Optimal time-point for neural stem cell transplantation to delay denervated skeletal muscle atrophy.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is a promising treatment to delay denervated skeletal muscle atrophy; however, the optimal time-point between peripheral nerve injury and NSC transplantation needs to be determined.

METHODS:

Improvement in rat gastrocnemius muscle function was evaluated after NSCs were transplanted into sectioned distal tibial nerves. We also assessed survival and differentiation. ANOVA was used to compare the mean value of the number of neuron-like cells, cross-sectional area amelioration, the amount of activated fibers, and latency and amplitude of the gastrocnemius compound muscle action potential.

RESULTS:

The group in which the NSCs were transplanted 1 week after tibial nerve transection had the largest number of neuron-like cells, maximum cross-sectional area amelioration, and maximum amount of activated gastrocnemius fibers compared with all other groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The optimal time-point for NSC transplantation for delaying denervated skeletal muscle atrophy is 1 week after severing the nerve.

• Authors: Sen Lin, Lei Xu, Shaonan Hu, Changqing Zhang, Yang Wang, Jianguang Xu
• Journal: Muscle & nerve (Muscle Nerve) Vol. 47 Issue 2 Pg. 194-201 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 1097-4598 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23042154 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Topics

• Animals
• Atrophy
• Muscle Denervation
• Muscle, Skeletal (innervation, pathology, surgery)
• Nerve Regeneration (physiology)
• Neural Stem Cells (transplantation)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Stem Cell Transplantation (methods)
• Time Factors