Cell transplantation and rehabilitation for central nervous system diseases

Abstract

Damage to the central nervous system leads to motor dysfunction and a loss of coordination, often resulting in long-lasting nursing care. Current therapeutic options include surgery, drug administration and rehabilitation as a physical therapy for central nervous system diseases, but their effects are limited, and an alternative option, such as a cell-based therapy, is desired. Previous studies suggest that cell transplantation can improve the motor dysfunction that follows central nervous system diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. The cell survival and neuronal formation, however, are not sufficient for substantial behavioral recovery, suggesting that an additional treatment is needed. It has been shown that rehabilitation for brain damage reduces the impairment of motor function and promotes compensatory functional recovery. The therapeutic effect of a combined therapy of cell transplantation and rehabilitation is an expected novel therapeutic strategy for central nervous system diseases because rehabilitation has positive effects on graftted cells. Here, we review studies about cell transplantation, rehabilitation and their combination in animal models of stroke, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease.