In vivo tracing of human umbilical cord matrix stem cells useing MRI

Human umbilical cord matrix (UCM) (Wharton jelly) stem cells labeling are tracking by MRI After 48 hours incubation with USPIO human umbilical cord matrix (UCM) stem cells were labeled with USPIO by the means of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Prussian blue staining and Atomic absorption spectroscopy were performed to identify and show the iron oxide nanoparticles in Wharton jelly stem cells. USPIO-labeled cells were tracked by 1.5T MRI in vivo after implantation to rabbit brain. The results showed: (1) umbilical cord matrix stem cells could be labeled with USPIO and labeling efficiency was 90%. Prussian blue staining showed numerous blue-stained iron particles of USPIO in the cytoplasm of these stem cells; (2) - T2 image parameters in 1.5 T MRI was 660 ms and 120 ms respectively, (4) Remarkable low signal area on T2WI could exist for nearly one weeks and then disappeared gradually in the transplanted area with labeled cells. It was concluded that umbilical cord matrix stem cells can be labeled effectively with USPIO, and can be traced by proper MRI imaging in a prescribed and limited period of time.