Affiliations: Centro Internacional de Restauración
Neurológica (CIREN), Habana, Cuba | Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología,
Habana, Cuba
Note: [] Corresponding author: Prof. Dr. Jorge A. Bergado Rosado,
Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica (CIREN), Ave. 25 no.
15805, Cubanacán, 11300 Playa, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba. Tel.: +53 7 271
6385 –6844 –6841; Fax: +53 7 2732420; E-mail: bergado@neuro.ciren.cu;
jorge.bergado@infomed.sld.cu
Abstract: Purpose: Bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) were transplanted into the
perilesional area in five patients bearing sequels of stroke, to evaluate the
safety of the procedure and tolerance to the transplanted cells. Methods: Cells were obtained from bone marrow samples taken
from the same patient and stereotactically implanted into the targets,
determined using a combination of images, and trans-operative recording of
multiunit activity. The cells were implanted in several points along tracts in
the perilesional region. Results: No important adverse events derived from surgery or
transplant were observed during the one year follow-up period, or detected
using a combination of tests and functional measurements applied pre- and
post-surgically. In contrast, some improvements were observed regarding the
neurological condition of the patients, but the small number of patients in the
study does not allow any conclusive statement. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that BMSC can be safely
transplanted into the brain of patients, with excellent tolerance and without
complications, using the methods described here.
