Monitoring Transplanted Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Rabbit Bladder Using Molecular MRI / 대한남성과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Monitoring the biological changes in transplanted stem cells is important. Molecular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocrystals(SPIO) has been developed for noninvasive monitoring of stem cells. This study was performed to investigate whether the biological status of transplanted human mesenchymal stem cells(hMSCs) in the rabbit penis can be monitored noninvasively using molecular MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SPIO(Feridex; AMI, Cambridge, MA, USA) were transferred into hMSCs using GenePORTER. The labeling efficiency, viability, and differentiation of the SPIO-containing hMSCs were examined with Trypan blue, Von Kossa, alkaline phosphatase, toluidine, blueoil red O, and Prussian blue staining. SPIO-labeled hMSCs were transplanted into the rabbit penis, and MR images of them were examined in vitro or in vivo using 1.5 T MR. Histologic examination was performed. RESULTS: The viability and efficiency of the SPIO-transferred hMSCs were good. Osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation from SPIO-containing hMSCs were found. A decrease in MR signal intensity in the SPIO-containing hMSCs was found in vitro. MR signal intensity in the areas of the SPIO-transferred hMSEc in the rabbit penis decreased and were confined locally. Intracellular SPIO were confirmed in the hMSCs transferred into penis. CONCLUSIONS: SPIO-labeled hMSCs in the rabbit penis can be evaluated noninvasively using molecular MR imaging.