Neural progenitor cell transplantation results in structural and functional recovery in a rat model of cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent pediatric neurodevelopmental disorder. Stem cell therapy is a promising way to treat brain disorders, including CP. This study sought to establish a model using pregnant rats to induce CP similarly to that observed in humans. This approach aims to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying CP and explores the potential for healing brain injuries through the transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, stress conditions were induced to create a CP model in neonatal rats. Initially, the uterine vein was blocked in pregnant rats to induce hypoxic conditions. Consequently, histological analyses are performed to assess the extent of brain damage in rats. RESULTS: The findings indicated that the CP group exhibited notable pathological alterations, as shown by histochemical analysis, which revealed lesions in the cortical brain tissues of neonatal rats. After confirming our CP model, NPCs were transplanted into the motor cortex of CP neonates (PND7) by microinjection. After two days, the neonates were sacrificed, and the brain tissue was pathologically analyzed. Our study shows that transplantation of neural progenitor cells decreases inflammation and regulation of astrogenesis. CONCLUSION: The induction of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) in the uterus appears to be a reliable animal model for studying CP mechanisms. Additionally, our research demonstrates that the transplantation of NPCs is a promising therapeutic approach for treating CP. This advancement will enhance our comprehension and aid in the refinement of cellular therapeutic strategies.