Transplantation of enteric neural stem cells into pylorus of rats

Abstract

Objective To observe the in vitro culture of enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) in rats,and explore the possibility of homotransplantion of ENSCs into the pylorus of rats.Methods ENSCs were obtained from the alimentary tract of the SD rats in embryonic age 20th day,cultured in vitro,proliferated and labeled with PKH-26,then they were transplanted into the pylorus wall of rats by injection.Survival,morphology,and migration of ENSCs were observed at 3rd day,1st week,and 2nd week after transplantation.Results ENSCs were identified by morphology and immunology.Flow cytometry revealed that the percentage of β-Ⅲ tubulin (TUJ-1 positive ceils in ENSCs was 12.3％,that of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive cells was 21.7％,that of nestin positive cells was 10.8％,and that of Ret positive cells was 1.4％,respectively.Labeled ENSCs by PKH-26,a red fluorescence,maintained the normal morphology in pylorus walls.With time going on,the distribution of the grafted cells,which were irregular primarily,became regular,and immigrated toward submucosa.Grafted cells were survival well within 2 weeks.Conclusion Transplanted ENSCs can survive and migrate in pylorus wall of rats. Key words: Enteric neural stem cells ; Transplantation; Hirschsprung's disease