Neuroplasticity subsequent to functional angiogenesis is an important goal for cell-based therapy of ischemic neural tissues. At present, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are still not well understood. In this study, we isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from Wharton's jelly (WJ) to obtain clonally expanded human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) with multilineage differentiation potential. Experimental rats receiving intracerebral HUCMSC transplantation showed significantly improved neurological function compared to vehicle-treated control rats. Cortical neuronal activity, as evaluated by proton MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS), also increased considerably in the transplantation group. Transplanted HUCMSCs migrated towards the ischemic boundary zone and differentiated into glial, neuronal, doublecortin+, CXCR4+, and vascular endothelial cells to enhance neuroplasticity in the ischemic brain. In addition, HUCMSC transplantation promoted the formation of new vessels to increase local cortical blood flow in the ischemic hemisphere. Modulation by stem cell-derived macrophage/microglial interactions, and increased β1-integrin expression, might enhance this angiogenic architecture within the ischemic brain. Inhibition of β1-integrin expression blocked local angiogenesis and reduced recovery from neurological deficit. In addition, significantly increased modulation of neurotrophic factor expression was also found in the HUCMSC transplantation group. In summary, regulation of β1-integrin expression plays a critical role in the plasticity of the ischemic brain after the implantation of HUCMSCs.
