Vol 2, No 4 (2007)

Since 1988 cord blood is a legitimate source for hematopoeitic stem cell and many other cell types. In this review we list and characterize main cell types, isolated from cord blood as well as from placenta and amniotic fluid. Here we also summarize means of isolation, culture and use of these cell types. Focusing on umbilical cord blood cells, we discuss some of the challenges that stem cell therapy faces, Including obtaining clinically relevant numbers of stem cells and the ability of stem cells to provide for permanent engraftment of multiple tissue types. We discuss possible solutions to these problems, such as in vitro stem cell expansion and the differentiation potential of tissue-specific stem cells.

Neural stem/ progenitor cells [NSPCs] isolated from the olfactory area of human nasal mucosa are considered as one of the most promising sources for autologous material in cellular therapy and tissue engineering.

Xenotransplantation of NSPCs was performed in rabbits with ischemia retinae caused by laser coagulation of retina vessels of the l-II class. The cells were introduced into suprachoroldal space. Electroretinographic studies were done to evaluate the extent and degree of functional activity changes of the retina and functional reparative effects of transplantation.

According to electroretinography single transplantation of NSPCs promotes the maintenance and recovery of the retinal function in modelled acute ischemia retinae that correlates with the results of ophthalmoscopy done.

Transplantation of neural stem progenitor cells into suprachoroldal space has been shown to be a safe and effective method of introduction of cells in order to treat retinal disorders due to ischemia.

Short-term effects of biocompatible materials were examined on functional posttraumatlc recovery of rat sciatic nerve and mice spinal cord. Transected nerve regeneration across 5 mm gaps within silicone tubes filled with synthetic hydrogels of sodium salts of 3%polyacrylic acid (PAA] or 1,8% Carbopol® 971P NF or 8% sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose were investigated. Functional recovery was assessed using the sciatic functional index until 30 days after nerve injury. Supportive influence of PAA was shown on motor and sensory function recovery of nerve. At the 30^th the survival ofL5 DRG neurons Increased in group with Carbopol by 13,3%, in case of PAA by 30,3% to compare with negative control group [plain tube without matrix). By day 30 after the operation the number of middle size neurons in group with PAA exceeds by 10,8% in comparison with Carbopol group. In these conditions the number of myelinated fibers exceeded by 10,3%. Addition of patented composition M4 consisting of amino acids and microelements to the PAA or Carbopol hydrogels improved the sensory reactions from the hind paw skin. On the model of complete transection of mice spinal cord at T9 it has been shown Increase of locomotor repair assessed in Basso, Beathie, Bresnahan (1995) open field rating scale under the influence of mixture of Carbopol and M4 composition. The received results testify that synthetic biocompatible materials PAA and Carbopol differently influence regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous system. Thus, investigated scaffolds as suitable conduit could be useful for Improving regeneration of the peripheral nerve or spinal cord after an injury.