[Functional evaluation for neural progenitor cells transplantation to treat spinal cord injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional recovery of acute spinal cord-injured rats treated by immortalized neural progenitor cells transplantation. METHODS: Spinal cord injury (SCI) model was built by revised Allen method. Immortalized neural progenitor cells (G3 line) transplantation was performed on day 9 after injury. Culture medium and nontreatment groups were used as control. BBB scores were checked every week to show the motor function recovery and Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) were recorded 8 and 12 weeks after transplantation to display the conduction of injured spinal cord. RESULTS: There were not significantly differences for BBB scores among the three groups within 12 weeks after grafting; but MEPs were significantly enhanced in G3 group compared with control and sham groups. CONCLUSION: Immortalized neural progenitor cells transplantation can significantly improve the conduction of spinal cord injured rats.