Tracking of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells with in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and histology after intralesional treatment of artificial equine tendon lesions–a pilot study.
- Journal Article
Summary
The research explored the tracking of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) when used to treat artificial tendon injuries in horses. By applying superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and green fluorescent protein (GFP), the scientists were able to visually monitor the targeted AT-MSCs over a period of time using MRI and histology.
Study Design and Methods
- The study involved four adult warmblood horses, which received a single unilateral injection of AT-MSCs into surgically created tendon lesions.
- The injected AT-MSCs were tagged with GFP using a lentivirus method of genetic transduction, and co-labelled with SPIO nanoparticles, which allow for magnetic resonance imaging.
- Two horses were monitored several times using low-field MRI for visual tracking of the AT-MSCs, while post-mortem examinations were conducted on all horses over durations of 3, 5, 7, and 9 weeks.
- The presence and quantity of labelled AT-MSCs were confirmed using a combination of techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, Prussian blue staining, as well as immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry with anti-GFP antibodies.
Results
- AT-MSCs labelled with SPIO were successfully identified in all treated tendons through both T2* and T1-weighted MRI sequences.
- Post-mortem examinations showed high numbers of AT-MSCs labelled with both GFP and SPIO in the treated tendons.
- Fluorescence microscopy, histology, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry techniques proved useful in detecting the labelled AT-MSCs after their injection into the tendon lesions.
Conclusions
- The study concludes that low-field MRI can be a viable tool for non-invasive tracking of SPIO-labelled AT-MSCs in equine patients.
- Intralesional injection of AT-MSCs can allow for a high presence of these cells in and around surgically created tendon lesions, contributing to their healing for up to 9 weeks.
- The findings also highlight the importance of careful choice of injection techniques to avoid the leakage of the injected cell substrate.
- Thus, the integration of injected AT-MSCs into healing tendon tissue is an essential step following the intralesional administration of these cells.
The researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) in the treatment of artificially induced equine tendon disorders. The study’s methods could also be adapted for other types of injuries or diseases in different species or even potential applications in human medicine as a form of cell-based therapy.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany. Florian.Geburek@tiho-hannover.de.
- Pferdeklink Kirchheim, Nürtinger Straße 200, 73230, Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany. k.mundle@pferdeklinik-kirchheim.de.
- , P.O. Box 1243, 72072, Tübingen, Germany. saco_de@yahoo.de.
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany. maren.hellige@tiho-hannover.de.
- Pferdeklink Kirchheim, Nürtinger Straße 200, 73230, Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany. dr.walliser@pferdeklinik-kirchheim.de.
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584, CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. hans.vanschie@utcimaging.com.
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584, CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands. r.vanweeren@uu.nl.
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. skutella@ana.uni-heidelberg.de.
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany. peter.stadler@tiho-hannover.de.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cell Tracking / methods
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Green Fluorescent Proteins / biosynthesis
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Magnetite Nanoparticles
- Male
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology
- Pilot Projects
- Tendinopathy / therapy
- Tendinopathy / veterinary
- Tendons / pathology
- Transplantation, Autologous
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