Tracking the fate of stem cell implants with fluorine-19 MRI.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In this study we used cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) labeled with a Fluorine-19 (19F) agent. 19F-MRI offers unambiguous detection and in vivo quantification of labeled cells.

Methods

We investigated two common stem cell transplant mouse models: an immune competent, syngeneic transplant model and an immune compromised, xenograft transplant model. 19F labelled stem cells were implanted intramuscularly into the hindlimb of healthy mice. The transplant was then monitored for up to 17 days using 19F-MRI, after which the tissue was excised for fluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemisty.

Results

Immediately following transplantation, 19F-MRI quantification correlated very well with the expected cell number in

SUBMITTER: Gaudet JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4358825 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature