Stem Cell Based Drug Delivery for Protection of Auditory Neurons in a Guinea Pig Model of Cochlear Implantation.

ABSTRACT: Background: The success of a cochlear implant (CI), which is the standard therapy for patients suffering from severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, depends on the number and excitability of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a protective effect on SGNs but should be applied chronically to guarantee their lifelong survival. Long-term administration of BDNF could be achieved using genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but these cells should be protected - by ultra-high viscous (UHV-) alginate ('alginate-MSCs') - from the recipient immune system and from uncontrolled migration. Methods: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-producing MSCs were encapsulated in UHV-alginate. Four experimental groups were investigated usi

SUBMITTER: Scheper V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6527816 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature