Transplantation of low-power laser-irradiated olfactory ensheathing cells to promote repair of spinal cord injury in rats

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that low-power laser （LPL） irradiation can promote the regeneration of peripheral nerves and central nerves, as well as influence cellular proliferation. Therefore, it is thought to be a potential treatment for spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE： Utilizing histological observations and behavioral evaluations, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs）, irradiated by LPL, on functional repair of rats following transversal spinal cord injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the animal experimental center in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2007 and February 2008. MATERIALS： A total of 52 Sprague Dawley rats were included in this experiment. Twelve rats were used to harvest OECs, some of which were irradiated by LPL on days 3, 5, and 7 in culture. The remaining 40 rats were used to establish T12 complete spinal cord transection injury. DMEM/F12 medium was purchased from Sigma, USA, Fluorogold was provided by Chemicon, USA, and the LY/JG650-D500-16 low-power laser was produced by Xi＇an Lingyue Electromechanical Science And Technology Co., Ltd., China. METHODS： The successful rat models were randomly divided into three groups： OEC transplantation, LPL-irradiated OEC transplantation, and control. These animals were microinjected with OEC suspension, LPL-irradiated OEC suspension, and DMEM/F12 medium （10μL） respectively 4 weeks after spinal cord was completely transected at the T12 level. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Spinal cord injury was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining Expression of nerve growth factor receptor p75 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were determined using immunohistochemical staining. Regeneration of spinal nerve fibers in rats was assayed by Fluorogold retrograde labeling method. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan （BBB） scores were used to evaluate motor functions of rat lower limbs. RESULTS： Structural disturbances were observed following spinal cord injury in each group, and a large amount of scar tissue covered the broken ends, accompanied by porosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. Following OEC transplantation, the distal end connected to the proximal end. nerve growth factor receptor p75 and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunohistochemistry revealed positive OECs in the cephalad and caudal area of rats that received LPL-irradiated OEC transplantation. In the OECs group, only glial fibrillary acidic protein staining was observed. No staining was found in the control group. Neural fibers labeled with Fluorogold extended across the lesion area and into the cephalad and caudal area in the OECs and LPL-irradiated OECs groups, but were not present in the control group. BBB scores revealed statistically significant differences among the three groups （P 〈 0.05）： OECs irradiated by LPL group 〉 OECs group 〉 control group. CONCLUSION： Transplantation of OECs and LPL-irradiated OECs promoted functional repair in the injured spinal cord of rats, although LPL-irradiated OECs resulted in greater beneficial effects.

Morphological properties and proliferation analysis of olfactory ensheathing cells seeded onto three-dimensional collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffolds

This study aimed to examine the differences in the morphological properties and proliferation of olfactory ensheathing cells in three-dimensional culture on collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffolds and in two-dimensional culture on common flat culture plates. The proliferation rate of olfactory ensheathing cells in three-dimensional culture was higher than that in two-dimensional culture, as detected by an M-I-r assay. In addition, more than half of the olfactory ensheathing cells subcultured using the trypsinization method in three-dimensional culture displayed a spindly Schwann cell-like morphology with extremely long processes, while they showed a flat astrocyte-like morphology in two-dimensional culture. Moreover, spindle-shaped olfactory ensheathing cells tended to adopt an elongated bipolar morphology under both culture conditions. Experimental findings indicate that the morphological properties and proliferation of olfactory ensheathing cells in three-dimensional culture on collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffolds are better than those in two-dimensional culture.

Olfactory ensheathing cells for spinal cord repair: crucial differences between subpopulations of the glia

OECs for spinal cord repair： Is repairing the iniured spinal cord by olfactory ensheathing cell （OEC） transplantation pos- sible？ A recent human trial in which a paralysed man regained some function after transplantation of partially purified OECs suggests that this therapy may be a successful approach （Ta- bakow et al., 2014）. In another human trial in which olfactory mucosa lamina propria was transplanted, patients recovered some motor and sensory function （Wang et al., 2015）. While these results show promise, it is clear that improvements are needed to provide patients with increased functional output. Strategies to improve the therapeutic use of OECs may include improving the purification of the OECs used for transplantation, using them in combination with growth factors to combat the inhibitory environment and improve anon growth, the use of nerve bridges, advanced physiotherapy and the use of exo- skeleton robotics to reinforce functional connections. Of all these approaches, it is probably is primarily addressed to ensure crucial that the purity of OECs consistency in outcomes.

Simplified methods to isolate,culture and purify olfactory ensheathing cells

Conventional methods for harvesting, culturing and purifying olfactory ensheathing cells are complicated, time-consuming, and poorly reproducible. Olfactory bulbs were detached from adult Sprague Dawley rats and olfactory ensheathing cells were isolated using shearing, dispersion processes. After the primary cultures reached confluence, the cells were purified using a three-step process. The olfactory ensheathing cells attached and grew rapidly. The purity of the olfactory ensheathing cells increased following the three purification steps, eventually exceeding 95%. These cells could be maintained for an extended period time in culture. This simple, inexpensive, reproducible method of harvesting, culturing and purifying olfactory ensheathing cells shortens the culture cycle and provides sufficient olfactory ensheathing cells of controllable purity.

Gene and protein expression profiles of olfactory ensheathing cells from olfactory bulb versus olfactory mucosa

Olfactory ensheathing cells(OECs) from the olfactory bulb(OB) and the olfactory mucosa(OM) have the capacity to repair nerve injury. However, the difference in the therapeutic effect between OB-derived OECs and OM-derived OECs remains unclear. In this study, we extracted OECs from OB and OM and compared the gene and protein expression profiles of the cells using transcriptomics and non-quantitative proteomics techniques. The results revealed that both OB-derived OECs and OM-derived OECs highly expressed genes and proteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis and vascular endothelial cell regeneration. The differentially expressed genes and proteins of OB-derived OECs play a key role in regulation of nerve regeneration and axon regeneration and extension, transmission of nerve impulses and response to axon injury. The differentially expressed genes and proteins of OM-derived OECs mainly participate in the positive regulation of inflammatory response, defense response, cytokine binding, cell migration and wound healing. These findings suggest that differentially expressed genes and proteins may explain why OB-derived OECs and OM-derived OECs exhibit different therapeutic roles. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University(approval No. 2017-073) on February 13, 2017.

Effects of olfactory ensheathing cells on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells

BACKGROUND： Olfactory ensheathing cells can promote oriented differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells by cell-secreted neural factors. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of olfactory ensheathing cells on the differentiation and proliferation of neural stem cells. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Cytology was performed at the Department of Neurology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, from September 2007 to October 2008. MATERIALS： Mouse anti-nestin polyclonal antibody （Chemicon, USA）, mouse anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） IgG1, mouse anti-2＇, 3＇-cyclic nucleotide 3＇-phosphodiesterase （CNPase） IgG1, mouse anti-Tubulin Class-Ill IgG1 （Neo Markers, USA）, Avidin-labeled Cy3 （KPL, USA）, and goat anti-mouse IgGl： fluorescein isothiocyanate （FITC） （Serotec, UK） were used in this study. METHODS：Tissues were isolated from the embryonic olfactory bulb and subependymal region of Wistar rats. Serum-free DMEM/F12 culture media was used for co-culture experiments. Neural stem cells were incubated in serum-free or 5% fetal bovine serum-containing DMEM/F12 as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After 7 days of co-culture, neural stem cells and olfactory ensheathing cells underwent immunofluorescent staining for nestin, tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and CNPase. RESULTS： Olfactory ensheathing cells promoted proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neuron-like cells, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The proportion of neuron-like cells was 78.2%, but the proportion of neurons in 5% fetal bovine serum DMEM/F12 was 48.3%. In the serum-free DMEM/F12, neural stem cells contracted, unevenly adhered to the glassware wall, or underwent apoptosis at 7 days. CONCLUSION： Olfactory ensheathing cells promote differentiation of neural stem cells mainly into neuron-like cells, and accelerate proliferation of neural stem cells. The outcome is better compared with serum-free medium or medium containing 5% fetal bovine serum.

Nogo-A expression in injured spinal cord following human olfactory mucosa-derived olfactory ensheathing cells transplantation

Transplantation of olfactory bulb-derived olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） promotes motor functional recovery in rats with acute spinal cord injury, possibly by Nogo-A expression changes at the injury site. The present study transplanted OECs derived from the olfactory mucosa （OM） of rats OM-derived OEC （OM-OEC） transplantation significantly reduced the increase of Nogo-A protein and mRNA expression caused by spinal cord injury, supporting the hypothesis that OM-OECs improve spinal cord regeneration by reducing Nogo-A expression.

Microencapsulation improves inhibitory effects of transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells on pain after sciatic nerve injury

Olfactory bulb tissue transplantation inhibits P2X2/3 receptor-mediated neuropathic pain. However, the olfactory bulb has a complex cellular composition, and the mechanism underlying the action of purified transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells（OECs） remains unclear. In the present study, we microencapsulated OECs in alginic acid, and transplanted free and microencapsulated OECs into the region surrounding the injured sciatic nerve in rat models of chronic constriction injury. We assessed mechanical nociception in the rat models 7 and 14 days after surgery by measuring paw withdrawal threshold, and examined P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia using immunohistochemistry. Rats that received free and microencapsulated OEC transplants showed greater withdrawal thresholds than untreated model rats, and weaker P2X2/3 receptor immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia. At 14 days, paw withdrawal threshold was much higher in the microencapsulated OEC-treated animals. Our results confirm that microencapsulated OEC transplantation suppresses P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia in rat models of neuropathic pain and reduces allodynia, and also suggest that transplantation of microencapsulated OECs is more effective than transplantation of free OECs for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Expression and biological activity of double replica retrovirus carrier-mediated neurotrophin-3 in olfactory ensheathing cells

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have demonstrated that the combination of olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） and neurotrophic factor-3 （NT-3） in the rat lateral ventricle can promote nerve axonal regeneration and myelin sheath repair. However, this effect remains very short-lived. OBJECTIVE： To transfect NT-3 into OECs and to observe the biological activity of OEC-expressing NT-3. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This genetic engineering, in vitro experiment was performed in the Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University between January 2007 and October 2008. MATERIALS： Trizol Reagent kit was purchased from Gibco, USA; reverse transcription kit, NT-3 Emax ImmunoAssay System reagent was purchased from Promega, USA. METHODS： Neonatal Wistar rat OECs were established as primary cultures and were transfected with pN2A-NT-3 viral vector. The OECs with the highest virus titer and stable cellular growth served as the transfection group; OECs transfected with NT-3-free retrovirus carrier pN2A served as the empty vector group; un-transfected OECs served as the control group. After adherence, the logarithmically cultured PC12-TrkC cells were plated in OECs supernatant from the transfection and empty vector groups, as well as 20 μL PBS, and cultured for 4 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： NT-3 mRNA expression in OECs, fluorescence of NT-3-positive cells in the transfection group and control group; influence of OECs secreting NT-3 on the differentiation ratio of PC12-TrkC cells. RESULTS： NT-3 mRNA expression was observed 24 hours after transfection and lasted for 28 days which was greater than the control and empty vector groups （P 〈 0.01）. A large number of NT-3-positive cells were observed in the transfection group, and immunofluorescence was greater than the control and empty vector groups. PC12-TrkC cells co-cultured with OECs from the transfection group exhibited a thick and long cell process, increased cell density, and the differentiation ratio was increased （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Recombinant double replica retrovirus NT-3 gene was stably and effectively expressed in OECs, and the expressed NT-3 possessed biological activity that promoted neuronal survival.

Biological properties of neonatal mouse olfactory ensheathing cells purified by differential attachment,cytosine arabinoside,and mitogen stimulation

BACKGROUND： Differential attachment, chemicals, and immunoaffinity absorption are frequently used to purify olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs）. Although purity is high （〉 90%）, the complex process, high cost, decreased cell activity, and cell loss limit their application. OBJECTIVE： To purify OECs using differential attachment, cytosine arabinoside （Ara-C）, and mitogen stimulation, and to analyze the biological characteristics of OECs. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Molecular biology experiment of cell morphology and immunocytochemistry. The study was performed at the Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical College between January 2005 and January 2007. MATERIALS： N2 was purchased from Gibico, USA; basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） from Invitrogen, USA; PCR master mix kit from Fermentas, USA; nerve growth factor （NGF） and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA; OEC specific immunological marker NGF receptor （p75NGFR） from ABCAM, UK; immunological markers of oligodendrocyte and Schwann cells, cyclic nucleotide 3＇ phosphohydrolase （CNPase）, from NeoMarkers, USA; inverted fluorescence microscope from Leica, Germany. METHODS： OECs were isolated from olfactory bulbs of mice provided by Institute of Cancer Research （ICR mice） at postnatal 1 2 days, and purified by differential attachment, Ara-C inhibition （5 mg/L）, and 10 μg/L mitogen bFGF and 0.5% N2 stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： OEC growth was observed under inverted microscope; cell purity, as well as expression of NGF and BDNF, was determined by means of immunocytochemistry; expression of β-NGF, BDNF, NT-3, platelet-derived growth factor-B （PDGF-B）, bFGF, epidermal growth factor （EGF）, NGF receptor TrkA, BDNF receptor TrkB, and NT-4 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS： The majority of in vitro cultured OECs was bipolar or tripolar, and purity was estimated to be 〉 92.4%. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated expression of p75NGFR, NGF, BDNF and CNPase. The RT-PCR results suggested that OECs expressed β-NGF, BDNF, NT-3, PDGF-B, bFGF, EGF, TrkA, and TrkB mRNA. CONCLUSION： Results demonstrated that purity of OECs was high, and that OECs expressed CNPase proteins and produced neurotrophic factors.

Isolation,culture,and purification of olfactory mucosa-derived olfactory ensheathing cells using modified differential attachment with low concentration serum

BACKGROUND：Studies have demonstrated that olfactory mucosa can promote the regeneration and formation of axonal medullary sheath of injured neurons. To date, olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） utilized in basic and clinical research arise primarily from the olfactory bulb mucosa. However, little is known regarding culture, purification, and biological properties of OECs . OBJECTIVE： To isolate and culture OECs utilized modified, differential attachment in combination with neurotrophic factor 3 （NT3） and low concentration serum to explore an optimal in vitro culture method for OECs.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Single-sample observation was performed at the Medical Experimental Center of Stomatology College, Xi＇an Jiaotong University between March 2006 and December 2007. MATERIALS： Twelve samples from aborted embryos, 4-6 months, were used to isolate OECs; rabbit-anti-human p75NTR and glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） antibody were provided by Sigma, USA. METHODS： The differential time was six hours. This was repeated twice, based on Nash＇s differential attachment. Attached OECs were cultured in DMEM-F12 culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum （FBS） or 2.5% FBS and NT3. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： OEC morphology was observed, and p75NTR and GFAP immunocyto-chemistry was used for identification and purity detection. RESULTS： Some cells attached after three days in culture. Several cells possessed short neurites with good refractivity. Some shuttle-shaped fibroblasts could be seen. On day six, more cells attached, exhibiting a three-dimensional appearance. Many cells appeared dipolar or tripolar, with slender neurites, and fibroblasts were clustered. On day nine, the number of dipolar or tripolar cell bodies with slender neurites was increased, and fibroblasts were clustered. On day 15, fibroblasts occupied the majority of the bottom of the culture bottle, with several OECs surviving at the upper layer. OECs were positive for P75NTR and GFAP expression, as identified by an immunocytologically stained brown cell body and neurites. However, fibroblasts were P75NTR and GFAP-negative. On day 9, OEC purity reached 81%, and the number of proliferating fibroblasts significantly increased. By the end of day 12, OEC purity was reduced to 56%. CONCLUSION： Modified differential attachment, in combination with low concentration serum and NT3, removes fibroblasts and reduces OEC loss. This is an appropriate method for the isolation and culture of human fetal olfactory mucosa-derived OECs.

The experimental observation on the repairing spinal cord injury by olfactory ensheathing cells allograft of different sources

Objecttive To observe the repaired effect of distinct source olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) on spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. Methods These OECs were dissociated from olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa of SD rats and transplanted to the injuried region of spinal cord injury rats. The function of nerve, motor evoked potential of hind legs and the histopathlogical diversities of injuried spinal cord were observed. Results The OECs grafts into the SCI area could survive longer time. The BBB scale, incubation stage of EP and histopathologic manifestations showed that the group with transplanted OECs regained more improvement in hindlimb than the control group. Conclusion The OECs of two sources have the same ability to regain and improve the axonal function which can promote axons regeneration of SCI.

Brain-derived neurotrophical factor after olfactory ensheathing cells transplantation in spinal cord injury of rats

Objective To observe the expression of brain - derived neurotrophical factor ( BDNF) in injury spinal cord after transplantation olfactory ensheathing cells ( OECs) , and to investigate the mechanism of OECs repairing spinal cord injury. Methods OECs from GFP transgenic rats were separated and cultured for transplantation. Spinal cord injury rats were separated two groups by

Transplantation of neural stem cells, Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells for spinal cord injury:A Web of Science-based literature analysis

OBJECTIVE： To identify global research trends in transplantation of neural stem cells, Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells for spinal cord injury. DATA RETRIEVAL： We performed a bibliometric analysis of studies on transplantation of neural stem cells, Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells for spinal cord injury published from 2002 to 2011 and retrieved from the Web of Science, using the key words spinal cord injury along with either neural stem cell, Schwann cell or olfactory ensheathing cell. SELECTION CRITERIA： Inclusion criteria： （a） peer-reviewed published articles on neural stem cells, Schwann cells or olfactory ensheathing cells for spinal cord injury indexed in the Web of Science; （b） original research articles, reviews, meeting abstracts, proceedings papers, book chapters, editorial materials and news items; and （c） published between 2002 and 2011. Exclusion criteria： （a） articles that required manual searching or telephone access; （b） documents that were not published in the public domain; and （c） corrected papers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1）Annual publication output, distribution by journal, distribution by institution and top-cited articles on neural stem cells; （2） annual publication output, distribution by journal, distribution by institution and top-cited articles on Schwann cells; （3） annual publication output, distribution by journal, distribution by institution and top-cited articles on olfactory ensheathing cells. RESULTS： This analysis, based on articles indexed in the Web of Science, identified several research trends among studies published over the past 10 years in transplantation of neural stem cells, Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells for spinal cord injury. The number of publications increased over the 10-year period examined. Most papers appeared in journals with a focus on neurology, such as Journal of Neurotrauma, Experimental Neurology and Gila. Research institutes publishing on the use of neural stem cells to repair spinal cord injury were mostly in the USA and Canada. Those publishing on the use of Schwann cells were mostly in the USA and Canada as well. Those publishing on the use of olfactory ensheathing cells were mostly in the UK, the USA and Canada. CONCLUSION： On the basis of the large number of studies around the world, cell transplantation has proven to be the most promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury.

Culture and purification of human fetal olfactory ensheathing cells using different attachment rates combined with intermittent NT3 nutrition

Objective：To explore a simple and pragmatic method to obtain sufficient olfactory ensheathing cells from human fetus by selective attachment of harvested cells combined with intermittent NT3 nutrition. Methods：DMEM/F12 culture solution including 10% fetal bovine serum or NT3 was used to culture olfactory ensheathing cells intermittently every 48 h. The cell state and growth rates of OECs were observed, and P75 staining was used to estimate the purity of the cells. Results：Human fetal OECs were positive with P75 immunocytochemical staining. OECs in dipolar or tripolar shape formed networks by their processes in vitro. The purity of OECs in ＂good state＂ was about 95% at 9 d and 83% on 12 d, respectively. Conclusion：The method of using different attachment rates combined with intermittent NT3 addition is a simple and effective way to culture and purify OECs.

Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells promotes axonal regeneration in a rat model of spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND：Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） into the injured spinal cord has been shown to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery.However,the mechanisms underlying the effects of OEC transplantation remain controversial.OBJECTIVE：To observe fibrotic scar formation and axonal regeneration in the damaged spinal cord following OEC transplantation,and to determine whether OEC transplantation promotes neural regeneration by attenuating fibrotic scar formation.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：A randomized,controlled animal experiment was performed at the Department of Developmental Morphology,Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience,Fuchu,Japan and at the Department of Human Anatomy,College of Basic Medical Sciences,China Medical University,China between April 2007 and May 2009.MATERIALS：OECs were obtained from olfactory nerves and olfactory bulbs of male,4-week-old,Sprague Dawley rats.Rabbit anti-serotonin polyclonal antibody,rabbit anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide polyclonal antibody,rabbit anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein polyclonal antibody,rabbit anti-type IV collagen polyclonal antibody,and mouse anti-rat endothelial cell antigen-1 monoclonal antibody were used.METHODS：Male,Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into three groups：sham-surgery （n = 3）,surgery （n = 9）,and OEC transplantation （n = 11）.Spinal cord transection at the T9-10 level was performed and the rats were transplanted with a 2-μL （1 × 105 cells） cell suspension.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：Formation of glial and fibrotic scars was examined using immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein and type IV collagen.Serotonin-positive and calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive axons were visualized by immunohistochemistry,respectively.Double immunofluorescence for type IV collagen and rat endothelial cell antigen-1 was also performed to determine co-localization of type IV collagen deposition and blood vessels.RESULTS：At 1 week after spinal cord injury,numerous glial cells were observed around the lesion site.Formation of fibrotic scar was determined by a large amount of type IV collagen deposition in the lesion center,and descending serotonin- or ascending calcitonin gene-related peptideconiaining axons stopped at the fibrotic scar that was formed in the lesion site.At week after transplantation,the formation of fibrotic scar was significantly inhibited.In addition,the fibrotic structure was partly formed and centralized in the blood vessel,and serotonergic and calcitonin gene-related peptide-containing axons were regenerated across the lesion site.CONCLUSION：OEC transplantation into the injured spinal cord attenuated fibrotic scar formation and promoted axon regeneration.

In vitro evaluation of the compatibility of a novel collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells

Background Stroke and traumatic injury to the nerve system may trigger axonal destruction and the formation of scar tissue, cystic cavitations and physical gaps. Olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） can secrete neurotrophic factors to promote neurite growth and thus act as a prime candidate for autologous transplantation. Biological scaffolds can provide a robust delivery vehicle to injured nerve tissue for neural cell transplantation strategies, owing to the porous three-dimensional structures （3D）. So transplantation of the purposeful cells seeded scaffolds may be a promising method for nerve tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of a novel collagen-heparan sulfate biological scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells in vitro. Methods Collagen-heparan sulfate （CHS） biological scaffolds were made, and then the scaffolds and OECs were co-cultured in vitro. The viability of OECs was tested by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay at days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Statistical analysis was evaluated by student＇s ttest. Significance was accepted at P 〈0.05. OECs were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester （CFSE）, and the CFSE-labeled OECs were seeded into CHS scaffolds. The attachment and growth of OECs in CHS scaffolds were observed and traced directly by fluorescent microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscope （ESEM）. Results CHS biological scaffolds had steady porous 3D structures and no cytotoxicity to OECs （F=-0.14, P=-0.9330）. CHS biological scaffolds were good bridging materials for OECs attachment and proliferation, and they promoted the axonal growth. Conclusion The compatibility of CHS biological scaffolds with OECs is pretty good and CHS biological scaffold is a promising cell carrier for the implantation of OECs in nerve tissue bioengineering.

Effects of olfactory ensheathing cells on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons

Background Olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） can promote many kinds of neuron growth and axonal extension. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of co-culturing with OECs on neuron apoptosis in vitro. Methods Apoptosis was induced by treatment of cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons with 1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide （H2O2）. Cells were randomly arranged into the following treatment groups. In group 1, OECs at different density （10^4/ml to 8×10^5/ml） were added immediately after H2O2 treatment and cells were co-cultured for 24 hours. In group 2, OECs were added at different time points （0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours） after H2O2 treatment. Apoptotic cell death was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry （FCM）. Cell viability was determined by using methyl thiazoleterazolium （MTT） assays. Results The results showed in the Hoechest 33258 staining, FCM and MTT that OECs have both the density-dependent protection and time-dependent protection on neuron apoptosis. The apoptosis decreased and the dorsal root ganglion neuron viability increased, when the density of OECs was increased in co-culture groups. But further increasing OEC density above 2×10^5/ml （i.e. 8×10^5/ml） failed to exert additional protection. As the interval between adding H2O2 and adding OECs was increased, the amounts of apoptosis cells were also increased. When OECs were added 24 hours after H2O2, no significant protection was observed. Conclusion These results indicated that OECs could protect dorsal root ganglion neurons from apoptosis induced by H2O2 in a density- and time-dependent manner.

A novel biosynthetic hybrid scaffold seeded with olfactory ensheathing cells for treatment of spinal cord injuries

Background Implantation of tissue-engineered scaffolds is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for inducing nerve regenerations following spinal cord injuries. In this paper, we report a novel bioengineered hybrid scaffold comprised of three major extracellular matrix （ECM） proteins. Methods ECM-scaffolds （ECM-S） were prepared by gelling fibrinogen, fibronectin and laminin using fresh rat plasma. Olfactory ensheathing cells （OECs） were isolated from fresh rat olfactory mucosa, purified under differential adhesion, and assessed by immunofluorescent staining. OECs were seeded onto ECM-S and cultured. The effects of the scaffolds on the seeded cells were detected using the immunofluorescent staining, Western blotting, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results Tissue-engineered ECM-S could be easily molded into mat-like or cylindrical shapes and gelled by addition of fresh plasma. Observations by electron microscopy show that the ECM-S forms a stable three-dimensional porous network. Studies on the effects of the ECM-S on the biological behaviors of OECs in vitro indicate that the scaffold can promote OEC adhesion, proliferation and process extensions. Additionally, OECs seeded on the scaffold maintained the expression of nerve growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Conclusion We developed a biosynthetic hybrid gel which could be used as a scaffold for OEC transplantation; this gel can promote nerve regeneration following spinal cord injuries. Chin Med J 2009; 122（17）：2032-2040

Generation of genetically modified olfactory ensheathing cells that secrete VEGF: Potential application in cell-based treatment of leukoaraiosis

Objective: We aimed to provide an alternative cell source for cell therapy in leukoaraiosis(LA). Methods: Olfactory ensheathing cells(OECs) from the olfactory bulb were isolated,cultured, and purified. Next, the lentivirus carrying human VEGF165 gene was constructed and transfected into OECs. Results: The proliferative capacity of primary OECs was strong. OECs were infected with different multiplicity of infection. The expression level of VEGF was confirmed by real-time PCR with specific primers for GAPDH and VEGF, indicating that the genetically engineered OECs-VEGF produced VEGF with functional activity. Conclusions: Our data showed that these engineered OECs-VEGF highly express functional VEGF and retain the characteristics of astrocytes and Schwann cells,providing an alternative cell source for cell therapy in LA.