Local autoimmune encephalomyelitis model in a rat brain with precise control over lesion placement.

Development of a novel, animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS) with reproducible and predictable lesion placement would enhance the discovery of effective treatments. Therefore, we would like to combine the advantages of the demyelination model with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to provide a local autoimmune encephalomyelitis (LAE) inside rat brain. We induced a demyelinating lesion by immunizing male Wistar rats, followed by blood-brain barrier opening protein (vascular endothelial growth factor) by stereotactic injection.

Two in One: Use of Divalent Manganese Ions as Both Cross-Linking and MRI Contrast Agent for Intrathecal Injection of Hydrogel-Embedded Stem Cells.

Cell therapy is a promising tool for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders; though, the translational efforts are plagued by ineffective delivery methods. Due to the large contact surface with CNS and relatively easy access, the intrathecal route of administration is attractive in extensive or global diseases such as stroke or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the precision and efficacy of this approach are still a challenge.

Intra-arterial transplantation of stem cells in large animals as a minimally-invasive strategy for the treatment of disseminated neurodegeneration.

Stem cell transplantation proved promising in animal models of neurological diseases; however, in conditions with disseminated pathology such as ALS, delivery of cells and their broad distribution is challenging. To address this problem, we explored intra-arterial (IA) delivery route, of stem cells. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of MRI-guided transplantation of glial restricted precursors (GRPs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in dogs suffering from ALS-like disease, degenerative myelopathy (DM).

Endovascular model of ischemic stroke in swine guided by real-time MRI.

Modeling stroke in animals is essential for testing efficacy of new treatments; however, previous neuroprotective therapies, based on systemic delivery in rodents failed, exposing the need for model with improved clinical relevance. The purpose of this study was to develop endovascular approach for inducing ischemia in swine. To achieve that goal, we used intra-arterial administration of thrombin mixed with gadolinium and visualized the occlusion with real-time MRI.

Muscular Contribution to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis from the Perspective of Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Medicine.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a relatively frequent disease within a range 0.5%-5.0% of population, with higher frequency in females.

The Role of Glia in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy: Relevance to Human Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons and grim prognosis. Over the last decade, studies on neurodegenerative diseases pointed on the role of glia in supporting the proper function of neurons. Particularly, oligodendrocytes were shown to be essential through myelin production and supplying axons with energy metabolites via monocarboxylate transporters (MCT).

MRI-guided intrathecal transplantation of hydrogel-embedded glial progenitors in large animals.

Disseminated diseases of the central nervous system such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) require that therapeutic agents are delivered and distributed broadly. Intrathecal route is attractive in that respect, but to date there was no methodology available allowing for optimization of this technique to assure safety and efficacy in a clinically relevant setting. Here, we report on interventional, MRI-guided approach for delivery of hydrogel-embedded glial progenitor cells facilitating cell placement over extended surface of the spinal cord in pigs and in naturally occurring ALS-like disease in dogs.

MRI-guided intracerebral convection-enhanced injection of gliotoxins to induce focal demyelination in swine.

Demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or transverse myelitis are devastating neurological conditions with no effective cure. Prevention of myelin loss or restoration of myelin are key for successful therapy. To investigate the disease and develop cures animal models with good clinical relevance are essential.

Hydrogel-based scaffolds to support intrathecal stem cell transplantation as a gateway to the spinal cord: clinical needs, biomaterials, and imaging technologies.

The prospects for cell replacement in spinal cord diseases are impeded by inefficient stem cell delivery. The deep location of the spinal cord and complex surgical access, as well as densely packed vital structures, question the feasibility of the widespread use of multiple spinal cord punctures to inject stem cells. Disorders characterized by disseminated pathology are particularly appealing for the distribution of cells globally throughout the spinal cord in a minimally invasive fashion.