Grafts of peripheral nerves or peripheral nervous system (PNS) Schwann cells were among the first successful strategies applied to promote regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). However, glial cells of the PNS and CNS (Schwann cells and astrocytes, respectively) establish borders where they meet, preventing functional reconnection between regenerating axons and CNS targets. Olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) are cells that share characteristics with both Schwann cells and astrocytes and support the growth of olfactory nerve axons into the CNS throughout life. Application of these cells to promote regeneration and remyelination in the spinal cord is reviewed.

astrocyte, autotransplantation, demyelination, dorsal root entry zone, myelin, olfactory ensheathing glia, regeneration, Schwann cells, spinal cord injury, transplantation
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