Oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation attenuates inflammation after ischemic stroke in mice

Disruption of blood-brain barrier and neuroinflammation are critical pathological features in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. This study investigates whether oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation can downregulate inflammation to attenuate blood-brain barrier disruption following ischemic brain injury.

Adult male Institute of Cancer Research mice (n = 60) underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Post ischemic assault, these mice received a stereotactic injection of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (6 × 10⁵). Neurobehavioral outcomes, infarct volume, inflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase, and tight junction protein levels were measured following ischemia.

Oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation reduced infarct volume, alleviated anxiety and depression, and promoted neurological recovery after ischemic stroke. Compared to the control group, oligodendrocyte precursor cell treated mice exhibited reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, reduced neutrophil infiltration, and diminished loss of tight junction protein. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells alleviated inflammation by increasing β-catenin expression. The administration of β-catenin inhibitor blocked the beneficial effects of oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation on neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier permeability.

This study demonstrates that oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation attenuates neuroinflammation and protectes blood-brain barrier in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Our findings indicate that oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke.