Effects of exogenous sonic hedgehog on proliferation of neural stem cells in ependymal area after spinal cord injury in adult rats

Objective To investigate effects of exogenous sonic hedgehog (Shh) on proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in ependymal area and recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in adult rats.Methods Fifty-five female SD rats were involved in the study:five were selected as normal control group and fifty as Shh group (n =25) and SCI group (n =25) after being subjected to SCI at T10 segment using the modified Allen' s method according to the random number table.At 1,3,7,14,and 28 days after operation,restoration of hindlimb motor function of SD rats was assessed with modified Tarlov scale and changes of double positive cells of Brdu and Nestin with double-stained immunofluorescence.Results Tarlov scale revealed statistical difference between Shh and SCI groups since days 7 postoperatively (P ＜ 0.05).In the double-staining test,number of double positive cells of Brdu and Nestin was greater in Shh Group than in SCI Group since day 3 postoperatively [(97.20 ± 18.23) vs (72.60± 15.60),(153.60 ±25.76) vs (112.20 ±23.63),(133.80 ±21.02) vs (94.20± 18.70),(89.80 ± 15.42) vs (43.40 ± 10.62),P ＜ 0.05].Conclusion Exogenous Shh is conducive to the proliferation of ependymal NSCs and the recovery of motor function in SCI rats. Key words: Spinal cord injuries;  Stem cells;  Sonic hedgehog