Regenerative effects of umbilical cord matrix cells (UCMCs) in a rodent model of rotenone neurotoxicity

Rotenone is one of the pesticides thought to have neurotoxic effect that could potentially play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). The neurotoxic effects of rotenone have been used to induce PD model in animals that can help in testing suggested therapies. Cell replacement therapies are suggested as new promising approach for treating PD. This study was done to evaluate the regenerative effect of intrathecal administered umbilical cord matrix cells in a rotenone model of PD in mice. Thirty, male BALB/c mice were used and divided into 3 equal groups. The control group (G.1) received only carboxymethyl cellulose orally once daily at a volume of 10ml/kg. The second group was given a daily rotenone oral dose of 30mg/kg for 28days. The third group received rotenone (30mg/(kgday) orally for 28days) and in the 15th day 1×10(5) of UCMCs were given intrathecally and then they completed the rotenone course. At the 23rd day all the animals were evaluated regarding locomotor incoordination through behavioral tests for monitoring PD development. At the end of the 28days all animals were sacrificed by overdose of phenobarbital and their brain were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for dopaminergic neurons staining for anti TH antibodies. Intrathecal UCMCs revealed regenerative effects in SNpc as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining; this was in parallel with better performance in behavioral tests. In conclusion, the results of this study revealed the regenerative capacities of UCMCs against rotenone neurotoxicity in mice.