Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were harvested from the forebrain sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) in neonatal rats
NPCs were intraspinally delivered immediately caudal to acute C2 hemilesion in adult rats
NPC transplant rats had greater inspiratory tidal volume and phrenic nerve output after 8 wks vs. sham transplants
Histology indicated survival of ~50% of transplanted NPCs with ~90% of cells distributed in ipsilateral white matter
Intraspinal transplantation of SVZ-derived NPCs can improve respiratory recovery following high cervical spinal cord injury.