Olfactory ensheathing cells versus Schwann cells in repairing nerve defects

Abstract

Objective To compare olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and Schwann cells (SCs) in respect of their abilities to repair nerve defects. Methods OECs and SCs were cultured in vitro for 2 weeks before they were purified and condensed for later transplantation. Sixty adult female Wistar rats were randomized into 3 even groups. After a 25 mm length of axons was excised but the epineurial lumen was re-tained, the left sciatic nerves were anastomosed to the proximal ends. Cell culture medium, SCs and OECs were transplanted into the epineurial lumen in A, B, C groups respectively. Three months postoperatively, regeneration of the injured sciatic nerves was evaluated by gross observation, microscopy, transmission elec-tron microscopy, transportation distance of retro-marked fluorescence red, immunofluorescence assay of the glial fiber acid protein and nerve growth factors, enzyme linked immunoassay of myelin basic protein and neurofilament protein, as well as ankle function evaluation. Results By gross observation, regeneration of the injured sciatic nerves was the best in group C and the poorest in group A. In aspects of growth of nerve fibers observed by microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the transportation distance of retro-marked fluorescence red in the injured sciatic nerves observed by fluoroscopy, glial fiber acid protein and nerve growth factors tested by immunofluorescence assay, concentrations of myelin basic protein and neuro-filament protein in the injured nerves tested by enzyme linked immunoassay, as well as in the mean ankle function score, group C was the best, next was group B , and group A was the poorest. The differences be-tween groups had statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusion OECa transplantation can repair in-jured nerves and has better effects than SCs transplantation. Key words: Peripheral nerve; Defects; Rat