Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Rescues Rectum Function in the Aganglionic Rat

Abstract Background Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising tool for restoring the nervous system in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of NSC transplantation as a therapeutic strategy for neuronal replacement of the enteric nervous system of the rectum in an aganglionic rat. Materials and Methods Rat central nervous system–derived NSCs (CNS-NSCs) obtained from the cortex of the fetal brain (E16) were transplanted into the benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-induced rat aganglionic rectum. Survival and differentiation of the implanted cells were assessed at 8 weeks posttransplantation using immunostaining and Western blotting. The rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was also be measured. Results Eight weeks following transplantation, grafted CNS-NSCs differentiated into neurons and glial cells in the aganglionic rectum. The protein expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were significantly increased and the RAIR restored after cell implantation. Conclusions CNS-NSC transplantation may provide a viable therapeutic option for disorders of the enteric nervous system.