Abstract: Objective In the present study, we investigate the neuroprotective effect of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs) transplantation in rat's hypoxic-ischemic brain damage（HIBD) model and its mechanism. Methods The rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated group; only HIBD group; HIBD+PDMSCs-treated group and HIBD+Fibroblasts-treated group. After 2 weeks of treatment, we measured inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17) expression in the brain and serum by appropriate methods. Results Our results indicated that pro-inflammatory cytokine gene and protein expressions increased in the HIBD group, and that PDMSCs-treated group significantly (all P<0.05) lowered at these levels. Furthermore, PDMSCs treatment was able to increase IL-10 levels. We also observed that motor dysfunctions in Fibroblasts-treated group were not improved and the indicators were not statistically significant compared with PDMSCs-treated group. Conclusions In summary, PDMSCs treatment plays a critical role in the neuroprotection observed in this model and the mechanism may be partly through alleviating inflammatory reaction.

Key words: Key words: mesenchymal stem cells, placenta, hypoxic-ischemic, brain, inflammatory reaction