THE USE OF STEM CELLS TO STIMULATE REGENERATION OF DAMAGED NERVE
E.S. Petrova
Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg;
e-mail: iemmorphol@yandex.ru
The purpose of the review was the summation of the results of experimental studies on the use of stem cells to repair damaged nerves. There are two basic strategies to connect the
segment of nerve damage: the use of biodegradable scaffolds and conduits and the application of stem cells. Stem cells are source of the growth and trophic factors. Embryonic stem cells,
neural stem/progenitor cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, dental pulp stem cells, skin-derived precursor cells were used in the past ten
years. Genetically modified cells with overexpression of growth factors were also used. Analysis of the results of experimental studies have shown that stem cells contribute to improving
the recovery of damaged nerves. Further basic research on the mechanisms of the influence of the transplanted stem cells in regenerating axons and Schwann cells of the recipient are required.
Investigation of the fate of transplanted cells in the long term after the operation is necessary to eliminate the risk of any adverse effects of stem cell transplantation. The use of stem cells in
experimental modeling of nerve injury allows us to study patterns of development of stem cells, mechanisms of their differentiation and malignant transformation.
Key words: nerve, regeneration, stem cells, cell technologies
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