Combined Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells and Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Improves the Motor Function of Rats with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of combined transplantation of neural stem cells (NSC) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) on the motor function of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage.MethodsIn three days after a rat model of caudate nucleus hemorrhage was established, NSCs and OEC, NSC, OEC (from embryos of Wistar rats) or normal saline were injected into hematomas of rats in combined transplantation group, NSC group, OEC group, and control group, respectively. Damage of neural function was scored before and in 3, 7, 14, 30 days after operation. Tissue after transplantation was observed by immunocytochemistry staining.ResultsThe scores for the NSC, OEC and co-transplantation groups were significantly lower in 14 and 30 days after operation than in 3 days after operation (P<0.05). The scores for the NSC and OEC groups were significantly lower than those for the control group only in 30 days after operation (P<0.05), while the difference for the NSC-OEC group was significant in 14 days after operation (P<0.05). Immunocytochemistry staining revealed that the transplanted OEC and NSC could survive, migrate and differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The number of neural precursor cells was greater in the NSC and combined transplantation groups than in the control group. The number of neurons differentiated from NSC was significantly greater in the co-transplantation group than in the NSC group.ConclusionCo-transplantation of NSC and OEC can promote the repair of injured tissue and improve the motor function of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage.