Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Inhibits Apoptosis through Activation of MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Rats

Apoptosis, a major pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia, is closely associated with the dysregulation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs), as a therapeutic target of cerebral ischemia, could repair missing cells and the activation of endogenous cells to provide "self-repair". However, the neuroprotective mechanism of the transplantation of NSCs against cerebral ischemia injury is unclear. This study is to investigate the effect of the transplantation of NSCs on apoptosis and MAPK/ERK signaling in the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats to evaluate its neuroprotective role. These results suggest that the transplantation of NSCs provides a neuroprotective effect via decreasing neurological deficit and increasing the activity of MAPK/ERK signaling in MCAO-lesioned brains and restraining apoptosis. In view of the treatment and prevention of ischemic brain damage, the ability of NSCs to enhance the activity of MAPK/ERK signaling and inhibit apoptosis may be of great importance in the selection of neuroprotective agents.