Cell-based therapy to promote angiogenesis in the brain following ischemic damage

Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2012 May;10(3):285-8. doi: 10.2174/157016112799959369.

Abstract

Cell-based therapies are a novel approach for regeneration of microvasculature. We have shown that administration of CD34-positive cells, the rich cell fraction of endothelial progenitor cells, after stroke induces angiogenesis that results in enhanced endogenous neurogenesis and functional recovery in a murine model. Moreover, injury-induced neurogenesis occurs in the human brain following a stroke during the acute to sub-acute period. Based on these observations, clinical trials of cell therapies that aim to regenerate micro-circulation in the brain following a stroke are ongoing worldwide. This review summarizes the current basic research findings about the link between angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the post-stroke brain and introduces the ongoing clinical trials of cell-based therapies for patients that have suffered a stroke.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Brain Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Microvessels / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic
  • Neurogenesis
  • Regeneration
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Stroke / physiopathology
  • Stroke / therapy*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34