Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in a mouse model

Abstract

Immune modulation of MSC transplantation in the MPTP-induced mouse PD model was studied. MPTP-treatment induced significant loss of dopaminergic neurons, decreased expressions of claudin 1, claudin 5 and occludin in the SNc, and functional damage of the BBB. MPTP-treatment also increased expression of MBLs in the liver tissue. Infiltration of MBLs into the brain was also detected in the SNc of MPTP-treated mice, suggesting BBB compromise and MBL infiltration might be involved in the pathogenesis of PD. Systemic transplantation of MSCs results in recovery of BBB integrity, suppression of MBL expression and brain infiltration, suppression of microglial activation and rescue of dopaminergic neurons. MSCs migrated into the SNc and released TGF-beta1 and IL-6 there while no neuronal transdifferentiation of was observed. Therefore, protection of systemic MSC transplantation on dopaminergic neurons may due to: BBB repair, inhibition of MBL infiltration and microglial activation, and direct protection of dopaminergic neurons.