title: [Biological features and ultrastructure of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To isolate and culture human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and explore their biological features and ultrastructure.
  
  
  METHODS
  After isolating MSCs from the human umbilical cord, the proliferation, cycle, and apoptosis were observed. The cell ultrastructure was observed under transmission electron microscope. The cytokines including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Human umbilical cord MSCs had fibroblast-like morphology and increased proliferation capability. Ultrastructural analysis showed that the MSCs had active cellular metabolism and strong migration and differentiation capabilities. Meanwhile, they could secrete anti-apoptotic cytokines such as VEGF, IGF-1, and HGF.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Human umbilical cord MSCs can secrete many anti-apoptotic cytokine and have good biological features.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors: Shao-fang
authors: SF
authors: Zhu
authors: Yuan-li
authors: YL
authors: He
authors: Xia-fei
authors: XF
authors: Fu
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D002453:Cell Cycle; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000166:cytology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C066855:HGF protein, human; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I