Matrigel enhances survival and integration of grafted dopamine neurons into the striatum

Synthetic Polymer Matrices for Neural Cell Transplantation

This study proposes a strategy to promote the integration of a neural graft into the host brain tissue. It involves the attachment of donor cells to a polymeric matrix, and the implantation of this cell-polymer matrix. We have synthesized hydrogels based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methacrylamide (HPMA) to produce highly porous matrices. As preliminary steps, we have examined: 1) The response of the brain tissue to the implantation of PHPMA/collagen hydrogels; 2) adhesion, growth, differentiation, and viability of embryonic neuronal cells, and embryonal carcinoma-derived neurons seeded onto PHPMA substrates containing hexosamine residues (glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine), and after entrapment of cells within the hydrogels. Histological analysis seven wk after implantation showed the tolerance of PHPMA hydrogels, and the penetration of host cells into the pore structures. However, cellular ingrowth requires the presence of collagen, and is dependent upon porosity. In vitro data showed that PHPMA substrates supported neuronal cell attachment and neuritic growth, but the biocompatibility of the substrate was enhanced after incorporation of N-acetylglucosamine into the hydrogel. The data also showed the feasibility of entrapping cells into the polymer matrices, and that these “cellular” hydrogel matrices could be maintained in vitro with preservation of cell viability and differentiation. These findings suggest that PHPMA-based hydrogels can serve as carriers for neural transplant, and as a support to guide tissue ingrowth and organization.

Phosphorylated neurofilaments and SNAP-25 in cultured SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammals have profound effects on the behavior and differentiation of many different cell types. Here, we report the results of biochemical and immunocytochemical investigations of the expression of SNAP-25 and phosphorylated neurofilament proteins (NFs) by cells grown on coverslips, cells cultured in EHS-ECM gels, and cells in situ in rat brain. SNAP-25 and phosphorylated NFs were detected by immunofluorescence in all these environments but were not detectable by Western analysis in extracts of cells grown on coverslips. The results support the interpretation that EHS-ECM induces differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells in culture and suggest this system as a model system for study of nerve tissue formation and repair.

Low-level laser effect on neural regeneration in Gore-Tex tubes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of low-level laser (LLL) irradiation on neural regeneration in surgically created defects in the rabbit inferior alveolar nerve.

STUDY DESIGN

Five adult female New Zealand White rabbits underwent bilateral exposure of the inferior alveolar nerve. A 6-mm segment of nerve was resected, and the nerve gap was repaired via entubulation by using a Gore-Tex conduit. The experimental side received 10 postoperative LLL treatments with a 70-mW gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode at 4 sites per treatment. At 15 weeks after surgery, the nerve segments were harvested bilaterally and prepared for light microscopy. Basic fuchsin and toluidine blue were used to highlight myelinated axons. The segments were examined histomorphometrically by using computer analysis to determine mean axonal diameter, total fascicular surface area, and axonal density along the repair sites.

RESULTS

Gross examination of all nerves showed intact neural bundles with variable degrees of osseous remodeling. Light microscopic evaluation revealed organized regenerated neural tissue in both groups with more intrafascicular perineural tissue in the control group. Histomorphometric evaluation revealed increased axonal density in the laser treated group as compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONS

LLL irradiation may be a useful noninvasive adjunct to promote neuronal wound healing in surgically created defects repaired with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene entubulation.

Strands of embryonic mesencephalic tissue show greater dopamine neuron survival and better behavioral improvement than cell suspensions after transplantation in parkinsonian rats

The success of embryonic neural transplants as a treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease has been limited by poor survival of transplanted dopamine neurons. To see if a new partially intact tissue preparation method improves survival, we have developed a technique for extruding embryonic tissue into strands. We expected this method to reduce cell damage and improve transplant survival as well as provide improved tissue delivery. We have compared transplants of tissue strands with mechanically dispersed suspensions of embryonic day 15 rat ventral mesencephalon. Tissue from ventral mesencephalon was transplanted into a single site in dopamine denervated striatum of unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats. To evaluate the effects of striatal cografts and growth factors on dopamine cell survival, dispersed mesencephalic cells were cotransplanted with dispersed striatal cells. Another group had dispersed mesencephalic cells cotransplanted with striatal cells incubated in the cold for 2 h with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF, 100 ng/ml), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I, 1500 ng/ml), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, 150 ng/ml). Behavioral improvement was assessed monthly by changes in methamphetamine-induced rotational behavior. Animals were sacrificed after 3 months, and dopamine neurons were identified by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. Transplants of tissue strands produced better dopamine neuron survival and led to more robust behavioral restoration than did cell suspensions even when suspensions were supported with cografts of striatal cells or pretreatment with growth factors.