Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
14:53
Intra-Arterial Delivery of Neural Stem Cells to the Rat and Mouse Brain: Application to Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: June 26, 2020
Injection of neural progenitor cells improved learning and memory dysfunction after cerebral ischemia
Nobuyuki Mochizuki1, Norio Takagi, Koji Kurokawa
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan.
Experimental Neurology
|March 19, 2008
Summary
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) injected into the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia improved learning and memory. This treatment also helped maintain brain tissue and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Therapy
Background:
- Stem cells show promise for neurological deficits after cerebral ischemia.
- The specific impact of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) on learning and memory deficits post-ischemia requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if exogenous NPCs can prevent learning and memory dysfunction following cerebral ischemia.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of NPCs in a rat model of cerebral ischemia.
Main Methods:
- Cerebral ischemia was induced in rats by injecting microspheres into the right hemisphere.
- Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were injected into the hippocampus 10 minutes post-ischemia.
- Learning and memory were evaluated using water maze tasks; brain tissue viability and BDNF levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- NPC injection reduced prolonged escape latency in water maze tests (Days 12-28 post-ischemia).
- NPCs partially attenuated the loss of viable brain tissue in the ipsilateral hemisphere.
- NPC treatment prevented the early decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
Conclusions:
- Hippocampal injection of exogenous NPCs can prevent learning and memory dysfunction induced by cerebral ischemia.
- NPCs may exert their protective effects by maintaining BDNF levels during the early stages post-ischemia.
