In vivo flow cytometry combined with intravital microscopy to monitor kinetics of transplanted bone marrow mononuclear cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) transplantation has evolved as a promising experimental treatment in various regenerative therapy fields, especially in clinical hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT). In vitro methods have mainly been used to study the pre-clinical kinetics of BM-MNCs in mice after transplantation. And it is difficult to monitor the dynamic homing of BM-MNCs in living mice. The present study obtained the kinetics of transplanted BM-MNCs in the peripheral blood (PB) and the dynamic homing of BM-MNCs in the BM in living mice by a combination of in vivo flow cytometry (IVFC) and calvarium intravital microscopy. We found out that BM-MNCs were cleared rapidly from the PB and mainly localized to various hematopoietic tissues after transplantation. The number of BM-MNCs in the PB decreased over time accompanied by an increase in the BM indeed after transplantation. In addition, a lower number of BM-MNCs were found home to calvaria than long bone, probably indicating long bone marrow might also be an important hematopoietic organ. Clinical studies will benefit from non-invasive measurements to monitor the dynamic homing of transplanted cells. Our pre-clinical kinetics of BM-MNCs in living mice will have important clinical guiding significance in HSCT and other regenerative therapy fields.

     

Differential effect of myocardial matrix and integrins on cardiac differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Dysregulation of matrix synthesis during myocardial fibrosis in post-infarct ventricular remodeling contributes to ventricular dysfunction. Bone marrow stem cell transplantation prevents functional deterioration following myocardial infarction. However, effect of myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) on stem cell differentiation is poorly understood. We investigate the role of collagen matrices and integrin system in cardiac differentiation and engraftment of stem cells in infarcted myocardium. Sternum-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were differentiated into cardiomyocyte-like cells (CLCs). They were characterized using RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and functional integrin neutralization assays. CLCs were injected into peri-infarct borders of injured myocardium of Wistar rats one week following left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation. Cardiac function was analyzed via pressure-volume relationships. Cardiac differentiated CLCs displayed collagen V specificity, which was absent in undifferentiated MSCs. Collagen V, but not collagen I matrix, promoted attachment, proliferation and cardiac differentiation of CLCs. In contrast to β₁, α_v integrin contributed minimally in the attachment of CLCs on collagen matrices. However, inhibition of α_vβ_3, but not α₂β₁ integrin, selectively attenuated troponin T, sarcomeric α-actin and ryanodine 2 receptor gene expression in CLCs. Both MSC and CLC transplantation prevented chamber dilatation and improved contractile function. However, systolic activity in MSC transplanted animals was accompanied by heightened wall stress as demonstrated by elevated myocardial end-diastolic pressure and prolonged tissue relaxation time. Localization of CLCs in the vicinity of collagen V-expressing myofibers promoted their integration into cardiac syncytium. CLCs may facilitate hemodynamic recovery by preserving tissue elasticity in the peri-infarct borders that sustains contractile efficiency for functional recovery in an actively remodeling infarcted myocardium.     

Cardiac matrix remodeling following intracoronary cell transplantation in dilated cardiomyopathic rabbits

Cellular cardiomyoplasty has been proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic heart failure. Previous studies focused on structural changes in cardiomyocytes to explain the potential benefits for contractile function. However, limited information is available about the cardiac matrix remodeling following cell transplantation in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Here, we established a new animal model of intracoronary bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) transplantation to explore extracellular matrix remodeling in adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathic rabbits. In vivo studies demonstrated that BMMNCs transplantation can dramatically delay the progress of collagen metabolism and decrease myocardial collagen volume fraction. The beneficial effects were mediated by attenuating stress-generated over-expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in ventricular remodeling. Improved cardiac function may be contributed in part by stem-associated inhibition of extracellular matrix remodeling.     

Bone marrow cell therapy after acute myocardial infarction: the HEBE trial in perspective, first results

During the last decennium, the role of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) has been underscored in the healing process after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although these cells improve left ventricular recovery after AMI in experimental studies, results from large-scale randomised trials investigating BMMC therapy in patients with AMI have shown contradictory results. To address this issue the HEBE study was designed, a multicentre, randomised trial, evaluating the effects of intracoronary infusion of BMMCs and the effects of intracoronary infusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary endpoint of the HEBE trial is the change in regional myocardial function in dysfunctional segments at four months relative to baseline, based on segmental analysis as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The results from the HEBE trial will provide detailed information about the effects of intracoronary BMMC therapy on post-infarct left ventricular recovery. In addition, further analysis of the data and material obtained may provide important mechanistic insights into the contribution of BMMCs to natural recovery from AMI as well as the response to cell therapy. This may significantly contribute to the development of improved cell-based therapies, aiming at optimising post-infarct recovery and preventing heart failure. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:436-9.)     

Comparison of various kinds of bone marrow stem cells for the repair of infarcted myocardium: single clonally purified non-hematopoietic mesenchymal stem cells serve as a superior source

A variety of adult stem cells have been used to transplant into the infarcted (MI) heart, however, comparative studies are lacking to show more suitable source of cells for transplantation. We have identified a single non-hematopoietic mesenchymal stem cell subpopulation (snMSCs) isolated from human bone marrow and clonally purified, that over 99% of them expressed MSC marker proteins and cardiomyocyte marker proteins when induction in vitro. We also compared the effects of the snMSCs with unpurified MSC (uMSCs), mononuclear cells (BMMNCs), or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) on myocardial repair after induction of MI in rats. Ninety days later, we observed a better cardiac function assessed by ejection fraction, fraction of shortening and lung wet/dry weight ratios, less remodeling of left ventricle (LV), lower collagen density in the LV, and more vessels in the ischemic wall in the snMSCs transplantation group than in other cell-transplanted groups. Furthermore, the transplanted cells expressing cardiomyocyte specific proteins or vascular endothelial cell marker proteins were more in the snMSCs group than in other ones. We conclude that transplantation with single clonally purified MSCs seems to be more beneficial to the cardiac repair than with other stem cells after MI.     

Cell transplantation with a catheter-based approach: an efficient method for the treatment of heart failure with multiple lesions

Cell transplantation is emerging as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of heart failure. At present, popular methods of cell delivery may not be efficient in perfusing cells through the whole myocardium. We have developed a novel catheter-based method for global transplantation of cells. Heart failure was induced in rabbit by intravenous administration of doxorubicin. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells were transplanted into failing hearts via the root of the aorta. Bilateral sinus aortae and coronary arteries were visualized by angiography during the cell transplantation procedure; there was no intraprocedural death. Four weeks after cell transplantation, there was an improvement in the mean left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline 72.13% to 81.54% (P = 0.034). Transplanted cells were observed throughout the cardiac layers of left and right ventricles. In conclusion, cell transplantation through the root of the aorta is a useful approach to globally supply cells into the heart.     

Repair of long-bone pseudoarthrosis with autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells combined with allogenic bone graft

Background aimsLong-bone pseudoarthrosis is a major orthopedic concern because of numerous factors such as difficulty of the treatment, high recurrence, high costs and the devastating effects on the patients' quality of life, which sometimes ends in amputation. Although the “gold standard” for the treatment of this pathology is autologous bone grafting, which has high osteogenic, osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, this treatment presents some restrictions such as the limited amount of bone that can be taken from the patient and donor site morbidity. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) comprise progenitor and stem cells with pro-angiogenic and pro-osteogenic properties. Allogenic cancellous bone graft is a natural and biodegradable osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffold. Combination of these two components could mimic the advantages of autologous bone grafting while avoiding its main limitations.MethodsLong-bone pseudoarthrosis was treated in seven patients with autologous BM-MNCs from iliac crest combined with frozen allogenic cancellous bone graft obtained from the tissue bank.ResultsAll patients showed complete bone consolidation 5.3 ± 0.9 months (range, 2–9 months) after cell transplantation. Moreover, limb pain disappeared in all of them. The mean follow-up was 35.8 ± 4.6 months after transplantation (range, 24–51 months) without pseudoarthrosis recurrence or pain reappearing.ConclusionsCombination of autologous BM-MNCs and allogenic bone graft could constitute an easy, safe, inexpensive and efficacious attempt to treat long-bone pseudoarthrosis and non-union by reproducing the beneficial properties of autologous bone grafting while restricting its disadvantages.     

骨髓基质干细胞移植对扩张型心肌病心衰大鼠心功能改善作用机制的研究

通过对心肌胶原纤维、微血管生成、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)及其受体表达的研究,探讨骨髓基质干细胞(BMSSCs)心肌内移植对扩张型心肌病心衰大鼠心功能的保护机制．应用阿霉素注射法建立扩张型心肌病心衰大鼠模型,成功建模后移植4', 6-二乙酰基-2-苯基吲哚(DAPI)标记的BMSSCs．分别于术后1、2、3、4周进行血流动力学检测,利用免疫组化、RT-PCR技术分析心肌胶原纤维、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)及其受体Flt-1、Flk-1表达的改变,以及微血管密度．结果显示,移植细胞于术后4周通过免疫荧光可检测到存活．于术后2周开始,移植组心功能较对照组改善,表现为移植组收缩压(LVSP)、左心室内压最大上升或下降速率(?dp/dt)较对照组显著升高,舒张压(LVDP)显著下降,P < 0.05．移植组心肌胶原纤维沉积减少,光密度值比较P < 0.05．移植组VEGF、Flt-1、Flk-1表达较同期对照组增加,并张且与其受体达峰时间不同步．4周时移植组微血管密度明显高于对照组．上述结果表明,BMSSCs移植后可通过上调受体内VEGF、Flt-1、Flk-1的表达,促进血管新生,减少胶原纤维沉积,从而改善受体心脏的功能．     

Effect of chemokine receptor CXCR4 on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling in rats

Background

CXCR4 is the receptor for chemokine CXCL12 and reportedly plays an important role in systemic vascular repair and remodeling, but the role of CXCR4 in development of pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling has not been fully understood.

Methods

In this study we investigated the role of CXCR4 in the development of pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling by using a CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 and by electroporation of CXCR4 shRNA into bone marrow cells and then transplantation of the bone marrow cells into rats.

Results

We found that the CXCR4 inhibitor significantly decreased chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling in rats and, most importantly, we found that the rats that were transplanted with the bone marrow cells electroporated with CXCR4 shRNA had significantly lower mean pulmonary pressure (mPAP), ratio of right ventricular weight to left ventricular plus septal weight (RV/(LV+S)) and wall thickness of pulmonary artery induced by chronic hypoxia as compared with control rats.

Conclusions

The hypothesis that CXCR4 is critical in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats has been demonstrated. The present study not only has shown an inhibitory effect caused by systemic inhibition of CXCR4 activity on pulmonary hypertension, but more importantly also has revealed that specific inhibition of the CXCR4 in bone marrow cells can reduce pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling via decreasing bone marrow derived cell recruitment to the lung in hypoxia. This study suggests a novel therapeutic approach for pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting bone marrow derived cell recruitment.     

Transplantation of elastin-secreting myoblast sheets improves cardiac function in infarcted rat heart

Myoblast sheet transplantation for cardiac failure is a promising therapy to enhance cardiac function via paracrine mechanism. However, their efficacies of treatment showed a gradual decline. The gene modification of the implanted myoblast is important in improving the long-term results of the treatment. Elastin fiber enhances the extensibility of the infarcted wall and can prevent left ventricular dilation. We therefore hypothesized that the elastin gene modification of the implanted myoblast could strengthen and maintain the long-term improvement effects of cardiac function. In this study, we evaluated long-term follow-up benefits of functional myoblast sheets that secrete elastin in an infarcted model. The animal models were divided into three groups: a group transplanted with nontransfected, wild-type, skeletal myoblast-type sheets (WT-rSkM); group transplanted with myoblast sheets that secreted elastin fragments (ELN-rSkM); and a control group (ligation only). Cardiac function was examined by echocardiography, and cardiac remodeling after infarction was evaluated by histological examination. The cardiac function was significantly improved and the left ventricle end-diastolic dimensions were significantly reduced in the ELN-rSkM group. Histological analysis showed that left ventricular remodeling was attenuated in the ELN-rSkM group and that elastic fiber was formed in the epicardial area of ELN-rSkM group. The functionalization of myoblast sheet by elastin gene transfer showed the long-term improvement of cardiac function. Expressed recombinant elastin fiber prevented the dilation of the left ventricular chamber after myocardial infarction. The functional myoblast sheet transplantation maintained the treatment effect by the paracrine effect of myoblast and the formed recombinant elastin.     

骨髓单个核细胞移植对大鼠溃疡性结肠炎的作用

目的:探讨同种异体骨髓单个核细胞(BM-MNCs)移植大鼠溃疡性结肠炎模型的作用。方法:将DAPI标记的同种异体大鼠骨髓单个核细胞(BM-MNCs)经尾静脉注射移植到大鼠溃疡性结肠炎(UC)模型体内(模型组),以尾静脉注射等量PBS的UC大鼠作为对照组。光镜观察大鼠结肠组织病变改变,荧光显微镜观察标记DAPI的BM-MNCs在结肠组织中的定植及分布情况,免疫荧光检测BM-MNCs中CK19、CD34的表达情况。结果:移植组大鼠结肠组织可见新生黏膜上皮及腺体,黏膜下有新鲜至成熟肉芽组织生成,明显优于对照组;移植14天,大鼠结肠组织中可观察到DAPI标记的BM-MNCs细胞;DAPI标记的细胞可表达血管内皮细胞特异性表达蛋白CD34或黏膜上皮细胞特异性表达蛋白CK19。结论:BM-MNCs可向受损病变部位结肠组织迁移和定植,且分化为血管内皮细胞和黏膜上皮细胞。     

Human umbilical cord blood cells improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction

Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains an abundance of immature stem/progenitor cells and has been clinically used as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation. In addition, cord blood can be obtained non-invasively, in contrast to invasive bone marrow aspiration. We investigated the potential of human UCB CD34(+) cells to improve cardiac function following myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction was induced in Wistar rats by ligation of the left coronary artery. Either 2x10(5) human UCB CD34(+) cells or equivalent cell-free medium was injected into the injured myocardium of the rats following induction of myocardial infarction. CD34(+) cell transplantation significantly improved ventricular function as compared to the control group. Immunofluorescence staining for human CD34, CD45, and PECAM-1 revealed surviving cells in the myocardium. Our findings suggest that transplanted human cells survived and improved cardiac function following myocardial infarction. These results may show the usefulness of UCB CD34(+) cells for myocardial infarction.     

Bone marrow transplantation results in donor-derived hepatocytes in an animal model of inherited cholestatic liver disease

Cell transplantation is a potential therapy for acquired or inherited liver diseases. Donor-derived hepatocytes (DDH) have been found in humans and mice after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) but with highly variable frequencies in different disease models. To test the effect of liver repopulation after BMT in inherited cholestatic liver diseases, spgp (sister of P-glycoprotein, or bile salt export pump, abcb11) knockout mice, a model for human progressive intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 with defects in excreting bile salts across the hepatocyte canalicular membrane, were transplanted with bone marrow cells from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic donor mice after lethal irradiation. One to 6 months later, scattered EGFP-positive DDHs with positive spgp staining were observed in the liver. These hepatocytes had been incorporated into hepatic plates and stained positively with hepatocyte-specific marker albumin. RT-PCR for the spgp gene revealed positive expression in the liver of sgsp knockout mice that had received the transplant. Bile acid analysis of bile samples showed that these mice also had higher levels of total biliary bile acid and taurocholic acid concentration than knockout mice without transplantation, indicating that BMT partially improved biliary bile acid secretion. Our results indicate that bone marrow cells could serve as a potential source for restoration of hepatic functions in chronic metabolic liver disease.     

超选择性股动脉内骨髓单个核细胞移植治疗股骨头坏死187例

目的 研究自体骨髓单个核细胞移植对股骨头坏死患者缺血状态的改善程度和治疗效果.方法 选取2004 年7 月至2010 年11 月期间187 例252 髋股骨头坏死患者,应用自体骨髓单个核细胞移植治疗,分别采集 187 例患者骨髓200 -360 ml,采用 Ficoll 密度梯度离心法分离单个核细胞,单个核细胞总数为（2.4 ~ 7.8）× 108 个,流式细胞仪检测 CD34＋ 细胞和 CD133＋ 细胞在所分离出的干细胞悬液中的含量分别为2.47﹪± 0.58﹪和1.29﹪± 0.35﹪,然后将单个核细胞用生理盐水制备成细胞悬液 20 - 30 ml,使用数字减影血管造影技术（DSA）行超选择性股骨头供血动脉内干细胞移植术.按世界骨循环研究学会（ARCO）对骨坏死分期,设自身前后对照观察疗效.移植术后第 3、6、12、24、36 和48 个月,根据髋关节 Harris 评分评价疗效,移植术后6 个月通过复查患者股骨头供血动脉 DSA,观察其新生血管形成情况,以后每隔 6 个月采用影像学方法观察股骨头形态学变化.结果 （1）临床疗效：对接受自体骨髓单个核细胞移植治疗的187 例患者随访 3 ~ 48（24.2 ± 4.5）个月,其中髋关节疼痛缓解者 158 例（占患者总数的 84.5﹪）,髋关节功能改善者 146 例（占患者总数的 78.1﹪）,行走间距延长者 149 例（占患者总数的 79.7﹪）;（2）影像学检查：干细胞移植术后 6 个月187 例患者中54 例行股骨头供血动脉 DSA 检查,48 例显示供血动脉较移植术前明显增多、增粗,血流速度增快,12 ~ 24个月后 72 例患者股骨头区骨质病变获得改善.结论 超选择性动脉内骨髓单个核细胞移植方法简便、安全有效,对因缺血导致坏死的股骨头无再次损伤,能够有效治疗缺血性股骨头坏死.     

Direct cardiac injection of G-CSF mobilized bone-marrow stem-cells improves ventricular function in old myocardial infarction

Autologous transplant of bone marrow stem cells (BMSC), although extremely useful after acute myocardial events, has not been evaluated in patients with old (>one-year-old) myocardial infarction. Our aim was to determine if CD34(+)-enriched peripheral-blood cells, obtained by apheresis, injected directly into the severely damaged myocardium of five patients with old myocardial infarction could restore depressed myocardial function. We found that 28 weeks after revascularization and peri-infarction injection of the enriched CD34(+) peripheral mononuclear cells, ventricular hemodynamic parameters that included left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular diastolic volume, ventricular systolic volume and left ventricular diastolic diameter approximated normal values and there was no restenosis; two patients have been followed for >52 weeks and their parameters are within normal values. In conclusion, intramyocardial injection of easily obtained CD34(+) enriched peripheral blood cells represent an encouraging procedure for patients with severely scarred and dysfunctional myocardium.     

The Additive Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 on γ-Irradiated Bone Marrow in Mice

Irradiation from γ-rays can cause severe damage to bone marrow and hematopoietic tissues. Presently, the most effective method available to treat severe hematopoietic injury is a bone marrow transplant (BMT). Allogeneic BMT is a difficult technique to perform due to the differences in human leukocyte antigen proteins between the donor and recipient, with acute graft-versus-host disease being a major complication of the technique. This limits the widespread applicability of allogeneic BMT. To develop a novel treatment for acute hematopoietic damage, we transplanted bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into recipient mice and treated them with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) to investigate whether MSCs and rhBMP2 could additively promote the restoration of hematopoietic function. MSCs are vital components of the hematopoietic microenvironment that supports hematopoiesis, and bone morphogenic protein is a key factor in hematopoiesis. The 30-day survival rate as well as the numbers of nucleated cells, bone marrow colony-forming unit-granulocyte macrophages, spleen colony-forming units and peripheral blood cells were enumerated. The results showed that, after γ-irradiation and transplantation, MSCs and rhBMP2 additively promoted and improved hematopoietic restoration and function in vivo and in vitro. This additive effect of MSCs and rhBMP2 may one day provide a novel means of treating acute hematopoietic damage.     

Noninvasive Tracking of Donor Cell Homing by Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Shortly after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Background

Many diseases associated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are caused by transplanted hematopoietic cells, and the onset of these diseases occurs after homing of donor cells in the initial phase after BMT. Noninvasive observation of donor cell homing shortly after transplantation is potentially valuable for improving therapeutic outcomes of BMT by diagnosing the early stages of these diseases.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Freshly harvested near-infrared fluorescence-labeled cells were noninvasively observed for 24 h after BMT using a photon counting device to track their homing process. In a congenic BMT model, the homing of Alexa Fluor 750-labeled donor cells in the tibia was detected less than 1 h after BMT. In addition, subsequent cell distribution in an intraBM BMT model was successfully monitored for the first time using this method. In the allogeneic BMT model, T-cell depletion decreased the near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) signals of the reticuloendothelial system.

Conclusions/Significance

This approach in several murine BMT models revealed that the transplanted cells homed within 24 h after transplantation. NIRF labeling is useful for tracking transplanted cells in the initial phase after BMT, and this approach can contribute to in vivo studies aimed at improving the therapeutic outcomes of BMT.     

Hyperhomocysteinemia leads to adverse cardiac remodeling in hypertensive rats

Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhe), linked to cardiovascular disease by epidemiological studies, may be an important factor in adverse cardiac remodeling in hypertension. Specifically, convergence of myocardial and vascular alterations promoted by Hhe and hypertension may exacerbate cardiac remodeling and myocardial dysfunction. We studied male spontaneously hypertensive rats fed one of three diets: control, intermediate Hhe inducing, or severe Hhe inducing. After 10 wk of dietary intervention, cardiac function was assessed in vitro, and cardiac and coronary arteriolar remodeling were monitored by histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, and biochemical techniques. Results showed that Hhe induced diastolic dysfunction, as characterized by the diastolic pressure-volume curve, without significant changes in baseline systolic function. Perivascular collagen levels were increased by Hhe, and there was an increase in left ventricular hydroxyproline levels. Myocyte size was not affected. Coronary arteriolar wall thickness increased with Hhe due to smooth muscle hyperplasia. Mast cells increased in parallel with Hhe and collagen accumulation. In summary, 10 wk of Hhe caused coronary arteriolar remodeling, myocardial collagen deposition, and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive rats.     

Autologous stem cell transplantation for myocardial repair

Current therapies for heart failure due to transmural left ventricular (LV) infarction are limited. We have developed a novel patch method for delivering autologous bone marrow stem cells to sites of myocardial infarction for the purpose of improving LV function and preventing LV aneurysm formation. The patch consisted of a fibrin matrix seeded with autologous porcine mesenchymal stem cells labeled with lacZ. We applied this patch to a swine model of postinfarction LV remodeling. Myocardial infarction was produced by using a 60-min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery distal to the first diagonal branch followed by reperfusion. Results were compared between eight pigs with stem cell patch transplantation, six pigs with the patch but no stem cells (P), and six pigs with left anterior descending coronary artery ligation alone (L). Magnetic resonance imaging data collected 19 +/- 1 days after the myocardial infarction indicated a significant increase of LV systolic wall thickening fraction in the infarct zone of transplanted hearts compared with P or L hearts. Blue X-gal staining was observed in the infarcted area of transplanted hearts. PCR amplification of specimens from the X-gal-positive area revealed the Ad5 RSV-lacZ vector fragment DNA sequence. Light microscopy demonstrated that transplanted cells had differentiated into cells with myocyte-like characteristics and a robust increase of neovascularization as evidenced by von Willebrand factor-positive angioblasts and capillaries in transplanted hearts. Thus this patch-based autologous stem cell procedure may serve as a therapeutic modality for myocardial repair.     

Hormonal stimulation increases the recruitment of bone marrow-derived myoepithelial cells and periductal fibroblasts into the mammary gland

Recent reports have revealed that bone marrow (BM)-derived cells can be constituents in a number of organs, especially in remodeling tissue. Using bone marrow transplantation (BMT) technique, we found that BM can serve as a source of both myoepithelial cells and periductal fibroblasts in the mammary gland. The numbers of BM-derived myoepithelial cell were 4.8-fold, and those of periductal fibroblast were 2.4-fold higher in the mice when BMT which was performed at the pubertal stage, as compared with BMT was performed at the postpubertal stage. Treatment with estrogen+progesterone pellet increased numbers of BM-derived myoepithelial cells and periductal fibroblasts, to levels 4.5- and 2.6-fold higher than in placebo mice, respectively. In situ hybridization revealed BM-derived periductal fibroblasts expressed insulin-like growth factor I mRNAs that are known to regulate mammary gland. These results suggest that drastic structural change that is induced by hormonal stimulation increased the recruitment of BM-derived myoepithelial cells and periductal fibroblasts to the mammary gland context.