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.

Brain Injury
|October 22, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

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.

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