Comparison of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells transplantation and mobilization by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in experimental spinal injury.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that autologous adult stem cells may be a protocol of treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of an injection of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) and bone-marrow cell mobilization induced by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in rats with SCI.

METHODS

Adult rats were assigned into three groups: control group (SCI only), SCI + BMMCs, and SCI + G - CSF. Neurological scores and electrophysiological testing were done in all rats before SCI, and at 1, 7, 14, 28, 56 days post-SCI. Simultaneously, immunohistochemical labeling and TUNEL assay were performed at the given time.

RESULTS

From 1 week post-SCI onward, animals treated with BMMCs or G-CSF had higher BBB scores than control group. Motor and somatosensory evoked potentials (MEPs and SEPs, respectively) of the treated group were significantly better than those in control group at 2 weeks. After sacrifice, compared with the control, animals treated with BMMCs and G-CSF significantly increased expressions of Brdu, NSE, GFAP, Factor VIII, BDNF, and reduced expression of apoptosis cells around the lesion site. Our results indicate that administration of BMMCs and G-CSF in a SCI model achieves similarly positive effect on functional and histologic recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of G-CSF may be a viable alternative to BMMCs for autograft in patients with SCI.