Neural cell transplantation effects on sciatic nerve regeneration after a standardized crush injury in the rat

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to assess whether in vitro-differentiated N1E-115 cells supported by a collagen membrane would enhance rat sciatic nerve regeneration after a crush injury. To set up an appropriate experimental model for investigating the effects of neural cell transplantation, we have recently described the sequence of functional and morphologic changes occurring after a standardized sciatic nerve crush injury with a nonserrated clamp. Functional recovery was evaluated using the sciatic functional index, the static sciatic index, the extensor postural thrust, the withdrawal reflex latency, and ankle kinematics. In addition, histomorphometric analysis was carried out on regenerated nerve fibers by means of the 2D-disector method. Based on the results of the EPT and of some of the ankle locomotor kinematic parameters analyzed, the hypothesis that N1E-115 cells may enhance nerve regeneration is partially supported although histomorphometry disclosed no significant difference in nerve fiber regeneration between the different experimental groups. Therefore, results suggest that enrichment of equine type III collagen membrane with the N1E-115 cellular system in the rat sciatic nerve crush model may support recovery, at least in terms of motor function. The discrepancy between functional and morphological results also suggests that the combined use of functional and morphological analysis should be recommended for an overall assessment of recovery in nerve regeneration studies.

Use of poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone) membranes and mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord for promoting nerve regeneration in axonotmesis: In vitro and in vivo analysis

“…The karyotype analysis of undifferentiated HMSCs previously determined and published elsewhere, excluded the presence of neoplastic signs, thus supporting the suitability of our cell culture and differentiation procedures. This concern also resulted from our previous experience with N1E-115 neoplastic cell line and the negative results we obtained in the treatment of axonotmesis and neurotmesis injuries ( Amado et al, 2008Luis et al, 2008b;Maurı´cio et al, 2011). Nevertheless, our cultured undifferentiated HMSCs showed normal morphology when inspected with an inverted microscope.…”

Trends in Mesenchymal Stem Cells' Applications for Skeletal Muscle Repair and Regeneration

“…Our research group has dedicated to the development of MSC-based cellular therapies for application on several body tissues, from peripheral nerve to blood vessels and skin wounds [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53], including for skeletal muscle volumetric loss lesions [54].…”

Cellular Systems and Biomaterials for Nerve Regeneration in Neurotmesis Injuries

“…Biodegradable nerve guides must be preferred since no foreign body material will be left in the host after the device has fulfilled its task. Four types of nerve guides attracted particular attention of our research group: those made of PLGA (Luis et al, 2007b;Luis et al, 2008) and poly-ε-caprolactone Varejao et al, 2003a), collagen and chitosan . In particular, chitosan has recently attracted particular attention because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, low cost, enhancement of wound-healing and antibacterial effects and its potential usefulness in nerve regeneration have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo Shirosaki et al, 2005;Simoes et al, 2010).…”

“…The Neurolac® and the PLGA90:10 tube-guides guides show several different physical-chemical properties, namely Neurolac® is stiffer than PLGA due to structural reinforcement of the ester bonds and does not degrade so quickly. The biodegradation rate of PLGA tubes is estimated to be around 3 months while that complete resorption of Neurolac® is estimated to be of 16 months approximately Luis et al, 2007b;Luis et al, 2008). The degradation products of Neurolac® are less acidic, which may cause less damage to the surrounding tissue, and they are transparent so that the correct positioning of the nerve stumps may be confirmed after suturing.…”

“…The degradation products of Neurolac® are less acidic, which may cause less damage to the surrounding tissue, and they are transparent so that the correct positioning of the nerve stumps may be confirmed after suturing. On the other hand, the biodegradable non woven structure of PLGA tubes may offer some advantages in terms of microporosity which may enhance nerve repair (Luis et al, 2007b;Luis et al, 2008). In vitro studies have shown that the four types of tube-guides, namely, the PLGA, the collagen, the hybrid chitosan and the Neurolac® are biocompatible to nerve cells and can facilitate nerve cell attachment, differentiation and growth Luis et al, 2007b;Luis et al, 2008;Luis et al, 2008;Wang et al, 2008).…”