Effects of Different Doses of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Functional Recovery After Compressive Spinal-Cord Injury in Mice

Despite advances in technology and rehabilitation, no effective therapies are available for patients with SCI, which remains a major medical challenge. This study compared the efficacy of 3 different doses of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) administered by intraperitoneal injection as a therapeutic strategy for compressive SCI. We used adult female C57BL/6 mice that underwent laminectomy at the T9 level, followed by spinal-cord compression for 1 min with a 30-g vascular clip. The animals received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MSCs (8 x 10(4), 8 x 10(5)or 8 x 10(6) in 500 mu l) or DMEM (500 mu l), one week after SCI. The cells of the three MSC doses administered i.p. were able to migrate to the injury site, increase local expression of trophic factors, and enhance fiber sparing and/or regeneration, accompanied by substantial improvement in locomotor performance. Cell transplantation at 8 x 10(5) density showed the best therapeutic potential, leading to significant tissue and functional improvements compared to the other two doses. These findings indicate that i.p. application of MSCs at the density of 8 x 10(5) yielded the best results, suggesting that this dose is a good choice for SCI treatment. (C) 2018 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.