Monitoring transplanted human mesenchymal stem cells in rat and rabbit bladders using molecular magnetic resonance imaging

• Published in: Neurourology and urodynamics Vol. 26; no. 4; pp. 584 - 593
• Main Authors: Song, Yun Seob, Ku, Ja Hyeon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01-01-2007
• Subjects: Adipocytes - physiology; Animals; bladder; Cell Differentiation - physiology; cell labeling; Cell Survival - physiology; Chondrocytes - physiology; Ferric Compounds; Humans; magnetic resonance; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Nanoparticles; Osteocytes - physiology; Rabbits; Rats; stem cells; Urinary Bladder - cytology; Urinary Bladder - physiology
• ISSN: 0733-2467; 1520-6777
• DOI: 10.1002/nau.20351

Aims
This study investigated whether superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)‐labeled human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) may be monitored non‐invasively by in vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with conventional 1.5‐T system examinations in the bladders of rats and rabbits.
Methods
SPIO were transferred to hMSCs, using GenePORTER. After SPIO‐labeled hMSCs were transplanted into the animal bladders, serial T2‐weighted MR images and histological examinations were performed over a 4‐week period.
Results
hMSCs loaded with SPIO, compared to unlabeled cells, showed similar viability. SPIO‐labeled hMSCs underwent normal chondrogenic, adipogenic, and osteogenic differentiation. For SPIO‐labeled hMSCs concentrations that were greater than 1 × 105, in vitro MR images showed a decrease in signal intensity. MR signal intensity at the areas of SPIO‐labeled hMSCs in rat and rabbit bladders were decreased and confined locally. After injection of SPIO‐labeled hMSCs into the bladder, MR imaging demonstrated that hMSCs could be seen for at least 12 weeks post‐injection. The presence of iron was confirmed with Prussian blue staining in histological sections.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that hMSCs in animal bladders can be monitored non‐invasively with conventional MR imaging. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:584–593, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.