OBJECTIVE To investigate the methods to fabricate repair materials of tissue engineered peripheral nerve with bioactivity of Schwann cells (SC). METHODS 1. The materials were made by dry-wet spinning process to fabricate PLA hollow fiber canal with external diameter of 2.3 mm, internal diameter of 1.9 mm, thickness of 0.4 mm, pore size of 20 to 40 microns, pore ratio of 70% and non-spinning fiber net with pore size of 100 to 200 microns, pore ratio of 85%. 2. SC were implanted into excellular matrix (ECM) gel to observe the growth of SC. 3. SC/ECM complex were implanted into non-spinning PLA fiber net to observe the growth of SC. 4. SC, SC/ECM and SC/ECM/PLA were implanted into PLA hollow fiber canal to bridge 10 mm defect of rat sciatic nerve. RESULTS 1. SC were recovered bipolar shape at 1 day after implantation, and could be survived 14 days in ECM gel. 2. After SC/ECM complex was implanted into PLA net, most of SC were retained in the pore of PLA net with the formation of ECM gel. SC could be adhered and grown on PLA fiber. 3. Most of SC in ECM gel could be survived to 21 days after transplantation. Survival cell numbers of SC/ECM and SC/ECM/PLA groups were obviously higher than SC suspension group. CONCLUSION Non-spinning PLA porous biodegradable materials with ECM is benefit for SC to be adhered and grown.
Objective To research the protective effects of different allogeneic cells injected into denervated muscles on ventricornual motor neuron. Methods Thirty-six adult female SD rats, weighting 120-150 g, were individed into four groups randomly and each group had nine. Left ischiadic nerves of all the SD rats, which were cut down on germfree conditions,were operated by primary suture of epineurium. Different cells were injected into the triceps muscles of calf in each group after operation with once a week for 4 weeks:1 ml Schwann cells (1×106/ml) in group A, 1 ml mixed cells ofSchwann cells and myoblast cells (1∶1,1×106/ml) in group B, 1 ml extract from the mixed cells of Schwann cells, myoblast cells and endotheliocytes (1∶1∶1,1×106/ml)in group C,and 1 ml culture medium without FCS as control group(group D). The observation of enzymohistochemistry and C-Jun expression in the ventricornual motor neuron was made after three months of operation. Results After 3 months of operation, the expressions of C-Jun in groups A, B and C were superiorto that in group D; the number of neuron was more than that of group D. The expressions of C-Jun in the ventricornual motor neuron were as follows: 128.591±0.766 in group A, 116.729±0.778 in group B, 100.071±2.017 in group C and 144.648±2.083 in group D; showing statistically significant difference between groupsA, B, C and D(P＜0.01). Enzymohistochemistry showed the well outlined and wellstacked cell body of neuron in groups A, B and C, and illdefined boundary of cytoplasm and nucleus. There was statistically significant defference in enzyme activity of the ventricornual motor neuron between groups(P＜0.01). Conclusion All of the Schwann cells,mixed cells of Schwann cells with myoblast cells,and the extract from Schwann cells, myoblast cells and endotheliocytes can protect the ventricornual motor neuron. And the protectiveeffect of the extract from Schwann cells, myoblast cells and endotheliocytes is superior to that of Schwann cells and mixed cells.
In order to observe the role of genetically modified Schwann cell (SC) with pSVP0Mcat in the regeneration of injured spinal cord, the cells were implanted into the spinal cord. Ninety SD rats were used to establish a model of hemi-transection of spinal cord at the level of T8, and were divided into three groups, randomly, that is, pSVP0Mcat modified SC implantation (Group A), SC implantation (Group B) and without cell implantation as control (Group C). After three months the presence of axonal regeneration of the injured spinal cord was examined by means of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde labelling technique and stereography. The results indicated that HRP labelled cells in Group A and B could be found in the superior region of injured spinal cord and the brain stem such as the red nuclei and oculomotor nuclei. The density of ventral hom neurons of the spinal cord and the number of myelinated axons in 100 microns of the white matter was A gt; B gt; C group. In brief, the pSVP0Mcat modified SC intraspinal implantation could promote regeneration of the injured spinal cord.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on the proliferation of Schwann cell cultured. METHODS: The sciatic nerve from SD rats was cultured in vitro; 10 micrograms/ml, 20 micrograms/ml, 200 micrograms/ml and 1 mg/ml Ginsenoside Rb1 was applied on the fifth day of culture. The proliferation of Schwann cells of sciatic nerves was determined in different time by MTT assay and thymidine incorporation assay. RESULTS: 10 micrograms/ml of Ginsenoside Rb1 significantly induced Schwann cell proliferation better than DMEM cell culture medium, but higher concentrations of Ginsenoside Rb1 at 1 mg/ml significantly inhibited the proliferation of Schwann cells, whereas 200 micrograms/ml of Ginsenoside Rb1 had similar effects to DMEM culture medium. CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Rb1 at the optimal concentration is effective on inducing the proliferation of Schwann cells, but at higher concentration is cytotoxic for Schwann cells.
Objective To explore the facilitative effects of different allogenic cells injected into the denervated muscles on the nerve regeneration, the protection of the myoceptor degeneration, and the promotion for rehabilitation of the muscular function. Methods Schwann cells, myoblast cells, and renal endothelial cells were prepared from 400 SD rats aged 7 days and weighing 20.0±2.3 g. Thirty-six adult female SD rats weighing 120-150 g were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=9). Under the asepsis condition, the left ischiadic nerves of all the SD rats were cut off, and the primary suture of the epineurium was performed. After operation, the different corresponding cells were injected into the triceps muscles of the rat calf in each group once per week for 4 times in all. One ml of Schwann cells (1×106/ml) was injected into the rats in Group A; 1 ml of the mixed cells of Schwann cells and myoblast cells (1×106/ml) was injected into the rats in Group B; 1 ml of the extract from the mixed cells of Schwann cells, myoblast cells, and renal endothelial cells (1×106/ml) was injected into the rats in Group C; 1 ml of the culture medium without any serum was injected into the rats in Group D as a control. After operation, observation was made for the general condition of the rats; 3 months after operation, enzymohistochemistry and the CJun expression were performedin the ventricornual motor neuron. At the proximal and the distal ends of the nerve suture, the density of neurilemma cells in the unit area and the area size of the regenerated nerve fibers were observed and measured. Results The affected limbs of the rats in Groups A, B and C improved 13 months after operation. The ulcers and swelling at the ankles gradually relieved and the rats could move normally 3 months after operation. However, the affected limbsof the rats in Group D still had ulcers and swelling, with an obvious contracture of the toes and a difficult movement. Three months after operation, the number of the target muscle myoceptor, the number of the Actin positive cells, the activity of the various enzymes in the denervated muscles, and the histological changes of the regenerated nerves were better in Group C than in Groups A and B (P＜0.01); and they were all better in Groups A, B and C than in Group D（Plt;0.01）. Conclusion Schwann cells, the mixture of Schwann cells and myoblast cells, and the extract from the mixture of Schwann cells, myoblast cells and renal endothelial cells can all promote neurotization and rehabilitation of the muscular function, and protect against the myoceptor degeneration. However, the effect of the extract is superior to that of Schwann cells or the mixed cells.
Objective To study the migration of Schwann cells from the nerve autograft in the acellular nerve allograft of the rats in vivo. Mehtods The sciatic nerves (20 mm long) of the SD rats were harvested and prepared for the acellular nerve grafts by the chemical extraction. Then, they were observed by the gross view, HE staining, and Antilamininstaining, respectively. Another 32 female SD rats weighing 250-300 g were obtained for the study. A 2-mm-long nerve autograft was interposed between the two 10-mm-long nerve allografts to form a 22-mm-long composite. Then, the composite was placed in the muscle space, together with a sole 22-mm-long nerve allograftas a control. They were harvested at 5，10，15 and 20 days, respectively, and were then given the HE staining and the S-100 staining. Results The acellular nerve graft was semitransparent under the gross view. HE staining showed that no cell was observed within the nerve graft. Anti-laminin staining showed that the basal membrane was partially interrupted, with a positive result (dark brown). All the nerve grafts in both the groups exhibited the existenceof the cells. The S-100 positive cells were observed from the 15th day at the far ends of the two allografts of the composite; however, there were no suchcells observed within the sole nerve allograft. Conclusion Schwann cells from the sciatic nerves (2 mm- long) of the rats can migrate in the acellular nerve allograft to the far ends of the neighboring 10-mm-long nerve allografts at 15 days after operation, which offers the theoretical basis forthe repair of the longrange nerve defect by the composite of the acellular nerve allografts with the interposed nerve autograft.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Schwann cell cytoplasmic derived neurotrophic proteins (SDNF) on the regeneration of peripheral nerve in vivo. METHODS: Ninety adult SD rats were chosen as the experimental model of degenerated muscle graft with vascular implantation bridging the 10 mm length of right sciatic nerve. They were divided randomly into three groups, 30 SD rats in each groups. 25 microliters of 26 ku SDNF (50 micrograms/ml, group A), 58 ku SDNF (50 micrograms/ml, group B) and normal saline(group C) were injected respectively into the proximal, middle and distal part of the degenerated muscle grafts at operation, 7 and 14 days postoperatively. The motorial function recovery assessment was carried out every 15 days with the sciatic nerve function index(SFI) after 15 days to 6 months of operation. Histological and electrophysiological examination of regenerating nerve were made at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were significant statistic differences between the both of experimental groups(group A and B) and control group(group C) in the respects of the histological, electrophysiological examination and SFI(P lt; 0.01). CONCLUSION: The 26 ku SDNF and 58 ku SNDF can improve the regeneration of the injured peripheral nerve in vivo.
Objective To construct the rhesus monkey Schwann cells (SCs) modified with human glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (hGDNF) gene. Methods The coding sequence of hGDNF amplified by PCR from pUC19-hGDNF was inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pBABE-puro. The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pBABE-puro-hGDNF was identified with restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. The SCs were isolated from rhesus monkeys, cultured and purified. The SCs were transfected with the recombinant retrovirus vector containing hGDNF gene. The mRNA and protein expressions of hGDNF were analyzed by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot. Results The PCR product of hGDNF coding sequence was a 596 bp specific segment. The recombinant eukaryotic expression vector was digested into a 596 bp specific segment by specific restriction enzyme and another segment. The 596 bp segment confirmed by DNA sequencing was consistent with hGDNF sequence on GenBank. Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing results showed that the coding sequence of hGDNF was successfully inserted into the recombinant retrovirus vector and the mRNA and protein expressions of hGDNF were significantly higher in transfected SCs than non-transfected SCs (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The rhesus monkey SCs modified with hGDNF gene are successfully constructed and hGDNF can be released continuously and stably, which will provide a foundation for the further research about cell therapy of hGDNF-SCs in the repair of injured nerve.
Objective To explore a new method for the pre-degeneration of peripheral nerve in vitro for obtaining many effective Schwann cells so as to provide a large number of seed cells for the research and application of tissue engineered nerves. Methods The bone marrow derived cells (BMDCs) from transgenic green fluorescent protein C57BL/6 mouse and the sciatic nerve segments from the C57BL/6 mouse were co-cultured to prepare the pre-degeneration of sciatic nerve in vitro (experimental group, group A), and only sciatic nerve was cultured (control group, group B). At 7 days after culture, whether BMDCs can permeate into the sciatic nerve in vitro for pre-degeneration was observed by gross and immunohistofluorescence staining. And then Schwann cells were obtained from the sciatic nerves by enzymic digestion and cultured. The cell number was counted, and then the purity of primary Schwann cells was determined using immunohistofluorescence staining and flow cytometer analysis. Results At 7 days after pre-degeneration, gross observation showed that enlargement was observed at nerve stumps, and neuroma-like structure formed; the group A was more obvious than group B. Immunohistofluorescence staining showed many BMDCs permeated into the nerve segments, with positive F4/80 staining in group A. After culture, the yield of Schwann cells was (5.59 ± 0.19) × 104 /mg in group A and (3.20 ± 0.21) × 104/mg in group B, showing significant difference (t=2.14, P=0.03). At 48 hours after inoculation, the cells had blue bipolar or tripolar cell nuclei with small size and red soma by immunohistofluorescence staining; fibroblasts were flat polygonal with clear nucleus and nucleolus, showing negative p75NTR staining; and there were few of fibroblasts in group A. The purity of Schwann cells was 88.4% ± 5.8% in group A and 76.1% ± 3.7% in group B, showing significant difference (t=2.38, P=0.04). And the flow cytometer analysis showed that the purity was 89.6% in group A and 74.9% in group B. Conclusion BMDCs can promote the pre-degeneration of peripheral nerve in vitro, and it is a new method to effectively obtain Schwann cells for tissue engineered nerve.
Seeding cells play an important role in the peripheral nerve damage repair. Seeding cells studied consequently in peripheral nerve are Schwann cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and neural stem cells. Schwann cells, the first seeding cells, are various unique glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, which can form the myelin sheath for insulation and package of the neuron projecting axons in the peripheral nervous system so that the conduction velocity of the nerve signal was accelerated. It can be proved that Schwann cells played an important role in the maintenance of peripheral nerve function and in the regeneration process after peripheral nerve injury. The second, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are the various mesenchymal stem cells mainly exist in the systemic connective tissues and organs. These functional stem cells are often studied at present, and it has been found that they have exuberant proliferation and differentiation potentials. Neural stem cells, mentioned the third in sequence, are the kind of pluripotent cells with multi-directional differentiation, which could conduct the self-renewal function, and generate and differentiate neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes through asymmetric cell division. These three types of seed cells are discussed in this paper.