Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells irradiated by low power laser irradiation to repair spinal cord injury in rats

Objective To investigate the effects of transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) irradiated by low power laser irradiation(LPLI) on the repair of transversal spinal cord injury in rats. Methods Twenty-four SD rats were randomized into 3 even groups after the animal models of spinal cord completely transected at T12 had been established for 4 weeks. OECs(group A), OECs ir-radiated by LPLI(group B) and DMEM fluid(empty control group) were transplanted into the caudal zone of the spinal cord in the 3 groups(n=8) respectively. The functional repair was evaluated by Bundle branch block (BBB) score, pathology and Flumgold label, respectively. The BBB scores before and after transplantation were statistically analyzed by one-factor analysis of variance or repeated measurement anal-ysis of variance, respectively (α=0.05). Results The methods of transplantation and the evaluation time had significant effects on the BBB scores in the 3 groups (P=0.000), and the BBB scores were significantly different among the 3 groups (P=0.000). Anti-NGRFp75 and anti-GFAP staining positive OECs were observed in the cephalic and caudal areas in group B, only anti-GFAP staining positive OECs were observed in group A, but nothing was found in the empty control group. The neural fibers labeled by Flurogold passed through the lesion area and extended into the cephalic and caudal areas in groups A and B, but were not present in the empty control group. Conclusion Although transplantation with both OECs and OECs irradiated by LPLI can promote the repair of spinal cord injury in rats, OECs irradiated by LPLI may be more effective. Key words: Olfactory ensheathing cells;  Spinal cord injury;  Cell transplantation;  Laser therapy, low-level