Molecular Imaging: Influence of SPIO-Labeling on the Functionality of Human Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells

• Published in: Tissue engineering. Part A 2009-03, Vol.15 (3), p.723-723
• Main Authors: Kehlbach, R, Siegel, G, Hermanutz-Klein, U, Bantleon, R, Kluba, T, Wolburg, H, Dietz, K, Claussen, C D, Wiskirchen, J, Schaefer, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1937-3341; 1937-335X

Purpose: Aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of labeling procedures using clinically approved small particles of iron oxide (SPIO) with or without transfection reagents (TA) on functional parameters of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Materials and Methods: Adult MSC were isolated from the bone marrow of 7 patients. The MSC populations, characterized by flow cytometry and in vitro differentiation, were labeled with 200 mu g/ml SPIO or with 60 mu g/ml SPIO alone or in combination with various TA. Directly after labeling and 2 passages after labeling migration assays, quantification of colony forming units and evaluation of the differentiation potential were performed. Quantification of the cellular total iron load, determination of the cellular viability and electron microscopy were performed additionally. Results: Labeling of MSC with SPIO with or without TA was feasible without affecting cell viability. SPIO in combination with TA coated the cellular surface directly after labeling, but had been incorporated into the cells after 2 passages in culture. Labeling of MSC with TA led to a significant decrease of migration capacity. This effect was abolished after 2 passages in culture. Labeling with and without TA led to a significant decrease of ability of colony formation. This effect could be observed also after 2 passages. Labeling did not affect the differentiation capacity of MSC in vitro. Conclusion: SPIO labeling with and without TA does have functional effects on human MSC decreasing the migration capacity and the ability of colony formation of the cells.