Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury: Current Status and Prospects

Since the 1990s, our group has been conducting basic research on regenerative medicine using various cell types to treat several central nervous system diseases, including spinal cord injury (SCI). We have reported many positive effects of the intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow. In the current study, MSCs were administered intravenously to a rat model of severe SCI (crush injury) during the acute to subacute stages-considerable motor function recovery was observed. Furthermore, MSC transplantation in a chronic-phase SCI model improved motor function. In this review, we discuss recent updates in basic research on the intravenous infusion of MSCs and prospects for SCI research.