Abstract | OBJECT: The aim of this study was to compare transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in a degenerative disc model in rabbits to determine the better candidate for disc cell therapy. METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells and NPCs were transplanted in a rabbit model of disc degeneration. Changes in disc height, according to plain radiography, T2-weighted signal intensity on MR imaging, histology, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG)/ DNA, and associated gene expression levels, were evaluated among healthy controls without surgery, sham-operated animals in which only disc degeneration was induced, MSC-transplanted animals, and NPC-transplanted animals for a 16-week period. RESULTS: Sixteen weeks after cell transplantation, in the MSC- and NPC-transplanted groups, the decline in the disc height index was reduced and T2-weighted signal intensity increased compared with the sham-operated group. Safranin O staining showed a high GAG content, which was also supported by sGAG/ DNA assessment. Disc regeneration was also confirmed at the gene expression level using real-time polymerase chain reaction. However, no significant differences in expression were found between the NPC- and MSC-transplanted groups. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Ganjun Feng, Xianfeng Zhao, Hao Liu, Huina Zhang, Xiangjun Chen, Rui Shi, Xi Liu, Xiaodan Zhao, Wenli Zhang, Beiyu Wang |
Journal | Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
(J Neurosurg Spine)
Vol. 14
Issue 3
Pg. 322-9
(Mar 2011)
ISSN: 1547-5646 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 21250814
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Glycosaminoglycans
- A73025
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Topics |
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Glycosaminoglycans
(metabolism)
- Intervertebral Disc
(cytology, metabolism)
- Intervertebral Disc Displacement
(metabolism, pathology, surgery)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
- Rabbits
- Regeneration
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