Magnetic targeting enhances engraftment and functional benefit of iron-labeled cardiosphere-derived cells in myocardial infarction.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

The success of cardiac stem cell therapies is limited by low cell retention, due at least in part to washout via coronary veins.

Objective

We sought to counter the efflux of transplanted cells by rendering them magnetically responsive and imposing an external magnetic field on the heart during and immediately after injection.

Methods and results

Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) were labeled with superparamagnetic microspheres (SPMs). In vitro studies revealed that cell viability and function were minimally affected by SPM labeling. SPM-labeled rat CDCs were injected intramyocardially, with and without a superimposed magnet. With magnetic targeting, cells were visibly attracted toward the magnet and accumulated around the ischemic zone. In contrast, the majo

SUBMITTER: Cheng K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2885138 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature