Brain derived neural growth factor gene-modified adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells in treating acute rat spinal cord injury

Abstract

Objective To observe the effect of brain derived neural growth factor (BDNF) genemodified adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in treating acute rat spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods Rat ADSCs were harvested and labeled with BrdU.The ADSCs were genetically modified with Adv-BDNF.Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into SCI group (A),ADSCs group (B) and BDNFADSCs group (C),subject to implantation of gelatin sponge,gelatin sponge with ADSCs,and gelatin sponge with BDNF-ADSCs,respectively.Behavior score and immunofluorescence staining were observed.Results The ADSCs were cultured and labeled with BrdU successfully.On the postoperative day 7,14,and 28,the blood brain barrier(BBB) scores in group C were 10.55 ±0.8,14.39 ±0.25 and 19.71 ±2.14,which were obviously higher than in group A (5.35 ±0.68,7.93 ±0.45,10.78 ± 1.18) and group B (7.01 ±0.39,10.33 ±0.27,14.87 ±0.37).The immunofluorescence assay showed that the transplanted ADSCs migrated to the injured site and differentiated into neuron-like cells.The neurological function was greatly improved after the ADSCs transplantation.Conclusion The ADSCs can survive,migrate to the injured site in the spine and differentiate into neuron-like cells.The motor function is greatly improved after the transplantation. Key words: Adenovirus; Adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells; Brain derived neural growth factor; Acute spinal cord injury