Transplantation Of Mensenchymal Stem Cells From Human Umbilical Cord Blood Improved Cognition Of Vascular Dementia Rats

objective In this study we tested whether intravenously infused mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) improve cognition of the VaD rats. In addition, we studied the probable mechanism of improvement by analysis the changes of GAP-43mRNA and GAP-43 protein, BDNF and NGF in hippocampus in the VaD rats. Methods MSCs were isolated ,expanded from HUCB and induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells in vitro . MSCs were intravenously injected into the VaD rats, and the spatial learning and memory ability was tested by Y-maze. Immunohistochemical staining was used to identify MSCs in hippocampus in the VaD rats . The level of BDNF and NGF ,and the expression of GAP-43mRNA was tested. Results MSCs in UCB were successfully isolated, expanded and differentiated into neuron-like cells. MSCs were obsereved in hippocampus, and a few of them were reactive for the neuronal markers MAP-2. The performance in Y-maze of the VaD rats was significantly improved after intravenous...