Abstract WMP74: Therapeutic Effect of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Overexpressing Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Experimental Ischemic Stroke

Objective: Human dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) is an attractive cell source because they can be easily obtained as medical waste without ethical and logistical problems. Transplantation of DPSC decreases tissue injury in the rat brain and enhances motor function recovery after the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We aimed increasing therapeutic effects combining DPSC and ex vivo human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene transfer with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to transient 90 minute MCAO, followed by intravenous administration of 1 x 106 cells of DPSC, AAV-1/HGF transferred DPSC (DPSC/HGF) or vehicle immediately after reperfusion (each, n=8). Infarct volumes, neurological deficits and immunochemistry were assessed at 24 and 72 h after reperfusion. We also detected concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the brain tissue extracts from the ischemic hemisphere by ELISA. Results: Infarct volumes at 24 h after reperfusion were diminished in both DP...