Hyperacute transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells in a model of severe intracerebral hemorrhage

AIM: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has limited therapeutic options. We have shown that an intravenous injection of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSC) 24 h after an ICH in rats reduced the residual hematoma volume after a moderate hemorrhage but was inefficient in severe ICH. Here, we investigated whether a treatment in the hyperacute phase would be more effective in severe ICH. MATERIALS & METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly selected to receive an intravenous injection of hUC-MSC or the vehicle 1 h after a severe ICH. RESULTS: The hyperacute treatment with hUC-MSC did not affect the 22-day survival rate, the motor function or the residual hematoma volume. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the need for optimization of hUC-MSC-based therapies for severe ICH.