Grafted Dental Pulp Stem Cells Restore Motor Function and Preclude Cerebellar Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation in Rat Model of Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia (CA) is a form of ataxia that adversely affects the cerebellum. Cell replacement therapy (CRT) has been considered as a potential treatment for neurological disorders. In this report, we investigated the neuro-restorative effects of human dentalpulp stem cells (DPSCs) transplantation on rat model of CA induced by 3-acetylpyridine (3-AP). Materials and Methods: In this regard, DPSCs were isolated and phenotypically characterized. Then, experimental ataxia was induced by single injection of 3-AP, and bilateralDPSCs implantation was conducted 3 days after 3-AP injection, followed by expression analysis of a number of apoptotic, autophagic and inflammatory genes as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level, along with assessment of cerebellar neurodegeneration, motorcoordination and muscle activity. Results: The findings revealed that grafting of DPSCs in 3-AP model of ataxia decreased the expression levels of several inflammatory, autophagic and apoptotic genes and provoked the upregulation of VEGF in the cerebellar region, preventedthe degeneration of Purkinje cells against 3-AP toxicity and improved motor coordination and muscle activity.Conclusion: In conclusion, these data indicates in vivo efficacy of DPSCs in the reestablishment of motor skills and reversal of CA.