ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the hyper-acute and acute effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy on traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in an experimental animal model.

The study was carried out on 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 400- 500 grams. The subjects were separated into six groups. In-group 1, only thoracic 10 laminectomy was performed. In-group 2, trauma was applied to the spinal cord by using modified Allen trauma model after T10 laminectomy. In group 3, T 10 laminectomy and spinal cord injury was immediately followed by injection of 0.9 % 10 NaCl. In group-4 “1.1- Dioctadecyl- 3.3.3´.3´-tetramethyllindocarbocyanine” labeled MSC derived from male human bone marrow was implanted to injury site immediately after spinal injury. In group-5, the MSC was implanted nine hours after spinal injury. In the last group 0.9 % NaCl was administered nine hours after T 10 laminectomy and spinal injury at this segment. All groups were sacrificed at the end of four weeks. The neurologic status was checked at Days 1,7,14,21 and 28 using BBB (Basso-Beattie, Bresnahan) locomotor rating scale and inclined plane values. Hematoxylin eosin, and Masson trichome staining were used to assess the degree of inflammation and fibrosis. In order to confirm the Y chromosome signal content of the cells, Y-18 chromosome specific centromere probe was used.

Our results showed that MSC therapy has the potential of reducing the degree of inflammation and contributing to functional improvement following SCI. There was statistically significant difference between the hyperacute and nine hours delayed treatment groups.

The results of this research is in agreement with the findings of previously published studies indicating the neuroprotective nature of MSC.