Combined treatment with enteric neural stem cells and chondroitinase ABC reduces spinal cord lesion pathology.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a significant challenge for the field of neurotherapeutics. Stem cells have shown promise in replenishing the cells lost to the injury process, but the release of axon growth-inhibitory molecules such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) by activated cells within the injury site hinders the integration of transplanted cells. We hypothesised that simultaneous application of enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) isolated from the gastrointestinal tract, with a lentivirus (LV) containing the enzyme chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), would enhance the regenerative potential of ENSCs after transplantation into the injured spinal cord.

Methods

ENSCs were harvested from the GI tract of p7 rats, expanded in vitro and characterised. Adult rat

SUBMITTER: Jevans B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7789480 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature