Identification of a human olfactory ensheathing cell that can effect transplant-mediated remyelination of demyelinated CNS axons

Barnett, S. C. , Alexander, C. L., Iwashita, Y., Gilson, J. M., Crowther, J., Clark, L., Dunn, L. T., Papanastassiou, V., Kennedy, P. G. E. and Franklin, R. J. M. (2000) Identification of a human olfactory ensheathing cell that can effect transplant-mediated remyelination of demyelinated CNS axons. Brain, 123(8), pp. 1581-1588. (doi: 10.1093/brain/123.8.1581)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/brain/123.8.1581

Abstract

The olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) has attracted much interest recently because of its potential for transplantation-based therapy of CNS disease. Rat OECs are able to remyelinate demyelinated axons and support regeneration of damaged axons. Although OECs can be grown readily from the rat, a macrosmatic species, it has been uncertain whether it would be similarly straightforward to obtain these cells from the human, a microsmatic species with a relatively poorly developed olfactory system. In this study, we have identified a human OEC which shares many properties with its rat counterpart, including expression of the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (L-NGFr) and similar growth factor requirements. Purified populations of human OECs obtained by selection with L-NGFr antibodies have extremely high viability in tissue culture, and are capable of remyelinating persistently demyelinated CNS axons following transplantation into experimentally induced demyelinating lesions in the rat spinal cord. Thus, the human OEC represents an important new cell for the development of transplant therapy of CNS diseases.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Crowther, Mr John and Clark, Miss Louise and Franklin, Prof Robin and Dunn, Mr Laurence and Alexander, Miss Claire and Barnett, Professor Susan and Kennedy, Professor Peter
Authors: Barnett, S. C., Alexander, C. L., Iwashita, Y., Gilson, J. M., Crowther, J., Clark, L., Dunn, L. T., Papanastassiou, V., Kennedy, P. G. E., and Franklin, R. J. M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Brain
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISSN:0006-8950
ISSN (Online):1460-2156

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record