Histological Study on the Protective Role of Intranasally Applied Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Demyelinated Corpus Callosum in A Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Introduction multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease that leads to non-traumatic disability. Intranasal administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) is a non-invasive method that has recently received interests for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Aim to evaluate the possible protective effect of intranasally applied ADSCs on the structure of corpus callosum in adult mice in acute cuprizone-induced demyelination. Materials and Methods Thirty adult female mice were equally divided into three groups. Group I (control group); Group II (cuprizone group): in which mice were fed with 0.2% cuprizone daily for six weeks, and Group III (ADSCs treated group) in which mice were fed cuprizone as in group II, then they were given a single intranasally applied dose of ADSCs (1X106) on week four. All mice were sacrificed after six weeks and the corpus callosum was collected. Specimens were processed to hematoxylin and eosin, Luxol fast blue, Immunofluorescent techniques for detection of homing of ADSCs, histo-morphometric studies, and statistical analysis were also done. Results intranasally applied ADSCs effectively reached the corpus callosum. Light microscopic examination of the corpus callosum revealed unpacked disorganized fragmented, widely separated demyelinated nerve fibers with wide areas of vacuolation. Administration of ADSCs promoted myelin recovery. Conclusions Intranasal route was an effective route for delivery of ADSCs to the corpus callosum. ADSCs were effective in ameliorating structural changes in the corpus callosum in cuprizone model of MS. ADSCs promoted remyelination.