Presenter of 2 Presentations
EFFECTS OF HUMAN AMNION EPITHELIAL CELLS IN EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC STROKE
EFFECTS OF HUMAN AMNION EPITHELIAL CELLS IN EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC STROKE
Abstract
Background and Aims
Treatment with human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) is neuroprotective within 90 min of experimental stroke. However, the broader therapeutic window is not yet defined. We aim to investigate the therapeutic window of hAECs therapy during chronic stroke in aged mice.
Methods
Male (n=46) and female (n=58) C57BL/6 mice (12-16 months) were subjected to photothrombotic stroke in the left M1 cortex. Mice were treated with saline or hAECs (1x106 i.v.) at day 1, day 7 or both days 14 and 35 post-stroke. Cylinder tests were performed prior to stroke and treatments, and after weeks 5 and 8 to assess motor asymmetry. Mice were euthanised at 8 weeks for infarct analysis.
Results
Preliminary data showed that mice treated with hAECs at day 1 following stroke recovered at a faster rate than those treated with saline (P=0.04, linear mixed analysis), with a tendency for a smaller infarct at 8 weeks (p=0.06). Treatment with hAECs at day 7 following stroke appeared to promote recovery in females (P=0.08, linear mixed model analysis). By contrast, treatment with hAECs on days 14 and 35 following stroke had no effect on motor impairment in either sex as assessed at 8 weeks.
Conclusions
Systemic treatment of aged mice at 1 day (but not from 14 days) after stroke can promote motor recovery. Treatment of females with hAECs as late as 7 days following stroke may be beneficial for long-term functional recovery. Ongoing studies are examining effects of hAECs therapy in males within 7 days of stroke.