Bone marrow stromal cell transplantation for treating cerebral ischemia in rats

Aim: To investigate the effect and mechanism of bone marrow stromal cells(MSCs) transplantation for treating cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods: Rat middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model was established.A total of 72 SD rats were divided into model group,PBS group and MSCs group at random.MSCs (2×106) labeled with BrdU and the same volume of PBS were transferred into MSCs group and PBS group, respectively, through external carotid artery 24 h after stroke.In addition,sham operated group had 6 rats. Behavioral tests were performed before and after MCAO. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify MSCs and expression of neurotrophic factors. Results: The transferred MSCs survived,migrated and poducing neurotrophic factors,such as VEGF and BDNF after the transplantation.Compared with other three groups,the function of nervous system was improved. Conclusion: The therapy of MSCs transferring into rat brain after cerebral ischemia is effective. The neurotrophic factors produced by MSCs may explain the protective mechanism.