Effects of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on neural cell apoptosis and expressions of survivin and caspase-3 after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

Objective To investigate the effects of transplantation of mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)on the apoptosis of neural cells and expressions of survivin and caspase-3 after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.Methods A total of 42 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(n=6),PBS group(n=18),and MSC group(n=18).The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion were established in PBS and MSC groups with suture method,and the rats in PBS and MSC groups were injected with PBS and MSC suspension via caudal vein 3 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO),respectively.The expressions of survivin and caspase-3 proteins on days 1,3,and 6 after reperfusion were determiend by using immunohistochemical method and Western blot.The apoptosis of neural cells was detected by TUNEL method.Results The apoptosis of neural cells and the expressions of survivin and caspase-3 proteins were negative in sham operation group.Compared with PBS group,the neurological scores of MSC group significantly decreased.The number of apoptotic neural cells and the expression of caspase-3 protein were significantly lower in MSC group than in PBS group,but the expression of survivin protein significantly increased in MSC group(P 0.05).Conclusion MSCs transplantation could improve the neurological function in rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion,which may be related to up-regulating survivin protein,down-regulating caspase-3 protein,and reducing apoptosis of neural cells.