Delayed olfactory ensheathing cell transplants reduce nociception after dorsal root injury

►Cervical dorsal root injury results development of neuropathic pain and impairment of skilled forepaw movements within the partial deafferented forelimb. ►Delayed OEC transplantation attenuated neuropathic disturbances associated with dorsal root injury, including spontaneous pain behavior, tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. ►Delayed OEC transplantation had no effect on injury-induced central reorganisation and afferent sprouting.