In utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a caprine model for prenatal therapy in inherited metabolic diseases.
OBJECTIVE
We explored the feasibility and efficacy of in utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the caprine animal model system with the objectives of determining procedures for transplantation and establishing methods for detecting engraftment.


METHODS
Male fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells were injected into female fetuses during the immunotolerant period, using either hysterotomy or ultrasound-guided injections.


RESULTS
The rate of fetal death was much lower for the ultrasound-guided injections. Donor cells were observed in the peritoneal fluid of 4 fetuses 3 days after injection, but no donor cells were detected in tissues at longer time periods.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-guided injection of hematopoietic stem cells into the abdomen of a developing fetus is safe and feasible. The parameters required for successful engraftment have not yet been identified.
Lovell
K L
KL
Neuroscience Program, and Center for Clinical Neuroscience, Colleges of Human and Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA. lovell@msu.edu
Kraemer
S A
SA
Leipprandt
J R
JR
Sprecher
D J
DJ
Ames
N K
NK
Nichols-Torrez
J
J
Carter
K D
KD
Rahmani
D K
DK
Jones
M Z
MZ
D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D016332:Fetal Tissue Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006041:Goats; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods