Fundamental study for pathophysiology of brain dysfunction and development of therapy in the rat model with white matter injury

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25462206
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Neurosurgery
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Imai Hideaki 東京大学, 医学部附属病院, 特任講師 (70359587)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SETOU MITSUTOSHI 浜松医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (20302664)
• Research Collaborator: MIYAWAKI SATORU ; ONO HIDEAKI
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 大脳白質障害 / 病態解明 / ストレス脆弱性 / うつ / 細胞移植 / 再生 / 脳血管内皮細胞 / エンドセリン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The model of rat white matter injury by stereotaxic injection of endothelin into internal capsule was evaluated and optimized in order to elucidate the pathophysiology of cerebral white matter disorders and develop therapeutic methods. After having evaluated the lesions comprehensively, we found morphological changes similar to lacunar infarct. Initially, we have applied restraint stress to the rat model for the induction of a psychological disorder corresponding to depression in this experimental animal. The rat model was found to present elements of “depressive” behavior, suggesting the association between cerebral white matter lesions and stress-vulnerability, a finding that may have clinical significance. Next, using this rat model, the therapeutic efficacy of brain microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) transplantation for white matter disorders was examined in the same animals by MRI follow-up. We have confirmed the reduction of the lesion by the cell transplantation therapy.

Free Research Field

脳神経外科