Enhanced auditory neuron survival following cell- based BDNF treatment in the deaf guinea pig
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Date
2011-04-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS
Abstract
Exogenous neurotrophin delivery to the deaf cochlea can prevent deafness-induced auditory neuron degeneration, however, we have previously reported that these survival effects are rapidly lost if the treatment stops. In addition, there are
concerns that current experimental techniques are not safe enough to be used clinically. Therefore, for such treatments to
be clinically transferable, methods of neurotrophin treatment that are safe, biocompatible and can support long-term
auditory neuron survival are necessary. Cell transplantation and gene transfer, combined with encapsulation technologies,
have the potential to address these issues. This study investigated the survival-promoting effects of encapsulated BDNF
over-expressing Schwann cells on auditory neurons in the deaf guinea pig. In comparison to control (empty) capsules, there
was significantly greater auditory neuron survival following the cell-based BDNF treatment. Concurrent use of a cochlear
implant is expected to result in even greater auditory neuron survival, and provide a clinically relevant method to support auditory neuron survival that may lead to improved speech perception and language outcomes for cochlear implant
patients.
Description
Keywords
Alginates/pharmacology, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/pharmacology, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/therapeutic use, Cell Survival - drug effects, Capsules, Cochlear Implantation, Cochlear Nerve - drug effects, Cochlear Nerve - pathology, Deafness - drug therapy, Deafness - pathology, Glucuronic Acid - pharmacology, Guinea Pigs, Hexuronic Acids - pharmacology, Neurons - drug effects, Neurons - pathology, Rats, Schwann Cells - drug effects, Schwann Cells - transplantation, Transfection
Citation
Pettingill, L. N., Wise, A. K., Geaney, M. S., & Shepherd, R. K. (2011). Enhanced auditory neuron survival following cell-based BDNF treatment in the deaf guinea pig. PLoS ONE, 6(4), e18733.