[Identification and clonogenicity of side-population cells in human decidua of first trimester pregnancy].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the existence of side-population cells (SP cells) in human decidual tissues in early pregnancy, and its biological characteristics.


METHODS
Decidual cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion from the decidual tissues of human early pregnancy. The cells then were stained with Hoechst33342 dye either alone or in combination with verapamil. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis was used to identify and isolate SP cells. The isolated cells were cultured in conditioned media culture to observe the proliferation and ability to form colony.


RESULTS
Stem cells were found in the decidual tissues of early pregnancy with a percentage of 0.78% +/- 0.71% (0% - 3.20%). These cells further proliferated and formed colonies during long-time culture in vitro. No significant statistical difference was found in contents of SP cells among different gestational week (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
SP cells exist in human decidua that can further proliferate and have the clonogenicity in culture in vitro.
Qu
Wen-wen
WW
West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Huang
Wei
W
Wang
Cheng-xiao
CX
Li
Sheng-fu
SF
Liu
Yao-fang
YF
Guo
Chun
C
D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*