Xenotransplantation of transgenic pig olfactory ensheathing cells promotes axonal regeneration in rat spinal cord

Olfactory ensheathing cells and spinal cord repair.

The olfactory ensheathing cell is a specialized glial cell that assists in growth of the axons of the olfactory sensory neurons as they are generated and regenerated throughout adult life. There is increasing evidence in animal models that transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cell promotes recovery after transplantation into the injured spinal cord. Olfactory ensheathing cell transplants ha...

Further evidence of olfactory ensheathing glia facilitating axonal regeneration after a complete spinal cord transection.

Spinal Wistar Hannover rats injected with olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) have been shown to recover some bipedal stepping and climbing abilities. Given the intrinsic ability of the spinal cord to regain stepping with pharmacological agents or epidural stimulation after a complete mid-thoracic transection, we asked if functional recovery after OEG injections is due to changes in the caudal stu...

Long-distance axonal regeneration in the transected adult rat spinal cord is promoted by olfactory ensheathing glia transplants.

The lack of axonal regeneration in the injured adult mammalian spinal cord leads to permanent functional impairment. To induce axonal regeneration in the transected adult rat spinal cord, we have used the axonal growth-promoting properties of adult olfactory bulb ensheathing glia (EG). Schwann cell (SC)-filled guidance channels were grafted to bridge both cord stumps, and suspensions of pure (9...

Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells in spinal cord injury

Transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells remyelinate and enhance axonal conduction in the demyelinated dorsal columns of the rat spinal cord.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which have properties of both astrocytes and Schwann cells, can remyelinate axons with a Schwann cell-like pattern of myelin. In this study the pattern and extent of remyelination and the electrophysiological properties of dorsal column axons were characterized after transplantation of OECs into a demyelinated rat spinal cord lesion. Dorsal columns of adult r...