Cell therapy for spinal cord regeneration

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2008 Jan 14;60(2):263-76. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2007.08.028. Epub 2007 Oct 5.

Abstract

This review presents a summary of the various types of cellular therapy used to treat spinal cord injury. The inhibitory environment and loss of axonal connections after spinal cord injury pose many obstacles to regenerating the lost tissue. Cellular therapy provides a means of restoring the cells lost to the injury and could potentially promote functional recovery after such injuries. A wide range of cell types have been investigated for such uses and the advantages and disadvantages of each cell type are discussed along with the research studying each cell type. Additionally, methods of delivering cells to the injury site are evaluated. Based on the current research, suggestions are given for future investigation of cellular therapies for spinal cord regeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / transplantation
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration / methods
  • Humans
  • Nerve Regeneration*
  • Neuroglia / cytology
  • Neuroglia / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / transplantation
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / surgery*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism