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Isolating Immune Cells from Mouse Brain and Skull
Published on: July 26, 2024
Analysis of homing potential of marrow-derived mononuclear cells in an experimentally-induced brain stroke mouse
Sudesh Prabhakar1, Rupadevi Muthaian, Rajesh Chabbra
1Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Primary Objective:
To analyse the efficacy of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) in traversing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in an experimental model of stroke.
Methods And Procedures:
The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) mouse model was established and behavioural and histological analysis was performed, subsequently the carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA)-labelled MNCs were transplanted through the tail vein immediately after 23 hours of reperfusion. The fluorescence microscopic analysis of the brain sections was analysed in both acute and sub-acute phases of transplantation.
Results:
The neurological deficit was confirmed by TTC staining and contra lateral turning behaviour. After 2 and 7 days of transplantation, the CFDA-labelled MNCs were observed in the infarcted regions along the line of cortex.
Conclusion:
The presence of the CFDA-labelled cells in the ischaemic injured brain lesions proved homing of the implanted MNCs in the infarcted regions of the brain. The successful homing of MNCs may pave way for future clinical trials using MNC in stroke.
Insights
Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) successfully homed to the brain's infarcted regions after stroke in a mouse model. This finding supports the potential of MNCs for future clinical stroke trials.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide.
- Current treatments for stroke are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) show promise for neuroprotection and repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- To evaluate the homing potential of transplanted MNCs to ischemic brain lesions in a stroke model.
Main Methods:
- A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) mouse model was used to induce stroke.
- Carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA)-labeled MNCs were transplanted via tail vein 23 hours post-reperfusion.
- Fluorescence microscopy analyzed cell distribution in acute and sub-acute phases; neurological deficits were assessed via TTC staining and behavioral tests.
Main Results:
- Neurological deficits were confirmed in the MCAo model.
- CFDA-labeled MNCs were successfully observed within the infarcted brain regions 2 and 7 days post-transplantation.
- Evidence of cell migration and homing to the ischemic cortex was established.
Conclusions:
- Transplanted MNCs demonstrated successful homing to stroke-induced brain lesions.
- This study provides evidence for the BBB traversal capability of MNCs in a stroke context.
- The findings suggest that MNCs hold potential for future clinical applications in stroke treatment.

