Stem Cell Treatment Improves Motor Function in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Chang You-Kang, Chen Ming-Hsiang, Chiang Yi-Hung, Chen Yu-Fan, Ma Wei-Hsien, Tseng Chian-You, Soong Bin-Wen, Ho Jennifer H, Lee Oscar K
Primary Institution: National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
Hypothesis
Can transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells rescue cerebellar Purkinje cells and improve motor function in spinocerebellar ataxia?
Conclusion
Intravenous transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells can delay the onset and improve motor function in SCA2 transgenic mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Intravenous hMSC transplantation significantly improved rotarod performance compared to control mice.
- Immunohistochemistry showed higher survival rates of cerebellar Purkinje cells in hMSC-treated mice.
- Intracranial transplantation did not show significant improvement in motor function.
Takeaway
Scientists gave special cells to sick mice to help their brains work better, and it made them move better.
Methodology
Transgenic mice were given human mesenchymal stem cells either intravenously or intracranially, and their motor function was assessed using a rotarod test every 8 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size in the intracranial group.
Limitations
The study had a limited number of transgenic mice for intracranial transplantation, which may have affected statistical outcomes.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6J SCA2 transgenic mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.012
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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