ABSTRACT
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles [SPIONs] have been used to label mammalian cells and to monitor their fate in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]. However, the effectiveness of phenotype of labeled cells by SPIONs is still a matter of question. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency and biological effects of labeled mouse embryonic stem cells [mESCs] using ferumoxide- protamine sulfate complex. In an experimental study, undifferentiated mESCs, C571 line, a generous gift of Stem Cell Technology Company, were cultured on gelatin-coated flasks. The proliferation and viability of SPION-labeled cells were compared with control. ESCs and embryoid bodies [EBs] derived from differentiated hematopoietic stem cells [HSCs] were analyzed for stage-specific cell surface markers using fluorescence-activated cell sorting [FACS]. Our observations showed that SPIONs have no effect on the self-renewal ability of mESCs. Reverse microscopic observations and prussian blue staining revealed 100% of cells were labeled with iron particles. SPION-labeled mESCs did not significantly alter cell viability and proliferation activity. Furthermore, labeling did not alter expression of representative surface phenotypic markers such as stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 [SSEA1] and cluster of differentiation 117 [CD117] on undifferentiated ESC and CD34, CD38 on HSCs, as measured by flowcytometry. According to the results of the present study, SPIONs-labeling method as MRI agents in mESCs has no negative effects on growth, morphology, viability, proliferation and differentiation that can be monitored in vivo, noninvasively. Non-invasive cell tracking methods are considered as new perspectives in cell therapy for clinical use and as an easy method for evaluating the placement of stem cells after transplantation