Neuroprotective Effects of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Therapy in a Rat Model of Ischemia Stroke

Abstract

Objective: Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) are considered a potential approach to promote the recovery of stroke-induced neurological deficit. However, the exact mechanism of BMMCs in nerve function recovery is still unclear. Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by using thread method. BMMCs were transplanted into rat models. Neurological deficits were evaluated by Longa score scale. Immunohistochemistry assay were employed to examine the expression of GFAP and Nogo-A around the ischemic foci in the right frontal lobe. Caspase-3 activity was examined by Western Blot. Results: Rats in BMMCs group had lessened neurological deficits and cleaved Caspase-3 expression on day 21 after reper-fusion, as well as higher expression of GFAP [(37.62±2.45) vs. (27.62±1.69) and (38.00±1.85) vs. (27.25±1.83), P < 0.05] and lower expression of Nogo-A [(28.88±2.64) vs. (32.50±1.60) and (23.87±2.36) vs. (32.00±1.85), P < 0.05] on day 14 and 21 after reperfusion. Meanwhile, the expression of Nogo-A on day 21 was lower than that on day 14 after reperfusion [(23.87±2.36) vs. (28.88±2.64), P < 0.05] in BMMCs group. Conclusion: These findings suggested that BMMCs treatment could improve the functional recovery of neurological deficits in rats with MCAO, which was probably related to enhanced expression of GFAP and reduced Nogo-A expression and Caspase-3 activity in the ischemic brain tissues.