Neural stem cells transplanted into the intact brains as neurospheres form solid grafts composed of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to transplant NSCs as the whole neurospheres into intact brain and assess the fate and phenotype of their progeny generated in vivo. Neurospheres formed together solid grafts that were found in lateral ventricle and in the velum interpositum under the hippocampus.

Originally nestin+ NSCs prevailing in neurospheres differentiated following transplantation into nestin- neuronal and astrocyte cells that reached terminal differentiation while elements of oligodendroglial cell lineage remained immature. Grafting stem cells as non-dissociated neurospheres provide to cells favourable conditions, which facilitate cell survival, proliferation and differentiation.