Tissue engineered spinal cord using SC, OEC and BMSC seeded DBP/PLGA nerve channel; Preliminary study

Nervous tissue engineering in combination with other therapeutic strategies is an emerging trend for the treatment of different CNS disorders and injuries. We proposed to use poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) nerve channel impregnated demineralized bone particle(DBP) using tissue-engineering principles for the repair of spinal cord injury. We prepared DBP/PLGA nerve channel using ice particle-freeze drying method. Schwann cells(SCs), olfactory ensheathing cells(OECs) and bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs) were seeded on DBP/PLGA nerve channel. The spinal cord was completely transected horizontally at two levels(T7 and T8), and DBP/PLGA nerve channel seeded cells was implanted in the lesion. For histological evaluation, the implants were removed after 2, 4 and 8 weeks and stained hematoxylin and eosin staining. Motor functional outcome measurements using the BBB scoring, sensory test and motor functional recovery test performed every week for 8 weeks post injury. It was observed that the effects of the DBP/PLGA nerve channel with cells(SCs, OECs and BMSCs), specially seeded SC on neuroinduction are stronger that DBP/PLGA nerve channel without cells and Blank control. In conclusion, these results suggest that SCs and DBP/PLGA nerve channel may have an important role for spinal cord regeneration of tissue engineering area.