Novel object recognition in Apoe−/− mice improved by neonatal implantation of wild-type multipotential stromal cells

Multipotential bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) from wild-type (Wt) or apolipoprotein E deficient (Apoe−/−) mice were implanted into the cerebral ventricles of Apoe−/− mice. MSCs from Wt mice continued expressing apoE up to 6 months after implantation and were associated with enhanced novel object recognition and increased microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus. These data show that MSCs can be used to distinguish developmental from post-developmental effects of a gene knockout and support their therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases.