Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for repair of the hippocampal neurons after cardiac arrest in rats

Objective To investigate the improvement of ischemic hypoxic injury of brain after the transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods Rats were randomly(random number) divided into sham operation group, cardiac arrest group and BMSCs treatment group (n=10 in each group). The model of cardiac arrest was induced by asphyxia. One hour after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), green fluorescent protein labeled BMSCs were transplanted via tail vein injection. At 3 and 7 days after transplantation, frozen sections of hippocampus was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The rest of brain tissue was weighed by an electronic balance. Brain water content (%) was calculated as (wet weight-dry weight) / wet weight×100%. Results ①BMSCs were observed in hippocampus at 3 and 7 days after transplantation under fluorescent microscopy. ②Compared with sham operation group and BMSCs treatment group, brain water content in cardiac arrest group was higher (all P <0.05). HE staining results showed that BMSCs transplantation could lessen hypoxia ischemia damage on brain. Conclusions BMSCs reduced the neurons damage induced by cardiac arrest and promoted neurological function recovery. Key words: BMSCs; Cardiac arrest; Cerebral resuscitation; Hippocampal neurons; Cerebral protection