Effects of Neural Crest-Derived Multipotent Stem Cells on Regeneration of an Injured Peripheral Nerve in Mice

We studied the effect of transplantation of neural crest-derived multipotent stem cells (NC-MSCs) obtained from vibrissa germs on regeneration of the injured (transected) sciatic nerve in adult mice (strain FVB). After transplantation of the cells into the injured region, regeneration of the severed nerve was intensified, as compared with that in mice with no implantation. The intensity of vascularization and renewal of the endoneurium also increased. The density of nerve fibers in the distal part of the injured nerve in mice after transplantation of NC-MSCs (10522.8 +/- 1044.0 mm(-2)) was significantly higher than that in mice with nerve injury but without transplantation (8409.5 +/- 739.5 mm(-2)). Possible mechanisms of acceleration of regeneration of the injured peripheral nerve under conditions of transplantation of stem cells are discussed.