title: Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells can survive and integrate into the adult rat eye following xenotransplantation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Novel threads of discovery provide the basis for optimism for the development of a stem-cell-based strategy for the treatment of retinal blindness. Accordingly, achievement to suitable cell source with potential-to-long-term survival and appropriate differentiation can be an effective step in this direction.
  
  
  METHODS
  After derivation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HAD-MSCs), they were stably transfected with a vector containing Turbo-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and JRed to be able to trace them after transplantation. Labeled HAD-MSCs were transplanted into the intact adult rat eye and their survival, integration, and migration during 6 months post-transplantation were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The transplanted cells were traceable in the rat vitreous humor (VH) up until 90 days after transplantation, with gradual reduction in numbers, their adhesion and expansion capacity after recovery. These cells were also integrated into the ocular tissues. Nonetheless, some of the implanted cells succeeded to cross the blood-retina barrier (BRB) and accumulate in the spleen with time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The survival of the HAD-MSCs for a period of 90 days in VH and even longer period of up to 6 months in other eye tissues makes them a promising source to be considered in regenerative medicine of eye diseases. However, the potency of crossing the BRB by the implanted cells suggests that use of HAD-MSCs must be handled with extreme caution.
authors.affiliation: Cell and Molecular Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Aliakbar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haddad-Mashadrizeh
authors.forename: Ahmad R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bahrami
authors.forename: Maryam M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Matin
authors.forename: Mohammad A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Edalatmanesh
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zomorodipour
authors.forename: Mossa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gardaneh
authors.forename: Moein
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farshchian
authors.forename: Madjid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Momeni-Moghaddam
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology; D000818:Animals; D001766:Blindness / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001813:Blood-Retinal Barrier; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002470:Cell Survival; D005123:Eye / Q000166:cytology*; D015870:Gene Expression; D064593:Heterografts; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000166:cytology
keywords: Xenotransplantation; blood-retina barrier; cell integration; cell migration; cell survival; stem-cell therapy