Effects of ADSCs on early nerve regeneration can be monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [Tremp et al, 2013]. Using a clinical 3-tesla MRI scanner, Tremp et al [2013] were able to show a strong correlation between the length of regenerating axon front measured by MRI and the length measured by immunocytochemistry.…”

“…Effects of ADSCs on early nerve regeneration can be monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [Tremp et al, 2013]. Using a clinical 3-tesla MRI scanner, Tremp et al [2013] were able to show a strong correlation between the length of regenerating axon front measured by MRI and the length measured by immunocytochemistry. Transplantation of rat ADSCs in this model showed significant enhancements in both measurements.…”

In vitro study of neural stem cells and activated Schwann cells cocultured on electrospinning polycaprolactone scaffolds

“…In order to determine the suitable density of ASCs for culturing on PCL scaffolds, 2×10 4 , 8×10 3 and 6×10 3 ASCs were cultured separately on PCL. After 3 days of culture on the scaffolds, crystal violet staining was performed.…”

“…The current researches focused on cell transplantation, a promising strategy for nervous system repair. [1][2][3][4] The transplanted cells could replace the injured cells and remodel the native tissues. In recent years, a variety of kinds of cells have been used for the neural repair.…”

Enxerto com tubo de polietileno poroso preenchido com gordura autóloga no reparo de nervo periférico associado com protocolo de imersão em câmara hiperbárica

“…Além disso, não existe correlação entre nervos periféricos, após reconstrução, mesmo na presença de fibras mielinizadas em grande quantidade e com efetiva demonstração de regeneração observada sob microscopia eletrônica (LANDON;HALL, 1976;GARTNER;HIATT, 2006;FARRAG;LEHAR;VERHAEGEN;et al, 2007;KALBERMATTEN;ERBA;MAHAY;TREMP;SCHWABEDISSEN;KAPPOS;LICHTENFELS;COLOMÉ;SEBBEN; ANDREO;BARRAVIERA;. No entanto por vezes a simples rafia não é possível pela perda de estrutura, com a formação de um gap, têm-se a técnica de enxertia autóloga (TERZIS;FAIBISOFF;WILLIAMS, 1975).…”