Effects of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Neurological Function, Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 and Nogo-A Expression in Stroke Rats

Abstract

To investigate BMSCs’ effect on neurological function, TGF-β1 and Nogo-A expression in stroke rats. Rats were assigned into sham operation group, ischemia group (MACO rat model) and BMSCs group (BMSCs transplantation) followed by analysis of neurological function, brain pathological changes, cerebral infarction volume, TGF-β1 and Nogo-A level by Western blot. Compared with sham operation group, the score of rats was significantly elevated in ischemic group and decreased in BMSCs group (P <0.05). Compared with sham-operated group, ischemic group showed significantly increased cerebral infarction area (P <0.05) and BMSCs group had a significant decreased water level and brain infarct volume (P < 0.05). Compared with sham-operated group, ischemic group had more edema in the nerve cells with serious vacuole, uneven cytoplasm staining and reduced number of neurons, which were all significantly improved in BMSCs group. Compared to sham group, ischemic group showed significantly reduced TGF-β1 and increased Nogo-A level (P <0.05), which were all reversed in BMSCs group (P <0.05). BMSCs transplantation can significantly improve the nerve function of stroke rats, promote TGF-β1 secretion and inhibit Nogo-A expression.