Effect of Intranasal Administration of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Acute Demyelination in Mouse Corpus Callosum

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent disease often leading to both sensory and motor disabilities. The trans-nasal transport is a noninvasive approach that has recently garnered interest in managing several nervous system illnesses. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) possess a favorable influence on many neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: To test the ability of intranasal administration of ADMSCs to reach the brain and evaluate the potential defensive role of intranasally delivered ADMSCs on acute demyelination of corpus callosum in adult female mice. Materials and Methods: Mice were nourished with a cuprizone-rich food to establish a model of demyelination that mimics MS. After 4 weeks, mice were given PKH-26 labeled ADMSCs intranasally before they were sacrificed 1 day later, and the brain was examined by fluorescence microscope to ensure homing of stem cells. After 6 weeks, corpus callosum was collected and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin and Luxol fast blue. Motor function was also tested using a wire hang test. Results: Intranasally applied ADMSCs effectively reached the corpus callosum. In the cuprizone group, the corpus callosum revealed unpacked, disorganized, fragmented, and widely separated demyelinated nerve fibers. Administration of ADMSCs prevented myelin loss with a considerable rise in its area percentage. The score time of the wire hang test showed a considerable decline in the cuprizone group and a considerable rise in ADMSCs group. Conclusion: The trans-nasal route was an effective route for the delivery of ADMSCs to the corpus callosum. Administration of ADMSCs prevented demyelination and increased wire hang test score time.