Transplantation of human immature dental pulp stem cell in dogs with chronic spinal cord injury

Acta Cir Bras. 2017 Jul;32(7):540-549. doi: 10.1590/s0102-865020170070000005.

Abstract

Purpose:: To investigate the therapeutic potential of human immature dental pulp stem cells in the treatment of chronic spinal cord injury in dogs.

Methods:: Three dogs of different breeds with chronic SCI were presented as animal clinical cases. Human immature dental pulp stem cells were injected at three points into the spinal cord, and the animals were evaluated by limb function and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pre and post-operative.

Results:: There was significant improvement from the limb function evaluated by Olby Scale, though it was not supported by the imaging data provided by MRI and clinical sign and evaluation.

Conclusion:: Human dental pulp stem cell therapy presents promising clinical results in dogs with chronic spinal cord injuries, if used in association with physical therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dental Pulp / cytology*
  • Dog Diseases / therapy*
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Recovery of Function
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / veterinary*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / veterinary*
  • Treatment Outcome