Int J Stem Cells.  2012 Nov;5(2):146-150.

Clinical Neurofunctional Rehabilitation of a Cat with Spinal Cord Injury after Hemilaminectomy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

• Penha EM
• Aguiar PH
• Barrouin-Melo SM
• de Lima RS
• da Silveira ACC
• Otelo AR
• Pinheiro C
• Ribeiro-dos-Santos R
• Soares MB

Abstract

Stem cell-based therapy has been investigated in a number of degenerative and traumatic diseases, including spinal cord injury. In the present study, we investigated the use of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in the functional rehabilitation of a domestic cat presenting a compressive L1-L5 fracture. Bone marrow cells collected by puncture of the iliac crest were cultured to obtain mesenchymal stem cells three weeks before surgery. Hemilaminectomy was performed, followed by injection of the mesenchymal stem cells in the injured area. Clinical evaluation of the animal prior to surgery showed absence of pain, muscular tonus, and panniculi reflexes. Seven days after surgery and cell transplantation the examination revealed a progressive recovery of the panniculus reflexes and of the responses to superficial and deep pain stimuli despite the low proprioceptive and hyperreflexic ataxic hind limbs. Physiotherapy protocols were applied for clinical rehabilitation after surgery. The cat's first steps, three-minute weight-bearing, and intestine and urinary bladder partial reestablishment were observed 75 days post-surgery. Our results indicate the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in chronic spinal cord injuries.

Keyword

Domestic cat; Mesenchymal stem cells; Cellular therapy; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord injury

MeSH Terms

Animals
Bone Marrow Cells
Cats
Cell Transplantation
Extremities
Intestines
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Punctures
Reflex
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Injuries
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem Cells
Transplants
Urinary Bladder
Weight-Bearing