Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect on survival，proliferation and migration of NSCs transplanted into SCI of rats. Methods 60 SD rats were divided into control group, SCI group, transplanting group 1 and transplanting group 2. Using lentivirus virus as a vector, N-cadherin was transfected into primary cultured NSCs to implant in transplanting group 2. Neurological function were evaluated by BBB score. Immumofluorescence was used to detected the survival，proliferation and migration of NSCs at 5, 10 and 15d. Results BBB score of SCI group was lower than control group. BBB score in two transplanted groups increased significantly(P<0.05), with most evident in transplanting group 2(P<0.05). The number of Nestin-positive cells in transplanting group 2 was more than that in transplanting group 1 at the corresponding time point(P<0.05). The number of Nestin-positive cells at 15d was the most among three time points(P<0.05). The immigrating distance in transplanting group 2 was longer(P<0.05)．Conclusion N-cadherin can promote the survival, proliferation and migration of NSCs in SCI rats to repair neurological function.

Key words: N-cadherin, neural stem cells, spinal cord injury