Human amniotic epithelial cells transplantation for contusive spinal cord injury repair

Abstract

Adult tissues were discovered to possess resident stem cell populations and were termed as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These stem cells are considered to be the best alternatives to overcome certain limitations associated with embryonic stem cells. Epithelial cells of amnion were reported to exhibit characteristic features of stem cells and neural cells. This led to speculation of using them for treating various pathological conditions including spinal cord injury (SCI). Studies conducted elsewhere and our laboratory found beneficial aspects of amniotic epithelial cell (AEC) transplantation for certain neurological conditions. Studies on the usefulness of these cells in SCI appear to be limited. In our lab, we have observed beneficial effects of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) when transplanted in contusive SCI model in rats. This study was found to be unique as there was no other study in which these cells were tested for contusive SCI repair. In our experience, these cells may not possess the two important criteria to be qualified for stem cells viz. self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity. Notwithstanding to be qualified for the stem cell tag, amniotic epithelial cells may have the potentials for contusive SCI repair.