The study involved pregnant rats treated with retinoic acid on embryonic day 10 (E10). These rats underwent fetal surgery for MSC transplantation on embryonic day 16 (E16). The fetuses were harvested on embryonic day 20 (E20). Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Brn3a protein in the transplanted MSCs and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in the defective spinal cords. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of transcription factors Brn3a and Runx1 in spinal cords.
Results:
The findings revealed that some of the transplanted MSCs expressed sensory neuron cell-specific phenotypes. The expression of Brn3a and Runx1 was upregulated in the defective spinal cords compared to controls. Additionally, the percentage of Brn3a-positive neurons in DRG increased after transplantation.
Conclusion:
The study concludes that MSC transplantation into the spinal cord could encourage both the transplanted MSCs and surrounding cells to differentiate toward a sensory neuron cell fate. This approach also plays a significant role in protecting sensory neurons in DRG. The findings suggest that this method may be valuable in treating sensory neuron deficiencies in spina bifida aperta.
