Comparison of the Effects of BMSC-derived Schwann Cells and Autologous Schwann Cells on Remyelination Using a Rat Sciatic Nerve Defect Model

Abstract

Schwann cells (SCs) are primarily responsible for the formation of myelin sheaths, yet bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived SCs are often used to replace autologous SCs and assist with the repair of peripheral nerve myelin sheaths. In this study, the effects of the two cell types on remyelination were compared during the repair of peripheral nerves. Methods: An acellular nerve scaffold was prepared using the extraction technique. Rat BMSCs and autologous SCs were extracted. BMSCs were induced to differentiate into BMSC-derived SCs (B-dSCs) in vitro. Seed cells (BMSCs, B-dSCs, and autologous SCs) were cocultured with nerve scaffolds (Sca) in vitro. Rats with severed sciatic nerves were used as the animal model. A composite scaffold was used to bridge the broken ends. After surgery, electrophysiology, cell tracking analyses (EdU labeling), immunofluorescence staining (myelin basic protein (MBP)), toluidine blue staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to compare remyelination between the various groups and to evaluate the effects of the seed cells on myelination. One week after transplantation, only a small number of B-dSCs expressed MBP, which was far less than the proportion of MBP-expressing autologous SCs (P<0.01) but was higher than the proportion of BMSCs expressing MBP (P<0.05). Four weeks after surgery, the electrophysiology results (latency time, conductive velocity and amplitude) and various quantitative indicators of remyelination (thickness, distribution, and the number of myelinated fibers) showed that the Sca+B-dSC group was inferior to the Sca+autologous SC group (P<0.05) but was superior to the Sca+BMSC group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Within 4 weeks after surgery, the use of an acellular nerve scaffold combined with B-dSCs promotes remyelination to a certain extent, but the effect is significantly less than that of the scaffold combined with autologous SCs.

The combined effect of mesenchymal stem cells and resveratrol on type 1 diabetic neuropathy

“…Decreased expression of the MBP has been observed in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats (37). Lower expression levels of MBP signifies the decreased myelination of nerve fibers (38). IN a previous study, following treatment with RSV/MSCs in diabetic mice, an improvement in the expression of myelin proteins in the sciatic nerve was observed (39).…”

Modern Trends for Peripheral Nerve Repair and Regeneration: Beyond the Hollow Nerve Guidance Conduit

“…Their primary function is to support hematopoiesis in the stromal compartment of bone marrow, from where they are withdrawn with a simple process of aspiration, after which they are easily expanded (Abdallah and Kassem, 2008). Many studies have focused on learning the mechanisms through which BMSCs are beneficial for PNR (Mimura et al, 2004; Ishikawa et al, 2009; Hou et al, 2018). Xu et al (2011) developed an vitro study in 2011 which demonstrated that a co-culture of BMSCs and DRGs explants stimulated neurite growth and neuronal cell survival through the up-regulation of wide list of secretory proteins, including bFGF, NGF, CNTF, and BDNF.…”

Comprehensive strategy of conduit guidance combined with VEGF producing Schwann cells accelerates peripheral nerve repair

“…Engineered Schwann cells in chitosan nerve guides were able to guarantee functional sensory and motor regeneration [ 16 ]. In addition, primary Schwann cells from rats were relatively easy to isolate [ 17 ]. Therefore, primary Schwann cells were regarded as one of the most promising seed cells in nerve regeneration.…”