Intranasal adipose-derived stem cells mitigate cuprizone-induced demyelination in mouse corpus callosum by modulating oligodendrocyte and microglial marker expression: histological and ultrastructural insights.

The corpus callosum is exposed to many degenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), which results in impaired communication between the two cerebral hemispheres. In contrast to stem cells of other origins, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are efficiently obtained. The intranasal route is a new emerging noninvasive, easily available route for drug administration. To evaluate the effects of intranasal administration of ADMSCs on a cuprizone induced demyelinated corpus callosum in a mouse model of MS with reference to the role of oligodendrocytes and microglia. To establish a model of demyelination, mice were fed a cuprizone-rich diet. After 4 weeks, ADMSCs were administered intranasally, and the mice were subsequently sacrificed two weeks later. The corpora callosa were collected and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunohistochemical staining for oligodendrocyte precursor cells and microglia, transmission electron microscopic examination, and histomorphometric studies. Intranasally administered ADMSCs ameliorated the histopathological features of cuprizone induced demyelination. ADMSCs prevented myelin loss, increased the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and decreased the abundance of active microglia. ADMSCs have beneficial effects on preserving the histopathological structure and function of the corpus callosum in mice with demyelinating disorders. The intranasal administration of ADMSCs might be an easy noninvasive approach for administration of drugs.