Neural crest neuroblasts can colonise aganglionic and ganglionic gut in vivo.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Neural crest (NC) cells differentiate IN VITRO into neuroblasts, precursors of the enteric nervous system (ENS), when stimulated by specific agents. We developed a study aimed at establishing whether NC-derived neuroblasts can survive and colonise IN VIVO when injected into a recipient mouse gut.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The neuroblast precursors of the ENS were obtained from the vagal portion of the neural tubes of 296 CD-1 and GTROSA26 mouse embryos. The embryonic cells of GTROSA26 mice are identifiable through beta-galactosidase activity which allows recognition by blue staining. The host used in this study was the DOM/+ mouse, an animal model for Hirschsprung's disease (aganglionic megacolon). DOM/+ mouse pups (n = 43) received NC-derived cells inoculated into the seromuscular layer of the gut (33/43) or directly into the peritoneal abdominal cavity (10/43).

RESULTS:

All DOM/+ mice survived the procedure and were sacrificed after 7 or 14 days. Histochemical staining detected implanted cells in all mice. These showed specific myenteric colonisation into the aganglionic and ganglionic gut.

CONCLUSION:

The striking result of this study was the specific tropism of the injected NC-derived cells to target sites under the action of unknown chemotactic agents. This experimental procedure might represent a possible treatment option for specific forms of human ENS anomaly such as total intestinal aganglionosis.

• Authors: G Martucciello, A Brizzolara, A Favre, L Lombardi, R Bocciardi, M Sanguineti, A Pini Prato, V Jasonni
• Journal: European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift fur Kinderchirurgie (Eur J Pediatr Surg) Vol. 17 Issue 1 Pg. 34-40 (Feb 2007) ISSN: 0939-7248 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17407019 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Animals
• Cell Differentiation
• Cell Movement
• Embryonic Stem Cells
• Enteric Nervous System (cytology)
• Ganglia (cytology)
• Hirschsprung Disease (genetics)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Mice, Mutant Strains
• Mice, Transgenic
• Models, Animal
• Neural Crest (cytology)
• Stem Cell Transplantation