Upregulated gene expression of local brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor after intracisternal administration of marrow stromal cells in rats with traumatic brain injury

Objective: To examine the effects of rat marrow stromal cells (rMSCs) on gene expression of local brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) after injection of rMSCs into Cistern Magnum of adult rats subjected to traumatic brain injury(TBI).Methods: A modified Feeney’s TBI model was created in 48 adult rats. rMSCs were harvested from 3-month-old rats, and injected into Cistern Magnum in 24 rats subjected to TBI(Group cell transplantation). Saline was given through Cistern Magnum to another 24 rats subjected to TBI (Group saline control). Animals were sacrificed 1, 2 and 3 weeks after intervention, and special brain tissue blocks were dissected for total RNA extraction from each block. BDNF and NGF mRNA were reverse-transcribed into cDNA and further expanded by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of target genes was evaluated using semi-quantitative methods. Results: Group cell transplantation had higher BDNF and NGF gene expressions than Group saline control during a period of less than 3 weeks (P< 0.05).Conclusions: rMSCs transplantation via Cistern Magnum in rats subjected to traumatic brain injury can enhance expressions of local brain NGF and BDNF to a certain extent.