Exogenous BDNF and Chondroitinase ABC Consisted Biomimetic Microenvironment Regulates Survival, Migration and Differentiation of Human Neural Progenitor Cells Transplanted into a Rat Auditory Nerve

Current putative regeneration oriented studies express possible role of stem cell based implantation strategy in the restoration of fundamental perception of hearing. The present work utilizes a rat auditory nerve (AN) directed transplantation of human neural progenitor cells (HNPCs) as a cell replacement therapy for impaired auditory function. Groups of β-bungarotoxin induced auditory function compromised female rats were used to transplant HNPCs in the nerve trunk. In the treatment groups, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), peptide amphiphile nanofiber bioactive gel (Bgel) and Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), a digestive enzyme that cleaves the core of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans, were added along with HNPCs while the control groups were with PA inert gel (Igel) and devoid of ChABC. Six weeks post transplantation survival, migration, and Corresponding author.