Journal of Neurodevelopmental Cognition
Quarterly Publication

Evaluation of the Effects of Transplantation of Rat Umbilical Cord Matrix Stem Cells (RUCMSCs) on Ischemic Tolerance in MCAO Stroke Model

https://doi.org/10.48308/jncog.2026.244933.1043
Volume 6, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 67-86
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Cognition

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Parisa Sadeghzadehirani 1
Mohammadreza Bigdeli 2
Maryam Bananej 1
Ramin Hajikhani 1

1 Department of Biology, NT.C. , Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate professor, Faculty Of Animal Sciences And Marine Biology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Objective: Ischemic stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, and effective therapeutic options remain limited. Rat umbilical cord matrix stem cells (RUCMSCs) have demonstrated significant neuroprotective potential by secreting trophic and regenerative factors. This study evaluated the protective effects of RUCMSC transplantation in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia.
Method: Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced in adult male Wistar rats. Animals were assigned to sham, MCAO, and RUCMSC-treated groups. RUCMSCs were stereotactically transplanted into the right striatum. Neurological deficits, infarct volume, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, cerebral edema, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GSSG), and the expression of GRIN1 and NOS1 genes were assessed 24 h after reperfusion.
Results: RUCMSC transplantation significantly reduced infarct volume, cerebral edema, and BBB disruption compared with untreated MCAO animals. Treatment also enhanced SOD and GSSG activities while significantly downregulating GRIN1 and NOS1 expression in ischemic brain regions. These effects were associated with improved neurological scores in the acute phase after ischemia.
Discussions: RUCMSC transplantation attenuates ischemic brain injury through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanisms. The observed reduction in tissue damage and preservation of neurological function suggests that RUCMSCs may represent a promising cell-based therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.

Keywords

Ischemic Stroke
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
MCAO
Neuroprotection
Oxidative Stress, Cerebral Edema
  • Receive Date 15 September 2025
  • Revise Date 11 November 2025
  • Accept Date 02 December 2025

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