Treatment of Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Dogs Using Amniotic Membrane-Derived Stem Cells: Preliminary Results

Author(s):Show less -

Orlandin, Jessica Rodrigues ^[1] ; Gonnes, Ingrid da Silva ^[1] ; Sallum Leandro, Shamira de Fatima ^[1] ; Cagnim, Artur Fuertes ^[1] ; Casals, Juliana Barbosa ^[1] ; Carregaro, Adriano Bonfim ^[1] ; Freitas, Silvio Henrique ^[1] ; Machado, Luciana Cristina ^[1] ; Reis Castiglioni, Maria Cristina ^[2] ; Garcia Alves, Ana Liz ^[2] ; de Vasconcelos Machado, Vania Maria ^[2] ; Ambrosio, Carlos Eduardo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Anim Sci & Food Engn FZEA USP, Dept Vet Med, Pirassununga, SP - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Sch Vet Med & Anim Sci, Dept Vet Med, Botucatu, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS; v. 14, p. 39-49, 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Introduction: Intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD) represent the majority of neurological attendance and responsible for the most cases of paralysis in dogs. Treatments currently used do not show satisfactory results in patients with more severe and chronic neurological manifestations. Methods: To promote nerve and muscular recovery, as well as improve quality of life, aimed to create a double-blind test method, associating spinal decompression surgery and allogeneic transplantation of amniotic membrane-derived stem cells (AMSCs) in dogs with chronic IVDD. Cells were characterized as fetal mesenchymal cells and safe for application. Eight animals completed the experiment: stem cell applications were made in four animals that had previously undergone an unsuccessful surgical procedure ({''}SC group{''}, n = 4); two animals were submitted to surgery, followed by applications of stem cells ({''}Surgery + SC{''}, n = 2); two other animals were submitted to surgery, followed by the application of saline solution ({''}Surgery + placebo{''}, n = 2). During the surgical procedure, a topical application was performed on the lesion and after fifteen and forty-five days another two applications were made via epidural. Animals were monitored biweekly and reassessed three months after surgery, by functional tests and magnetic resonance exams. Results: Some animals presented significant neurological improvement, such as the recovery of nociception and ability to remain on station. Despite the need further studies, until present moment, cell therapy has been feasible and has no harmful effects on animals. Conclusion: The protocol of preclinical trial showed the association with decompressive surgery and cell transplantation in dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD proved feasible, and was possible to observe neurological improvement after treatment. No tissue improvement through MRI was found. The double-blind test guaranteed reliability of the evaluations and results obtained that, even with a small sample size, generated satisfactory results for animals and owners. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/21266-0 - Amniotic Progenitor cells and therapeutics potention
• Grantee: Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 09/54028-8 - Laboratory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Veterinary Medicine
• Grantee: Luiz Carlos Vulcano
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program