# Transplantation of human neural stem cell prevents symptomatic motor behavior disability in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease

## TL;DR

Injecting human neural stem cells in rats with Parkinson's-like symptoms improved motor behavior and dopamine levels, suggesting potential for cell-based therapy.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that human neural stem cell transplantation can restore motor function and dopamine levels in a Parkinson's disease rat model.

## Key findings

- hNSC treatment restored motor function deficits in 6-OHDA-injected rats.
- Transplantation increased tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell count in the substantia nigra.
- DA and DOPAC levels in the striatum were significantly elevated after hNSC treatment.

## Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a ubiquitous brain cell degeneration disease and presents a significant therapeutic challenge. By injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the left medial forebrain bundle, rats were made to exhibit PD-like symptoms and treated by intranasal administration of a low-dose (2 × 105) or high-dose (1 × 106) human neural stem cells (hNSCs). Apomorphine-induced rotation test, stepping test, and open field test were implemented to evaluate the motor behavior and high-performance liquid chromatography was carried out to detect dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid in the striatum of rats. Animals injected with 6-OHDA showed significant motor function deficits and damaged dopaminergic system compared to the control group, which can be restored by hNSCs treatment. Treatment with hNSCs significantly increased the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell count in the substantia nigra of PD animals. Moreover, the levels of neurotransmitters exhibited a significant decline in the striatum tissue of animals injected with 6-OHDA when compared to that of the control group. However, transplantation of hNSCs significantly elevated the concentration of DA and DOPAC in the injured side of the striatum. Our study offered experimental evidence to support prospects of hNSCs for clinical application as a cell-based therapy for PD.