Neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in combination with Schwann cell transplantation in hippocampal fimbria transected rats

Abstract

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is usually characterized by cognitive impairments, and the treatment is currently far from satisfaction. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy or Schwann cell (SC) transplantation has shown partial effects on the treatment of AD. However, their combined effects and underlying mechanisms remain unknown.MethodsAD rat model was induced by cutting off the hippocampal fimbria under stereotaxic apparatus. Animals were then randomly divided into five groups: sham, AD with no treatment (AD), AD receiving HBO therapy (AD+HBO), AD with SC transplantation (AD+SC), and AD receiving HBO combining with SC transplantation (AD+SC+HBO). Morris Water Maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Immunohistochemistry, western blot were used to evaluate the expression of neurotrophin factors and related signal molecules.ResultsAD model was established successfully. Combining HBO therapy with SC transplantation had better effects on AD rats than SC transplantation or HBO therapy alone, not only in the enhancement of learning and memory recovery but also in the increased expression of B‐cell lymphoma‐extra large (Bcl‐xl).ConclusionCombining SC transplantation with HBO therapy has a prospective therapeutic potential for the further treatment of AD. The possible mechanism could be linked to the up‐regulation of Bcl‐xl gene.