Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and nucleus pulposus cells in a degenerative disc model in rabbits: a comparison of 2 cell types as potential candidates for disc regeneration.

Abstract

OBJECT:

The aim of this study was to compare transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in a degenerative disc model in rabbits to determine the better candidate for disc cell therapy.

METHODS:

Mesenchymal stem cells and NPCs were transplanted in a rabbit model of disc degeneration. Changes in disc height, according to plain radiography, T2-weighted signal intensity on MR imaging, histology, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG)/DNA, and associated gene expression levels, were evaluated among healthy controls without surgery, sham-operated animals in which only disc degeneration was induced, MSC-transplanted animals, and NPC-transplanted animals for a 16-week period.

RESULTS:

Sixteen weeks after cell transplantation, in the MSC- and NPC-transplanted groups, the decline in the disc height index was reduced and T2-weighted signal intensity increased compared with the sham-operated group. Safranin O staining showed a high GAG content, which was also supported by sGAG/DNA assessment. Disc regeneration was also confirmed at the gene expression level using real-time polymerase chain reaction. However, no significant differences in expression were found between the NPC- and MSC-transplanted groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Study data showed that MSC transplantation is effective for the treatment of disc degeneration and seems to be an ideal substitute for NPCs.

• Authors: Ganjun Feng, Xianfeng Zhao, Hao Liu, Huina Zhang, Xiangjun Chen, Rui Shi, Xi Liu, Xiaodan Zhao, Wenli Zhang, Beiyu Wang
• Journal: Journal of neurosurgery. Spine (J Neurosurg Spine) Vol. 14 Issue 3 Pg. 322-9 (Mar 2011) ISSN: 1547-5646 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21250814 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Glycosaminoglycans
• A73025

Topics

• Animals
• Cells, Cultured
• Disease Models, Animal
• Glycosaminoglycans (metabolism)
• Intervertebral Disc (cytology, metabolism)
• Intervertebral Disc Displacement (metabolism, pathology, surgery)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
• Rabbits
• Regeneration