Analysis of the neuroprotective and pro-regenerative effects by intra-optic nerve administration of hWJ-MSCs in a rat optic nerve injury model.

Central nervous system injuries tend to incapacitate neurons from regenerating their axons for long distances, triggering degeneration and neuronal death. Glaucoma is a degenerative disease and one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world. It can be caused by the rise of intraocular pressure, leading to injuries in the optic nerve and eventually loss of visual function, due to axonal degeneration and RGCs death. In our group’s previous studies, positive results were obtained in an optic nerve crush (ONC) model in rats followed by the intravitreal administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), both halogenic and human, promoting RGCs survival and axonal regeneration. Despite positive neuroprotection results, there was no recovery of visual function. Therefore, in this study a different approach will be investigated through the administration of the MSCs intra-optic nerve.