Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheet Promotes Functional Recovery and Palliates Neuropathic Pain in a Subacute Spinal Cord Injury Model

Figure 7

Evaluation of sensory related neuronal networks. (a) Expression of MOR (μ-opioid receptor, interneuron) is significantly preserved in the cell sheet group (b) compared with the intramedullary (direct) injection (c) and control groups (d, e). (f) Expression of HTT (hydroxytryptamine transporter, descending pain inhibitory pathway) is also preserved in the cell sheet group (g) compared to the intramedullary (direct) injection (h) and control groups (i, j). (k) However, there is no difference in the staining of CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide, peripheral C fiber) among the groups ((l) cell sheet group, (m) intramedullary injection group, and (n) control group) (o). Scale bar represents 20 μm.

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