Application of Autologous Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells into the Area of Spinal Cord Injury in a Subacute Period: A Feasibility Study in Pigs

Simple Summary Spinal cord injury is a medical and social issue causing severe disability. The potential to overcome the consequences of spinal cord injury is related to cell therapy. Peripheral blood is a prospective and available source of cells for further clinical use. In our study, we have evaluated the therapeutic potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on the model of spinal cord injury in pigs. In the subacute period (6 weeks after injury), PBMCs enclosed in fibrin glue were applied into the dorsal area of the injured spinal cord. In this study, we observed that the tissue integrity increased in the area adjacent to the epicenter of injury, and conduction along spinal axons was partially restored after cell therapy in pigs. Peripheral blood presents an available source of cells for both fundamental research and clinical use. In our study, we have evaluated the therapeutic potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) excluding the preliminary sorting or mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells. We have evaluated the regenerative potential of PBMCs embedded into a fibrin matrix (FM) in a model of pig spinal cord injury. The distribution of transplanted PBMCs in the injured spinal cord was evaluated; PBMCs were shown to penetrate into the deep layers of the spinal cord and concentrate mainly in the grey matter. The results of the current study revealed an increase in the tissue integrity in the area adjacent to the epicenter of injury and the partially restored conduction along posterior columns of the spinal cord in animals after FM+PBMC application. The multiplex analysis of blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid showed the cytokine imbalance to occur without significantly shifting toward pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokine cascades.

Automated summary

The therapeutic potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a pig spinal cord injury model was evaluated, showing partial restoration of spinal cord conduction function after application. The distribution of transplanted PBMCs in the injured spinal cord was mainly in the grey matter, contributing to an increase in tissue integrity and partially restored conduction along posterior columns. Cytokine imbalance was observed in blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid without significant shift towards pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokine cascades.