Implantation of pure cultured olfactory ensheathing cells in an animal model of parkinsonism

Dewar, D., Bentley, D. and Barnett, S. (2007) Implantation of pure cultured olfactory ensheathing cells in an animal model of parkinsonism. Acta Neurochirurgica, 149(4), pp. 407-414. (doi: 10.1007/s00701-007-1121-5)

Abstract

Background. Implantation of neural cells has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for repairing the injured or diseased brain. In the present study we have examined the potential of olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) to promote brain repair after surgical implantation in a rodent model of parkinsonism. Methods. Neonatal OECs were implanted in the striatum after a 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the ipsilateral substantia nigra. Amphetamine-induced rotational asymmetry scores were determined 48 hours before and 4, 6 and 8 weeks after OEC implantation. The density of immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase and synaptophysin in the striatum and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells remaining in the substantia nigra were also determined. Results. Rotational asymmetry scores were similar in OEC-implanted and vehicle-treated groups at all time points examined, and at each time were similar to those observed prior to implantation. Levels of striatal tyrosine-hydroxylase and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were similar in OEC- and vehicle-treated groups. The number of tyrosine-hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra was similar in both groups indicating that severity of the lesion was similar. Visualisation of GFP-labelled OECs one week after implantation in a separate group of animals revealed the cells to be located in the area immediately surrounding the needle tract. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that implantation of OECs alone is not sufficient to promote tissue repair and functional recovery in a rodent model of parkinsonism. The results add to a growing number of studies that propose a caveat for the use of pure OECs as a neurosurgical strategy for the treatment of brain disease or injury.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dewar, Dr Deborah and Barnett, Professor Susan
• Authors: Dewar, D., Bentley, D., and Barnett, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Acta Neurochirurgica
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0065-1419