We investigated the influence of activated Schwann cells on regeneration of the spinal cord in rats. Young adult male Wistar C rats were used (n=36). Focal injury of spinal cord white matter at Th10 level was produced using our original non-laminectomy method by means of high-pressured air stream. Schwann cells obtained from 7-days-predegenerated rats’ sciatic nerves (n=3) were cultured, transfected with GFP and injected into cisterna magna (S group, n=23) three times: immediately after spinal cord injury and 3 as well as 7 days later (300 000 cells/injection). Control animals (n=10) were subjected to the spinal cord injury only. Neurons in brain stem and motor cortex were labeled with FluoroGold (FG) delivered caudally from the injury site and transported via spinal ascending tracts a week before the end of experiment. Functional outcome (BBB scale, Sciatic Functional Index) and morphological features of regeneration were analyzed during 12-week follow-up. The lesions were characterized by means of MRI. Maximal distance of expansion of implanted cells in the spinal cord was measured and the number of FG-positive neurons was counted. Rats treated with Schwann cells presented significant improvement of locomotor performance when compared to the control group. MR images showed no cyst in the spinal cord in S group, while in the control group changes resembling typical post-traumatic syringomyelia were found. The sizes of lesions were also significantly smaller in S group. Distance covered by Schwann cells was 12 mm from the epicenter of injury. Number of brain stem and motor cortex FG-positive neurons in S group was significantly higher than in control group. Obtained data revealed that activated Schwann cells are able to induce the repair of injured spinal cord white matter. The route of cells application via cisterna magna appeared useful for their delivery into the injury area.
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