Efficient tracking of non-iron-labeled mesenchymal stem cells with serial MRI in chronic stroke rats.
OBJECTIVE
Although stem cell-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases have advanced rapidly, there is currently no clinically available method to monitor the fate of transplanted cells in the brain.


METHODS
To use magnetic resonance imaging for tracking transplanted stem cells in the ischemic rat brain, we used the cellular labeling substance Effectene to transfect a standard contrast agent (Gd-DTPA) into immortalized human bone marrow stromal cells.


RESULTS
The transfection efficiency of this method was up to 90%, which is substantially better than pure spontaneous endocytosis or other transfection agents. In addition, cellular uptake of Gd-DTPA in vitro was maintained for >28 days. Therefore, we could follow transplanted stem cell migration and homing into the penumbric area. Using double immunofluorescence, the transplanted cells were seen to differentiate into glial cells, neurons and vascular endothelial cells. Cortical neurochemical activity as evaluated by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) also increased considerably after immortalized human bone marrow stromal cell transplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
This method of tracking immortalized human bone marrow stromal cells is highly efficient and allows for nontoxic labeling of cells.
Shyu
Woei-Cherng
WC
Department of Neurology, Neuro-Medical Scientific Center, Tzu-Chi Buddhist General Hospital, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
Chen
Chie-Pein
CP
Lin
Shinn-Zong
SZ
Lee
Yih-Jing
YJ
Li
Hung
H
D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
D007501:Iron