In vivo tracking of human neural stem cells with 19F magnetic resonance imaging.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising tool for monitoring stem cell-based therapy. Conventionally, cells loaded with ironoxide nanoparticles appear hypointense on MR images. However, the contrast generated by ironoxide labeled cells is neither specific due to ambiguous background nor quantitative. A strategy to overcome these drawbacks is (19)F MRI of cells labeled with perfluorocarbons. We show here for the first time that human neural stem cells (NSCs), a promising candidate for clinical translation of stem cell-based therapy of the brain, can be labeled with (19)F as well as detected and quantified in vitro and after brain implantation.

Methodology/principal findings

Human NSCs were labeled with perfluoropolyether (PFPE). Labeling efficacy was assesse

SUBMITTER: Boehm-Sturm P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3247235 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature