Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in a canine disc degeneration model.

Abstract

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is effective in decelerating disc degeneration in small animals; much remains unknown about this new therapy in larger animals or humans. Fas-ligand (FasL), which is only found in tissues with isolated immune privilege, is expressed in IVDs, particularly in the nucleus pulposus (NP). Maintaining the FasL level is important for IVD function. This study evaluated whether MSC transplantation has an effect on the suppression of disc degeneration and preservation of immune privilege in a canine model of disc degeneration. Mature beagles were separated into a normal control group (NC), a MSC group, and the disc degeneration (nucleotomy-only) group. In the MSC group, 4 weeks after nucleotomy, MSCs were transplanted into the degeneration-induced discs. The animals were followed for 12 weeks after the initial operation. Subsequently, radiological, histological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and RT-PCR analyses were performed. MSC transplantation effectively led to the regeneration of degenerated discs. FACS and RT-PCR analyses of MSCs before transplantation demonstrated that the MSCs expressed FasL at the genetic level, not at the protein level. GFP-positive MSCs detected in the NP region 8 weeks after transplantation expressed FasL protein. The results of this study suggest that MSC transplantation may contribute to the maintenance of IVD immune privilege by the differentiation of transplanted MSCs into cells expressing FasL.

• Authors: Akihiko Hiyama, Joji Mochida, Toru Iwashina, Hiroko Omi, Takuya Watanabe, Kenji Serigano, Futoshi Tamura, Daisuke Sakai
• Journal: Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society (J Orthop Res) Vol. 26 Issue 5 Pg. 589-600 (May 2008) ISSN: 1554-527X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18203202 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: (c) 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Fas Ligand Protein
• RNA, Messenger
• fas Receptor
• Keratan Sulfate

Topics

• Animals
• Cell Survival (physiology)
• Dogs
• Fas Ligand Protein (metabolism)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Intervertebral Disc (physiology)
• Keratan Sulfate (metabolism)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
• RNA, Messenger (metabolism)
• Radiography
• Regeneration (physiology)
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Spinal Diseases (diagnostic imaging, immunology, metabolism, therapy)
• fas Receptor (metabolism)