Example 10
To analyze the oligodendrocyte-lineage cells differentiated from oNPCs, detailed immunohistochemistry was conducted with several oligodendrocyte markers. The transplanted oNPCs differentiated into Olig2+ immature and GST-pi+ mature oligodendrocytes (FIGS. 12A and B). Notably, they expressed MBP which are closely associated with host NF200+ axons (FIG. 12C-D), indicating the potential of transplanted oNPCs to remyelinate host axons in the injured spinal cord.
To evaluate the distribution of myelin after cell transplantation, electron microscopic examination was performed at the lesion epicenter. In the oNPC group, immature myelin sheaths derived from engrafted human cells (nanogold-labeled Stem121+) were frequently observed (FIGS. 12E and F). In addition, endogenous myelin from host oligodendrocytes was preserved (FIGS. 12E and G). The myelination by the control NPC group was not as robust as the oNPC group. The vehicle group showed only a few myelinated axons at the lesion site (FIG. 12I). Therefore, oNPCs generated myelinating oligodendrocytes following transplantation in vivo.
