Use of olfactory bulb ensheathing cells to repair spinal cord injury

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Harvesting olfactory bulbs for transplanting into spinal cord injury models to induce axonal regeneration and restoration of neurological function

• IRAS ID

  309794

• Contact name

  Ahmed Ibrahim

• Contact email

  ahmed.ibrahim2@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 7 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  Spinal cord injury causes disconnection of axons resulting in permanent loss of function. We previously showed that tansplanting cells known as olfactory ensheathing cells which are found in the olfactory bulb or the nasal mucosa possess special characteristics that promote axonal reconnection and regeneration. The olfactory bulb is a superior source of the olfactory ensheathing cells and we have shown in animal studies that transplanting OECs in injured spinal cord results in restoration of neurological hand function.
  In this study we plan to examine the efficacy of human olfactory bulb cells in the restoration neurological function in our spinal cord injury animal model.

• REC name

  South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  23/SW/0147

• Date of REC Opinion

  24 Jul 2024

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion