Olfactory Ensheathing Cell: a peculiar glial population for cell therapy

Introduction. Olfactory mucosa is considered a potential source of neural stem cells, since supported by peculiar glial cells, Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs). Studies have shown that OECs share some common features with astrocytes and Schwann Cells (Ramon-Cueto and Avila 1998). The finding that OECs are a source of multiple Growth Factors (GFs) is very important as they play a decisive role in regeneration, promoting functional restoration in lesioned area (Raisman and Li 2007). Immunocytochemical investigations have reported that OECs express different markers and adhesion molecules (Pellitteri et. al., 2010). Therefore, OECs have attracted attention because of their remarkable neural plasticity. Materials and Methods. Primary OECs were prepared from neonatal rat olfactory bulbs. In some experiments were used GFs. Cells were identified by immunocytochemical procedures, using different antibodies and the results were highlighted by fluorescent microscopy. Results. Our in vitro studies have reported the ability of OECs to stimulate neuronal survival and neurite sprouting mediated through secretion of GFs; moreover, OECs have shown the capability to exert a protective effect on neurons exposed to stressed condition, such as hypoxia, simulating secondary events during spinal cord injury. Conclusion. These data suggest that OECs might be a suitable tool in cellular therapy for their exceptional ability to promote axonal regeneration and functional restoration making them attractive candidates for neurogenesis, in different neurological disorders or injured CNS.