Huntington’s
disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative inherited
genetic disorder , which leads to the onset of motor, neuropsychiatric and cognitive disturbances. HD is characterized by the loss of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA )ergic
medium spiny neurons (MSNs). To date, there is no
treatment for HD.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide a substantial
therapeutic opportunity for the HD
treatment . Herein, we investigated the
therapeutic potential of
human immature
dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSC), a special type of MSC originated from the
neural crest , for HD
treatment . Two different doses of hIDPSC were intravenously administrated in a subacute 3-nitropropionic
acid (3NP)-induced
rat model. We demonstrated hIDPSC homing in the striatum, cortex and
subventricular zone using specific markers for
human cells . Thirty days after hIDPSC
administration , the
cells found in the
brain are still express hallmarks of undifferentiated MSC.
Immunohistochemistry quantities
analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of
BDNF , DARPP32 and D2R positive stained
cells in the striatum and cortex in the groups that received hIDPSC. The differences were more expressive in
animals that received only one
administration of hIDPSC. Altogether, these data suggest that the
intravenous administration of hIDPSCs can restore the
BDNF , DARPP32 and D2R expression, promoting
neuroprotection and
neurogenesis .