[Osteogenic and tracking study of bone marrow stromal stem cells in vivo].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To detect and track the presence of magnetically labeled bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) in vivo with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after autologous transplantation. METHODS: The cultured and SPIO-labeled MSCs were transplanted into dog femoral head. The dog received regular MRI re-examination at post-operation. Samples were harvested at different weeks for analysis. RESULTS: The labeled cells showed an obviously low intensity of signal change in MRI. There were lots of labeled cells in the transplant area and more bone formation than the controls. CONCLUSION: The labeled cells can be visualized in vivo by MRI examination after transplantation into femoral head. The transplanted MSCs survive in vivo and increase bone formation.