神经生长因子促再生坐骨神经血管生成的作用

BACKGROUND： It remains to be determined whether nerve growth factor （NGF） can promote angiogenesis in regenerating peripheral nerves during repairing peripheral nerve injury.
OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effects of NGF on angiogenesis, and to analyze the influencing mechanisms of NGF, according to the expression patterns of CD34, von Willebrand factor （vWF）, vascular endothelial cell growth factor （VEGF）, and the NGF receptor TrkA in proliferating vascular endothelial cells from a rat model of sciatic nerve injury.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled study performed at the Research Institute of Field Surgery, Daping Hospital affiliated to the Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, between October 2003 and July 2005.
MATERIALS： Forty-five healthy, adult, Wistar rats underwent sciatic nerve injury. The rats were randomly divided into four groups： NGF ＋ chitosan （n = 15）, NGF ＋ chitosan ＋ anti-VEGF （n = 10）, chitosan （n = 10）, and physiological saline （n = 10）. METHODS： A 1 -cm defected sciatic nerve was bridged with a silica gel conduit. NGF ＋ chitosan group： 100 μ L chitosan and 5 μ L NGF （20 mg/L） were injected into the silica gel conduit; NGF ＋ chitosan ＋ anti-VEGF group： an additional 5μ L anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody （1 g/L） was injected into the silica gel conduit; chitosan group： 100μL chitosan and 5 μL physiological saline were injected into the silica gel conduit; physiological saline group： only 5μL physiological saline was injected into the silica gel conduit.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： CD34 and vWf were used to label blood capillaries and large-diameter blood vessels in the regenerating peripheral nerves, respectively. At day 14 following surgery, immunohistochemistry was used to detect and semi-quantitatively analyze expressions of CD34, vWf, VEGF, and TrkA in proliferating vascular endothelial cells in the regenerating sciatic nerve. A confocal laser microscope was used to determine co-expression. RESULTS： Expressions of TrkA, CD34, vWf, and VEGF in the NGF ＋ chitosan group were significantly greater than the physiological saline and chitosan groups （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Expressions of CD34 and VEGF in the NGF ＋ chitosan ＋ anti-VEGF group were completely inhibited, while expressions of vWf and TrkA gradually decreased, compared with the NGF ＋ chitosan group （P 〈 0.01）. Confocal microscopy revealed strong co-expression of VEGF and CD34 in the regenerating sciatic nerve, and CD34 expression positively correlated with VEGF expression. In addition, VEGF expression was greater than CD34 expression, and coexpression of VEGF and vWf was also strong.
CONCLUSION： VEGF was expressed in blood capillaries and large-diameter blood vessels, while exogenous NGF promoted VEGF expression in regenerating sciatic nerves, thereby increasing angiogenesis.     

Neuron-specific enolase expression in a rat model of radiation-induced brain injury following vascular endothelial growth factor-modified neural stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have shown that transplantation of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）-modified neural stem cells （NSC） provides better outcomes, compared with neural stem cells, in the treatment of brain damage. OBJECTIVE： To compare the effects of VEGF-modified NSC transplantation and NSC transplantation on radiation-induced brain injury, and to determine neuron-specific enolase （NSE） expression in the brain. DESIGN, TIME, AND SETTING： The randomized, controlled study was performed at the Linbaixin Experimental Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China from November 2007 to October 2008. MATERIALS： VEGF-modified C17.2 NSCs were supplied by Harvard Medical School, USA. Streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex kit （Boster, China） and 5, 6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester （Fluka, USA） were used in this study. METHODS： A total of 84 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a blank control group （n = 20）, model group （n = 20）, NSC group （n = 20）, and a VEGF-modified NSC group （n = 24）. Rat models of radiation-induced brain injury were established in the model, NSC, and VEGF-modified NSC groups. At 1 week following model induction, 10 pL （5 ×10^4 cells/μL） VEGF-modified NSCs or NSCs were respectively infused into the striatum and cerebral cortex of rats from the VEGF-modified NSC and NSC groups. A total of 10μL saline was injected into rats from the blank control and model groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： NSE expression in the brain was detected by immunohistochemistry following VEGF-modified NSC transplantation. RESULTS： NSE expression was significantly decreased in the brains of radiation-induced brain injury rats （P 〈 0.05）. The number of NSE-positive neurons significantly increased in the NSC and VEGF-modified NSC groups, compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）. NSE expression significantly increased in the VEGF-modified NSC group, compared with the NSC group, at 6 weeks following transplantation （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： VEGF-modified NSC transplantation increased NSE expression in rats with radiation-induced brain injury, and the outcomes were superior to NSC transplantation.     

Neuronal-like cell differentiation of non-adherent bone marrow cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells*

Non-adherent bone marrow cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells from C57BL/6J mice were separated and cultured using the "pour-off" method.Non-adherent bone marrow cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells developed colony-forming unit-fibroblasts,and could be expanded by supplementation with epidermal growth factor.Immunocytochemistry showed that the non-adherent bone marrow cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells exposed to basic fibroblast growth factor/epidermal growth factor/nerve growth factor expressed the neuron specific markers,neurofilament-200 and NeuN,in vitro.Non-adherent bone marrow cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells from β-galactosidase transgenic mice were also transplanted into focal ischemic brain (right corpus striatum) of C57BL/6J mice.At 8 weeks,cells positive for LacZ and β-galactosidase staining were observed in the ischemic tissues,and cells co-labeled with both β-galactosidase and NeuN were seen by double immunohistochemical staining.These findings suggest that the non-adherent bone marrow cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells could differentiate into neuronal-like cells in vitro and in vivo.     

Panax notoginseng saponins influence on transplantation of neural stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease *☆

BACKGROUND： Dopaminergic neurons differentiated from neural stem cells have been successfully used in the treatment of rat models of Parkinson＇s disease; however, the survival rate of transplanted cells has been low. Most cells die by apoptosis as a result of overloaded intracellular calcium and the formation of oxygen free radicals.
OBJECTIVE： To observe whether survival of transplanted cells, transplantation efficacy, and dopaminergic differentiation from neural stem cells is altered by Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） in a rat model of Parkinson＇s disease.
DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Cellular and molecular biology experiments with randomized group design. The experiment was performed at the Animal Experimental Center, First Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from April to October 2007.
MATERIALS： Thirty-two adult, healthy, male Sprague Dawley rats, and four healthy Sprague Dawley rat embryos at gestational days 14-15 were selected. The right ventral mesencephalon was injected with 6-hydroxydopamine to establish a model of Parkinson＇s disease. 6-hydroxydopamine and apomorphine were purchased from Sigma, USA.
METHODS： Neural stem cells derived from the mesencephalon of embryonic rats were cultivated and passaged in serum-free culture medium. Lesioned animals were randomly divided into four groups （n = 8）： dopaminergic neuron, dopaminergic neuron ＋ PNS, PNS, and control. The dopaminergic neuron group was injected with 3 μL cell suspension containing dopaminergic neurons differentiated from neural stem cells. The dopaminergic neurons ＋ PNS group received 3 μ L dopaminergic cell suspension combined with PNS （250 mg/L）. The PNS group received 3 μL PNS （250 mg/L）, and the control group received 3 μL DMEM/F12 culture medium.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The rats were transcardially perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde at 60 days post-grafting for immunohistochemistry. The rats were intraperitoneally injected with apomorphine （0.5 mg/kg） to induce rotational behavior. RESU     

Hepatocyte growth factor gene transfer effects on the femoral and intramuscular nerve in a canine model of lower limb ischemia*☆

BACKGROUND： Recent advancements in gene therapy have provided new methodology for treating ischemia in lower extremities. Gene transfer of angiogenic factors to ischemic tissues may promote local proliferation of new vessels and form collateral circulation. OBJECTIVE： To observe histopathological changes in the femoral and intramuscular nerve three months after intramuscular injection of hepatocyte growth factor （HGF） into the peripheral skeletal muscle in a canine model of lower limb ischemia. DESIGN： Randomized occlusion modelled and verification animal study. SETTING： Experimental Center, Lanzhou General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS： This study was performed at Animal Experimental Center, Lanzhou General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA from September to November 2006. A total of eight male mongrel dogs, weighing 12–15 kg and 1.5–3 years of age, were selected for this study. This experimental study was in accordance with local ethics standards. Recombinant plasmid carrying HGF （pUDKH） and occlusion model plasmid （pUDK） were provided by the Third Laboratory of Radiation Medical Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences of PLA. METHODS： Grouping and model establishment： under anesthesia, complete vascular occlusion models were established on the left lower extremities. The experimental dogs were randomly divided into a model group and a pUDKH treatment group, with four dogs in each group. Dogs in the pUDKH group were injected with 0.15 mg/kg pUDKH. Ten minutes later, intramuscular injections were performed at three spots into the peripheral skeletal muscle of the left hind limb, as well as lateral injections at two spots. The injection volume at each spot was 0.2 mL. Dogs in the model group were injected with pUDK, and dosage and injection method were identical to the treatment group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Histopathological changes in the femoral nerve, as well as internal and external intramuscular nerve tissue     

Protein hairy enhancer of split-1 expression during differentiation of muscle-derived stem cells into neuron-like cells

Muscle-derived stem cells were isolated from the skeletal muscle of Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats aged 3 days old. Cells at passage 5 were incubated in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum, 20 μg/L nerve growth factor, 20 μg/L basic fibroblast growth factor and 1% (v/v) penicillin for 6 days. Cells presented with long processes, similar to nerve cells. Connections were formed between cell processes. Immunocytochemical staining with neuron specific enolase verified that cells differentiated into neuron-like cells. Immunofluorescence cytochemistry and western blot results revealed that the expression of protein hairy enhancer of split-1 was significantly reduced. These results indicate that low expression of protein hairy enhancer of split-1 participates in the differentiation of muscle-derived stem cells into neuron-like cells.     

骨髓神经组织定向干细胞化组织工程神经桥接坐骨神经缺损

BACKGROUND： Schwann cells are the most commonly used cells for tissue-engineered nerves. However, autologous Schwann cells are of limited use in a clinical context, and allogeneic Schwann cells induce immunological rejections. Cells that do not induce immunological rejections and that are relatively easy to acquire are urgently needed for transplantation. OBJECTIVE： To bridge sciatic nerve defects using tissue engineered nerves constructed with neural tissue-committed stem cells （NTCSCs） derived from bone marrow; to observe morphology and function of rat nerves following bridging; to determine the effect of autologous nerve transplantation, which serves as the gold standard for evaluating efficacy of tissue-engineered nerves. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed in the Anatomical Laboratory and Biomedical Institute of the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA between September 2004 and April 2006. MATERIALS： Five Sprague Dawley rats, aged 1 month and weighing 100-150 g, were used for cell culture. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats aged 3 months and weighing 220-250 g, were used to establish neurological defect models. Nestin, neuron-specific enolase （NSE）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）, and S-100 antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA. Acellular nerve grafts were derived from dogs. METHODS： All rats, each with 1-cm gap created in the right sciatic nerve, were randomly assigned to three groups. Each group comprised 20 rats. Autograft nerve transplantation group： the severed 1-cm length nerve segment was reverted, but with the two ends exchanged; the proximal segment was sutured to the distal sciatic nerve stump and the distal segment to the proximal stump. Blank nerve scaffold transplantation group： a 1-cm length acellular nerve graft was used to bridge the sciatic nerve gap. NTCSC engineered nerve transplantation group： a 1-cm length acellular nerve graft, in which NTCSCs were inoculated, was used to bridge the sciatic nerve gap. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Following surgery, sciatic nerve functional index and electrophysiology functions were evaluated for nerve conduction function, including conduction latency, conduction velocity, and action potential peak. Horseradish peroxidase （HRP, 20%） was injected into the gastrocnemius muscle to retrogradely label the 1-4 and L5 nerve ganglions, as well as neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, in the three groups. Positive expression of nestin, NSE, GFAP, and S-100 were determined using an immunofluorescence double-labeling method. RESULTS： NTCSCs differentiated into neuronal-like cells and glial-like cells within 12 weeks after NTCSC engineered nerve transplantation. HRP retrograde tracing displayed a large amount of HRP-labeled neurons in I-45 nerve ganglions, as well as the anterior horn of the spinal cord, in both the autograft nerve transplantation and the NTCSC engineered nerve transplantation groups. However, few HRP-labeled neurons were detected in the blank nerve scaffold transplantation group. Nerve bridges in the autograft nerve transplantation and NTCSC engineered nerve transplantation groups exhibited similar morphology to normal nerves. Neither fractures or broken nerve bridges nor neuromas were found after bridging the sciatic nerve gap with NTCSCs-inoculated acellular nerve graft, indicating repair. Conduction latency, action potential, and conduction velocity in the NTCSC engineered nerve transplantation group were identical to the autograft nerve transplantation group （P 〉 0.05）, but significantly different from the blank nerve scaffold transplantation group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION＂ NTCSC tissue-engineered nerves were able to repair injured nerves and facilitated restoration of nerve conduction function, similar to autograft nerve transplantation. ＂     

Response of the sensorimotor cortex of cerebral palsy rats receiving transplantation of vascular endothelial growth factor 165-transfected neural stem cells

Neural stem cells are characterized by the ability to differentiate and stably express exogenous ge- nes. Vascular endothelial growth factor plays a role in protecting local blood vessels and neurons of newborn rats with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Transplantation of vascular endothelial growth factor-transfected neural stem cells may be neuroprotective in rats with cerebral palsy. In this study, 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups： （1） sham operation （control）, （2） cerebral palsy model alone or with （3） phosphate-buffered saline, （4） vascular en- dothelial growth factor 165 ＋ neural stem cells, or （5） neural stem cells alone. The cerebral palsy model was established by ligating the left common carotid artery followed by exposure to hypox- ia. Phosphate-buffered saline, vascular endothelial growth factor ＋ neural stem cells, and neural stem cells alone were administered into the sensorimotor cortex using the stereotaxic instrument and microsyringe. After transplantation, the radial-arm water maze test and holding test were performed. Immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor and histology using hematoxylin-eosin were performed on cerebral cortex. Results revealed that the number of vas- cular endothelial growth factor-positive cells in cerebral palsy rats transplanted with vascular endothelial growth factor-transfected neural stem cells was increased, the time for finding water and the finding repetitions were reduced, the holding time was prolonged, and the degree of cell degeneration or necrosis was reduced. These findings indicate that the transplantation of vascu- lar endothelial growth factor-transfected neural stem cells alleviates brain damage and cognitive deficits, and is neuroprotective in neonatal rats with hypoxia ischemic-mediated cerebral palsy.     

大鼠骨髓间质多能成体祖细胞系统移植治疗脑缺血性损伤的研究

目的 探讨骨髓间质分离的多能成体祖细胞（MAPCs）,通过系统移植方式（尾静脉注入）进入大鼠脑组织内及修复受损的神经功能.方法 采用改良Nagasaway与Zea Longa等线栓法建立大鼠脑缺血再灌注模型,并将大鼠随机分为对照组（n=40）和MAPCs组（n=40）.将在体外纯化、增殖和已用5-溴脱氧尿苷（BrdU）处理过的MAPCs经尾静脉注射入大鼠体内.采用行为学评定、免疫荧光技术、RT-PCR和免疫电镜等方法识别移行入大鼠脑组织内的MAPCs分化的神经元样细胞及其功能表达.结果 （1）MAPCs能移行入大鼠脑组织内并在大脑中动脉阻断（MCAO）的同侧海马区分化为神经元样细胞,免疫荧光双重标记染色显示BrdU、神经元特异性烯醇化酶（NSE）表达阳性;（2）与对照组比较,在MAPCs移植组（MAPCs组）,MCAO所致的大鼠行为损伤明显恢复,神经生长因子（NGF）表达水平明显升高（P＜0.05）;（3）电镜下观察到MAPCs所分化的神经样细胞与其它神经细胞形成突触联系.结论 MAPCs能经血液途径进入脑缺血灶微环境中,分化为神经样细胞并有效地修复大鼠MCAO所致的神经功能缺失症状.因此,MAPCs有望成为中枢神经系统疾病自体移植治疗的最佳候选干细胞之一.     

大鼠骨髓间质多潜能成年祖细胞体内移植与多巴胺能神经元分化的研究

目的:探讨骨髓间质分离的多潜能成年祖细胞(MAPCs)通过系统移植(即尾静脉注射)方式进入大鼠脑组织内并修复受损的神经功能。方法:制作实验性帕金森疾病大鼠模型.将在体外纯化、增殖和已用5-溴-2脱氧尿苷(BrdUrd)处理过的多潜能成年祖细胞通过尾静脉注射入帕金森病大鼠体内。三个月后,对受试大鼠进行行为学评定;并应用免疫荧光化学技术和RT-PCR等方法对脑组织内的MAPCs及其分化细胞进行鉴定。结果:多潜能成年祖细胞能移行入大鼠脑组织内并在中脑黑质和纹状体区分化为神经元样细胞.如多巴胺能神经元,免疫荧光染色显示5-溴-2脱氧尿苷、神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)或酪胺酸羟化酶(TH)表达阳性;6-羟多巴诱导的大鼠行为损伤有明显恢复;多巴胺-β-羟化酶(DBH)和多巴胺转运体(DAT)mRNA的表达水平明显升高。结论:骨髓间质分离的多潜能成年祖细胞能通过系统移植方式进入大鼠脑组织内,在中脑微环境中可自主分化为多巴胺能神经细胞并有效地修复6-羟多巴诱导的神经功能缺损。因此,多潜能成年祖细胞有望成为中枢神经系统疾病自体移植治疗的最佳候选干细胞之一。     

sAPPalpha enhances the transdifferentiation of adult bone marrow progenitor cells to neuronal phenotypes

The remediation of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remains a challenge to basic scientists and clinicians. It has been suggested that adult bone marrow stem cells can transdifferentiate into different neuronal phenotypes. Here we demonstrate that the alpha-secretase-cleaved fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (sAPPalpha), a potent neurotrophic factor, potentiates the nerve growth factor (NGF)/retinoic acid (RA) induced transdifferentiation of bone marrow-derived adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) into neural progenitor cells and, more specifically, enhances their terminal differentiation into a cholinergic-like neuronal phenotype. The addition of sAPPalpha to NGF/RA-stimulated MAPCs resulted in their conversion to neuronal-like cells as evidenced by the extension of neurites and the appearance of immature synaptic complexes. MAPCs differentiated in the presence of sAPPalpha and NGF/RA exhibited a 40% to as much as 75% increase in neuronal proteins including NeuN, beta-tubulin III, NFM, and synaptophysin, compared to MAPCs differentiated by NGF/RA alone. This process was accompanied by an increase in the levels of choline acetyltransferase, a marker of cholinergic neurons, compared to those of GABAergic and dopaminergic neuronal subtypes. MAPCs immunopositive for sAPPalpha were identified within the septohippocampal system of transgenic PS/APP mice injected intravenously with sAPPalpha-transfected MAPCs and found in close proximity to the cerebral vasculature. Given that in AD cholinergic neurons are severely vulnerable to neurodegeneration and that the levels of sAPPalpha are significantly reduced, these findings suggest the combined use of sAPPalpha and MAPCs offers a new and potentially powerful therapeutic strategy for AD treatment.     

骨髓间充质干细胞移植对脑缺血大鼠突触可塑性影响的实验研究

目的：探讨骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）移植对脑缺血大鼠神经功能恢复及突触可塑性的影响。方法：采用大鼠大脑中动脉缺血模型，分为假手术组、模型组、PBS组和MSCs组，研究脑缺血24h后移植MSCs的大鼠神经功能缺损评分（NSS）；分别测定梗死灶周围脑组织突触素（SYN）和脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）mRNA的表达；电镜及免疫电镜下观察突触结构的变化。结果：与模型组及PBS组大鼠相比，MSCs组的NSS评分较低，SYN及BDNF mRNA的表达则明显较高；电镜检查示MSCs组大鼠突触界面曲率较大，突触后致密物质的厚度增加，突触间隙宽度变窄，突触活性带长度增加；免疫电镜示BrdU阳性细胞和宿主脑神经元形成非成熟的突触样结构。结论：MSCs移植可能通过神经营养效应调节脑缺血周围神经细胞的可塑性改善脑缺血大鼠的神经功能。     

尾静脉注射骨髓基质细胞和腹腔注射粒细胞集落刺激因子治疗大鼠脑梗死*☆

背景：骨髓间充质干细胞具有成神经分化特性,有很多试验也证实粒细胞集落刺激因子可以用于改善脑梗死后的神经功能。 目的：比较静脉移植骨髓间充质干细胞和腹腔注射粒细胞集落刺激因子动员干细胞来治疗大脑中动脉闭塞模型大鼠疗效。 方法：实验以改良的Zea-longa线栓法阻断大脑中动脉建立SD大鼠脑梗死模型,造模24 h后分别通过尾静脉注射骨髓间充质干细胞或腹腔注射粒细胞集落刺激因子。 结果与结论：两种治疗方法均可改善脑梗死模型大鼠的运动和认知功能,且粒细胞集落刺激因子对脑梗死模型大鼠的运动和认知功能的改善比尾静脉注射骨髓间充质干细胞明显,移植后第7,14天,粒细胞集落刺激因子组梗死面积小于骨髓间充质干细胞组(P < 0.05),粒细胞集落刺激因子组BrdU阳性细胞数多于骨髓间充质干细胞组(P < 0.05)。提示粒细胞集落刺激因子动员骨髓干细胞治疗脑梗死的疗效可能优于骨髓间充质干细胞静脉注射的移植方法。     

Distribution and differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vivo after intraperitoneal and tail vein injection into rats in the recovery phase of stroke Which path is better?

BACKGROUND:Stereotactic injection(striatum or lateral ventricle)and vascular injection(tail vein or carotid artery)are now often used in cellular therapy for cerebral infarction.Stereotactic injection can accurately deliver cells to the infarct area,but requires a stereotactic device and causes secondary trauma;vascular injection is easy and better for host neurological deficit recovery,but can cause thrombosis.OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic potential of adult bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation by intraperitoneal versus intravenous administration to cerebral ischemic rats.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING: A randomized controlled animal experiment was performed at the Cell Room and Pathology Laboratory,Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from November 2007 to September 2008.MATERIALS: BMSCs were derived from 20 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats aged 4-6 weeks.METHODS: Forty-five adult middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)rats were randomly divided into control,intravenous and intraperitoneal injection groups,with 15 rats in each group.At 21 bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)via intravenous or intraperitoneal injection.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Angiogenin expression and survival of transplanted cells were measured by immunohistochemical staining of brain tissue in infarction hemisphere at 7,14 or 21 days after BMSC transplantation.Co-expression of BrdU/microtubule-associated protein 2 or BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein was observed by double-labeled immunofluorescence of cerebral cortex.Evaluation of nerve function using the neurological injury severity score and the adhesion-removal test was performed on the 1st and 21st day before and after MCAO,and at 3,7,14 or 21 days after BMSCs treatment.RESULTS: Angiogenin-positive new vessels were distributed in the bilateral striatum,hippocampus and cerebral cortex of each group of rats at each time point,most markedly in the intravenous injection group.There were significantly more BrdU-positive cells in the intravenous injection group than in the intraperitoneal injection group(P < 0.01).Co-expression of BrdU/ microtubule-associated protein 2 or BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein were almost only seen in theintravenous group by fluorescence microscopy.After transplantation,BMSCs significantly restored nerve function in rats,particularly in the intravenous injection group.CONCLUSION: BMSCs were able to enter brain tissue via the tail vein or peritoneal injection and improve neurological function by promoting the regeneration of nerves and blood vessels in vivo,more effectively after intravenous than intraperitoneal injection.     

A decrease of cell proliferation by hypothermia in the hippocampus of the neonatal rat

Hypothermia is a potential therapy for cerebral hypoxic ischemic injury of not only adults but also neonates. However, the side effects of hypothermia in the developing brain, where a massive amount of neurogenesis occurs, remain unclear. We investigated the proliferation of neural progenitor cells by systemic application of the thymidine analog 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in neonatal rats in a severe hypothermic environment. The rat pups were divided into two groups, a hypothermia group (30 degrees C: n=10) and a normothermia group (37 degrees C: n=10). After the pups were placed for 21 h in each environment, 100 mg/kg/day of BrdU was injected intraperitoneally to label dividing cells, and then the pups were sacrificed at 24 h. We examined the number of BrdU-labeled cells in the subventricular zone of the periventricle and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. In the hypothermic environment, BrdU-labeled cells significantly decreased in number in the dentate gyrus, but not in the periventricular region. Thus, the severe hypothermic environment induced a decrease of neurogenesis in the neonatal rat. These observations are noteworthy regarding clinical hypothermia therapy following cerebral hypoxic ischemic injury during the perinatal period.     

双重荧光标记验证静脉移植碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因修饰骨髓间充质干细胞在脑缺血模型大鼠脑内的存活及分化

背景：碱性成纤维细胞生长因子可以促进骨髓间充质干细胞的增殖和向神经细胞方向分化，并被认为是胶质细胞的分裂原。 目的：以双重荧光标记验证静脉移植碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞在脑缺血模型大鼠脑内的存活及分化情况，及其向神经元样细胞和神经胶质细胞分化的趋势。 设计、时间及地点：随机对照动物实验，于2005-07/2006-03在中南大学实验动物中心实验室完成。 材料：选用50只SD大鼠，按随机数字表法分为4组：假手术组（n=10），脑缺血/再灌注损伤模型组（n=10），骨髓间充质干细胞治疗组（n=15），碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞治疗组（n=15）。 方法：除假手术组外，其余3组制备局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型。分别将骨髓间充质干细胞或碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞通过静脉移植至实验性脑缺血大鼠体内，脑缺血再灌注损伤组大鼠注入相同体积的DMEM培养基。 主要观察指标：应用5-溴-2-脱氧尿苷-神经元特异核蛋白及5-溴-2-脱氧尿苷-胶质纤维酸性蛋白双重荧光标记法观察移植细胞在脑内的存活和分化情况，比较各组大鼠脑缺血后的神经功能评分及脑梗死体积变化。 结果：移植7 d后，碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞组大鼠脑内5-溴-2-脱氧尿苷阳性细胞数、5-溴-2-脱氧尿苷-神经元特异核蛋白双标阳性细胞数均高于骨髓间充质干细胞治疗组（P < 0.05），两组间5-溴-2-脱氧尿苷-胶质纤维酸性蛋白双标阳性细胞数差异无显著性意义（P > 0.05）。再灌注7 d后，静脉移植骨髓间充质干细胞和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞均能改善脑缺血后大鼠的神经功能、减少脑梗死体积，碱性成纤维细胞生长因子基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞的作用明显优于骨髓间充质干细胞。 结论：碱性成纤维细胞生长因子诱导的骨髓间充质干细胞静脉移植后可在脑内缺血区存活，并分化为比例更合适的神经元和神经胶质细胞，发挥神经修复作用。