Transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorated dopamine system impairment in a D-galactose-induced brain ageing in rats

Background: Ageing is the primary risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. Progressive motor and coordination decline that occurs with ageing has been linked to nigrostriatal dysfunction. Few studies have investigated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in ameliorating the structural and functional alterations in the ageing nigrostriatal system. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of intravenous injection of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in a D-galactose-induced rat model of nigrostriatal ageing. Materials and methods: BMMSCs were intravenously injected once every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. The transplanted cells survived, migrated to the brain, and differentiated into dopaminergic neurones and astrocytes. Results: BMMSC transplantation improved locomotor activity, restored dopaminergic system function, preserved atrophic dopaminergic neurones in the substantia nigra, exerted antioxidative effects, and restored neurotrophic factors. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of BMMSC injection in a nigrostriatal ageing rat model, and suggest that these cells may provide an effective therapeutic approach for the ageing nigrostriatal system.