NOD/LtJ type I diabetes in mice and the effect of stem cells (Berashis) derived from human umbilical cord blood

Abstract

Previously we have successfully delayed the onset of vasculitis and death in MRL Lpr/Lpr mice that are considered to have an autoimmune disease similar to human lupus erythematosus. Likewise, with the use of megadose human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells, we were able to delay the onset of symptoms and death in SOD1 mice that carry a transgene for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, considered by some to be an autoimune disease. A similar approach was utilized with NOD/LtJ type 1 diabetic mice. By administering megadoses of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells we were able to ameliorate the disease and improved the life span. This occurred to a greater extent than with bone marrow obtained from congenic mice. No immunosuppression was utilized in this study. This study raises the possibility of utilizing human cord blood mononuclear cells in conjunction with pancreatic islet transplantation.