New data from Stanford University illuminate research in stem cell research
December 15th, 2008
2008 DEC 15 -- "Mouse embryonic stem cells have demonstrated potential to restore infarcted myocardium after acute myocardial infarction. Although the underlying mechanism remains controversial, magnetic resonance imaging has provided reliable in vivo assessment of functional recovery after cellular transplants," scientists in the United States report.
"Multimodal comparison of the restorative effects of mouse embryonic stem cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts was performed to validate magnetic resonance imaging data and provide mechanistic insight. SCID-beige mice(n = 55) underwent coronary artery ligation followed by injection of 2.5 x 10(5) mouse embryonic stem cells, 2.5 x 10(5) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, or normal saline solution. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of myocardial restoration by mouse embryonic stem cells was evaluated by (1) in vivo pressure volume loops, (2) in vivo bioluminescence imaging, and (3) ex vivo TaqMan (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Pleasanton, Calif) polymerase chain reaction and immunohistologic examination. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction at 1 week in the mouse embryonic stem cell group. This finding was validated with (1) pressure-volume loop analysis demonstrating significantly improved systolic and diastolic functions, (2) bioluminescence imaging and polymerase chain reaction showing superior posttransplant survival of mouse embryonic stem cells, (3) immunohistologic identification of cardiac phenotype within engrafted mouse embryonic stem cells, and (4) polymerase chain reaction measuring increased expressions of angiogenic and antiapoptotic genes and decreased expressions of antifibrotic genes," wrote S.L. Hendry and colleagues, Stanford University.
The researchers concluded: "This study validates in vivo magnetic resonance imaging as an effective means of evaluating the restorative potential of mouse embryonic stem cells."
Hendry and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Multimodal evaluation of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of myocardial restoration by mouse embryonic stem cells. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2008;136(4):1028-U14).
For more information, contact P.C. Yang, Stanford University, Medical Center, Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Dept. of Cardiovascular Medical, 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Publisher contact information for the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery is: Mosby-Elsevier, 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.
Keywords: United States, Stanford, Bioluminescence, Cardiology, Cardiovascular, Coronary Artery, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Heart Attack, Magnetic Resonance, Myocardial Infarction, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Surgery, Stanford University.
This article was prepared by Cardiovascular Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Cardiovascular Week via NewsRx.com.
