Neural precursors as a cell source to repair the demyelinated spinal cord

Schwann cells and neural precursor cells derived from adult human brain (subventricular zone) and from bone marrow were studied anatomically and physiologically after transplantation into the demyelinated rat spinal cord. All cell types formed myelin and restored conduction velocity. Following transection of the dorsal funiculus, Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells facilitated axonal regeneration and restoration of conduction across the lesion site. There is discussion on the challenges of cell type selection and preparation for a potential clinical cell therapy study in human demyelinating diseases.