The Effect of Transplantation of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells on the Size of Posttraumatic Spinal Cord Cysts.

We studied the effect of transplantation of ensheathing cells obtained from the olfactory mucosa of rats and humans on the size of posttraumatic spinal cord cysts. MRI examination showed that transplantation of these cells into experimental posttraumatic cysts of the spinal cord led to a significant decrease in cyst volume and even their complete disappearance in two animals receiving transplantation of rat or human cells. These findings attested to regenerative processes developing as a result of ensheathing cell transplantation. Further studies in this field will be aimed at elucidation of the mechanisms underlying spinal cord regeneration in the area of posttraumatic cysts after transplantation of ensheathing cells.

Comparison of the Efficiency of Transplantation of Rat and Human Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Posttraumatic Cysts of the Spinal Cord.

Olfactory ensheathing cells showed significant effects on the regeneration of the spinal cord in experimental models and in clinical trials. However, the use of these cells in the therapy of posttraumatic cysts of the spinal cord has not been studied. Cultures of human and rat olfactory mucosa were obtained according to the protocols developed by us. Passage 3-4 cultures are most enriched with olfactory ensheathing cells and are preferable for transplantation. We performed transplantation of 750,000 olfactory ensheathing cells into the region of modeled cysts. The therapeutic effect of human cells was more pronounced. The positive dynamics of recovery of motor activity in the hind limbs of rats can reflect regenerative processes in the spinal cord after transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells into the region of posttraumatic cysts.