Biological and immunological properties of human olfactory ensheathing cells derived from different tissues: a comparative study

Objective To compare the biological and immunological properties of human olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) derived froom human adult olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa, and discuss the feasibility that the latter takes the place of the former in the utilization of cell or tissue transplantation therapy. Methods Human OECs derived from different tissues were isolated, cultured and purified; MTT assay was employed to observe the cell viability. With the characteristics of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as comparison, immunocytochemical staining, quantitative techniques,flow cytometry and two-way mixed lymphocytes reaction method were used to compare and analyze the biological and immunological properties of OECs derived from human adult olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa. Results The 20ECs derived from human adult olfactory bulb and olfactory mucosa started to differentiate at the same time and had the same cell morphology basically. The growth curve was in accordance with the vitality curve and had many coincident points; positive immunohistochemistry P75~(NTR) staining was found in both 2 kinds of OECs. Flow cytometry showed no expressions of CD34, B7-1 (CDS0), B7-2(CD86), HLA-DR, CD40 and CD40L. No significant differences on the rate of two-way mixed lymphocytes reaction were found among HAOBOECs group, HAOMOECs group and BMSCsgroup (51.18%±6.01%, 51.00%±5.87% and 51.00%±5.87%, respectively, P>0.05) Conclusion Human adult olfactory bulb-derived and olfactory mucosa-derived OECs are basically the same biological and immunological properties. Human adult olfactory mucosa-derived OECs, a more convenient source,can take the place of human adult olfactory bulb-derived OECs in the utilization of cell or tissue transplantation therapy. Key words: Olfactory ensheathing cells;  Olfactory mucosa;  Olfactory bulb