Ultrastructural changes of the infarcted region after transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into cerebral infarcted rats

Objective To observe the ultrastructural changes of the infarcted region after transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the infarcted rats. Methods Model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) in Wistar rats was established. The isolated and cultured MSCs in vitro were injected into the infarcted region. The ultrastructural changes of the infracted region were observed at 4 w after transplantation by electron microscopy. Results Some immature cells surrounding the neurons were found to survive in the infracted region. Massive free ribosomes were observed in the neural cytoplasm in the infarcted region in the rats receiving MSCs transplantation, but neurons with nuclear pyknosis and neurophagia were observed in the infarcted region of rats in the control group. Conclusion MSCs transplantation might improve neuron repair in cerebral ischemic injury in rats.