Human eyelid adipose tissue-derived Schwann cells promote regeneration of a transected sciatic nerve

Gangyang Wang,Hua Shen,Lingling Cao,Yingqi Hua,Yang Wang,Jun Chen,Lulu Chen,Lina Niu,Yan Lu,Zhengdong Cai,Yuqing Jin,Zunli Shen

doi:10.1038/srep43248

Abstract

Schwann cells (SCs) can promote the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves while the clinical application is limited by donor site complications and the inability to generate an ample amount of cells. In this study, we have isolated human eyelid adipose-derived Schwann cells (hE-SCs) from human eyelid adipose tissue and identified the cell phenotype and function. Using immunofluorescence and H & E staining, we detected subtle nerve fibers and SCs in human eyelid adipose tissue. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that hE-SCs expressed glial markers, such as S100, p75NTR GFAP, Sox10 and Krox20. To explore whether hE-SCs promote the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves in vivo, a Balb/c-nu mice model was used in the study, and mice were randomly assigned to five groups: Matrigel; hE-SCs/P0; hE-SCs/P2; hE-FLCs/P2; and Autograft. After 12 weeks, functional and histological assessments of the regenerated nerves showed that sciatic nerve defect was more effectively repaired in the hE-SCs/P2 group which achieved 66.1 ± 6.5% purity, than the other three groups and recovered to similar level to the Autograft group. These results indicated that hE-SCs can promote the regeneration of injured peripheral nerve and the abundant, easily accessible supply of adipose tissue might be a promising source of SCs for peripheral nerve repair.

Highlights

Of stem cells because of low induction rate and unstable differentiation results[19]
One cell shape was human eyelid-derived Schwann cells (hE-SCs), which were characterized as a phase-refractile, bipolar or tripolar cell character having a small cytoplasm to nucleus ratio; the second cell shape was designated as fibroblast-like cells, which are characterized by a flat, poorly refractive polygon
After two rounds of purification, the SC purity in the hE-SCs/P2 group was evaluated, and the results showed that the purity further increased to 66.1 ± 6.5% (Fig. 2B)

Summary

Introduction

Of stem cells because of low induction rate and unstable differentiation results[19]. Adipose tissue forms in utero, in the peripartum period and throughout life. There are tiny nerve fibers exist in adipose tissue which may be a promising source of SCs in peripheral nerve regeneration. It is possible that hE-SCs may be an excellent candidate therapeutic cell type for PNIs. There are two minimally invasive methods to acquire adipose tissue in plastic reconstruction surgeries: surgical operation and negative pressure suction[28,29]. There are two minimally invasive methods to acquire adipose tissue in plastic reconstruction surgeries: surgical operation and negative pressure suction[28,29] Both of these techniques acquire adipose tissue with few side effects in patients. We have isolated human eyelid-derived Schwann cells (hE-SCs) from human eyelid adipose tissue and identified the cell phenotype and function for peripheral nerve repair both in vitro and in vivo

Methods

Results

Conclusion