In situ labeling and magnetic resonance imaging of transplanted human hepatic stem cells.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose is to address the problem in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of contrast agent dilution.


METHODS
In situ magnetic labeling of cells and MRI were used to assess distribution and growth of human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs) transplanted into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)/non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. It was done with commercially available magnetic microbeads coupled to an antibody to a surface antigen, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), uniquely expressed in the liver by hepatic progenitors.


RESULTS
We validated the microbead connection to cells and related MRI data to optical microscopy observations in order to develop a means to quantitatively estimate cell numbers in the aggregates detected. Cell counts of hHpSCs at different times post-transplantation revealed quantifiable evidence of cell engraftment and expansion.


CONCLUSIONS
This magnetic labeling methodology can be used with any antibody coupled to a magnetic particle to target any surface antigen that distinguishes transplanted cells from host cells, thus facilitating studies that define methods and strategies for clinical cell therapy programs.
McClelland
Randall
R
Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
Wauthier
Eliane
E
Tallheden
Tommi
T
Reid
Lola M
LM
Hsu
Edward
E
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D016513:Mice, SCID; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation