A novel biosynthetic hybrid scaffold seeded with olfactory ensheathing cells for treatment of spinal cord injuries

作者:Qian Lei min*; Zhang Zhi jian; Gong Ai hua; Qin Ru juan; Sun Xiang lan; Cao Xu dong; Liu Jin bo; Jiang Ping; Chen Yong chang
来源:Chinese Medical Journal, 2009, 122(17): 2032-2040.
DOI:10.3760/cma.j.issn.0366-6999.2009.17.014

摘要

Background Implantation of tissue-engineered scaffolds is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies for inducing nerve regenerations following spinal cord injuries. In this paper, we report a novel bioengineered hybrid scaffold comprised of three major extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Methods ECM-scaffolds (ECM-S) were prepared by gelling fibrinogen, fibronectin and laminin using fresh rat plasma. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) were isolated from fresh rat olfactory mucosa, purified under differential adhesion, and assessed by immunofluorescent staining. OECs were seeded onto ECM-S and cultured. The effects of the scaffolds on the seeded cells were detected using the immunofluorescent staining, Western blotting, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results Tissue-engineered ECM-S could be easily molded into mat-like or cylindrical shapes and gelled by addition of fresh plasma. Observations by electron microscopy show that the ECM-S forms a stable three-dimensional porous network. Studies on the effects of the ECM-S on the biological behaviors of OECs in vitro indicate that the scaffold can promote OEC adhesion, proliferation and process extensions. Additionally, OECs seeded on the scaffold maintained the expression of nerve growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Conclusion We developed a biosynthetic hybrid gel which could be used as a scaffold for OEC transplantation; this gel can promote nerve regeneration following spinal cord injuries. Chin Med J 2009;122(17):2032-2040