Abstract
The transplantation of cells into the CNS has been considered a promising long-term therapeutic approach in the management of neurological disorders. Cell transplantation can provide replacement of lost or damaged neurons and supportive cells as well as a sustained source of pharmacologically active beneficial molecules. Both of these approaches, and their combination, have been explored for the management of chronic pain over the past several decades. Neuropathic pain following SCI is a challenging clinical target, which may be particularly amenable to the direct interventive strategies provided by cell transplantation. This chapter reviews cell transplantation approaches that have been considered for chronic pain amelioration, both as a source of analgesic substances and as disease modification, in preclinical models and early clinical studies. Recent combination strategies such as ex vivo gene therapy enhancement and inclusion of physical exercise may maximize long-term beneficial potential in the management of SCI neuropathic pain.