Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells in Anosmic Mice

Abstract

ObjectivesTreating olfactory dysfunction is a challenge for physicians. One of the therapeutic options could be transplantation of stem cells. In this study, neural stem cells were transplanted into anosmic mice.MethodsNeural stem cells were generated from the olfactory bulb of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transgenic C57BL6 mice. Anosmia were induced by injection of intraperitoneal 3-methylindole. The neural stem cells were transplanted transnasally on the next day. The olfactory function was evaluated by a food-finding test once a week. The olfactory neuroepithelium was harvested for histologic examination and protein analysis at 4 weeks.ResultsTwenty-five percent (6/24) of the control mice that were not transplanted with neural stem cells survived at 4 weeks while 67% (8/12) of the transplanted mice survived (P=0.029). The food finding test showed that the transplanted mice resumed finding food at 3 weeks while the control mice resumed finding food at 4 weeks. GFP-positive cells were observed in the olfactory neuroepithelium of the transplanted mice. Western blotting revealed that the olfactory marker protein expression was significantly lower in the control mice than that in the transplanted mice.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that improvement of mouse survival was achieved and recovery of olfactory function was promoted by transnasal transplantation of neural stem cells in the anosmic mouse model. These results indicate that stem cells might be one of the future modalities for treating olfactory impairment.

The effectiveness of platelet‐rich plasma in an anosmia‐induced mice model

“…Lee et al reported a significant improvement in anosmia after olfactory neuroepithelial stem cell transplantation in mice. 5 Nota et al found significant improvement in anosmia in their study group (anosmia-induced mice) after infiltration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). 6 Platelet-rich plasma treatment is a process in which a small amount of blood from a test subject is separated into its components by a special centrifugation process, and the resulting PRP is administered to the same subject via injection.…”

“…If local growth factors or stem cells are applied to this region, they may trigger this potential. Lee et al reported a significant improvement in anosmia after olfactory neuroepithelial stem cell transplantation in mice . Nota et al found significant improvement in anosmia in their study group (anosmia‐induced mice) after infiltration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) …”

“…Degeneration in the neurons of the olfactory fossa due to any cause may result in anosmia or hyposmia . However, it has been shown that growth factors topically induce neuronal regeneration in animal models, and the use of stem cell applications has been reported in various studies conducted in such models …”

“…4 However, it has been shown that growth factors topically induce neuronal regeneration in animal models, and the use of stem cell applications has been reported in various studies conducted in such models. 5,6 Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is a platelet concentration that is obtained by centrifuging the blood sample of a patient or experimental animal. It contains more growth factors than the blood, and promotes and accelerates healing through these and neurotrophic factors.…”

Treatment of Neural Anosmia by Topical Application of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor–Gelatin Hydrogel in the Nasal Cavity

“…Experimental neural anosmia has often been induced by administering various olfactotoxic agents, such as zinc sulfate, 12 3-MI, [13][14][15] and methimazole. 16 In this study, we used 3-MI to impair ORNs of the olfactory epithelium, although it also caused bronchiolar insult.…”