ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells are the stem cells that possess the capability for self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation. Umbilical cord is the tissue outside the embryos and would be fallen off after parturition. In addition, it has wide source and no ethical restriction, so it is promising to be the first choice for mesenchymal stem cells. OBJECTIVE: To detect the surface markers CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD73, CD90, CD34, CD45, and CD271 of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) prior to and after cryopreservation and resuscitation. METHODS: After isolation and culture, morphology of the primary, P4 and P8 hUCMSCs was observed prior to cryopreservation and after resuscitation. Surface markers CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD73, CD90, CD34, CD45, and CD271 of primary, P4, and P8 hUCMSCs were detected through the use of flow cytometry prior to cryopreservation and after resuscitation RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: hUCMSCs prior to cryopreservation and hUCMSCs of different passages after resuscitation present the same phenotype, i.e., positive for CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD73, and CD90, and negative for CD34, CD45, CD271. These findings suggest that primary hUCMSCs do not present changes in surface markers after cryopreservation and resuscitation.