Abstract

Microglial activation in the substantia nigra (SN) is a ubiquitous feature in PD which could mediate toxic effects. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties. We evaluated whether the transplantation of hMSCs obtained from umbilical cord had a neuroprotective effect in a not-immunosuppressed rat Parkinson's disease (PD) model. Rats receiving hMSCs in the SN displayed significant preservation in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the SN at 21 days after lesion and an improved performance in behavioral tests compared to control rats. However, no differences in any inflammatory parameter tested were found. These results suggest that grafted hMSCs exert neuroprotection but not neuromodulatory effects on degenerating dopaminergic neurons.

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Publisher Full Text

Authors

Mathieu P, Roca V, Gamba C, Del Pozo A, Pitossi F

Institution

Laboratory of Regenerative and Protective Therapies of the Nervous System, Foundation Leloir Institute, IIBBA-CONICET, 435 Av Patricias Argentinas, 1405 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Source

Journal of neuroimmunology 246:1-2 2012 May 15 pg 43-50

MeSH

Animals
Dopaminergic Neurons
Humans
Immunocompetence
Mesoderm
Parkinsonian Disorders
Rats
Stromal Cells
Substantia Nigra
Umbilical Cord

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22458982