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Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Experimental Contusive Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: December 17, 2014
Stem cell treatment trials of spinal cord injuries in animals
Mariam F Farid1, Yara S Abouelela1, Hamdy Rizk1
1Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt.
Background:
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological spinal cord damage that resulted in the loss of temporary or permanent function. However, there are even now no effective therapies for it. So, a new medical promising therapeutic hotspot over the previous decades appeared which was (Stem cell (SC) cure of SCI). Otherwise, animal models are considered in preclinical research as a model for humans to trial a potential new treatment.
Methodology:
Following articles were saved from different databases (PubMed, Google scholar, Egyptian knowledge bank, Elsevier, Medline, Embase, ProQuest, BMC) on the last two decades, and data were obtained then analyzed.
Results:
This review discusses the type and grading of SCI. As well as different types of stem cells therapy for SCI, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The review focuses on the transplantation pathways, clinical evaluation, and clinical signs of different types of SC on different animal models which are summarized in tables to give an easy to reach.
Conclusion:
Pharmacological and physiotherapy have limited regenerative power in comparison with stem cells medication in the treatment of SCI. Among several sources of cell therapies, mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) one is being progressively developed as a trusted important energetic way to repair and regenerate. Finally, a wide-ranged animal models have been condensed that helped in human clinical trial therapies.
Insights
Stem cell therapy offers a promising regenerative approach for spinal cord injury (SCI), surpassing traditional treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show significant potential in preclinical models, paving the way for human clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes significant neurological damage with limited effective treatments.
- Stem cell (SC) therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI.
- Animal models are crucial for preclinical research and human trial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review stem cell therapy types for spinal cord injury.
- To analyze transplantation methods, clinical evaluations, and outcomes in animal models.
- To compare stem cell therapy efficacy with conventional treatments.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, etc.) over the last two decades.
- Data extraction and analysis of studies on stem cell transplantation for SCI.
- Compilation of information on different stem cell types and their application in animal models.
Main Results:
- The review covers various stem cell types: mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
- Detailed information on transplantation pathways, clinical evaluations, and outcomes in different animal models is presented in summary tables.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are highlighted for their progressive development and potential in repair and regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy, particularly MSCs, demonstrates superior regenerative potential compared to pharmacological and physiotherapy interventions for SCI.
- Extensive use of animal models has facilitated the advancement of stem cell therapies towards human clinical trials.
- MSCs are a leading candidate for developing effective regenerative strategies for spinal cord injury.

