Tracking GFP-labeled Transplanted Mouse MSC in Nude Mice Using in Vivo Fluorescence Imaging

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to track the fate of GFP-labeled transgenic mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplanted in nude mice. Mouse MSC had been collected from tibia of whole body GFP-labeled mice; were transplanted into five nude mice by tail vein injection; and were fed for 4 weeks. After comfort sacrifice, the existence and accumulation of GFP-labeled mouse MSC transplanted in nude mice was examined by in Vivo Florescence imaging. The searched cells were absent in bone marrow regions in dissected long bones (femurs). On the contrary, exposed abdominal cavities revealed that one out of five mice had a small fluorescent node on the liver surface. This means that at 20% probability, transplanted GFP-labeled mouse MSC could circulate in the vein, and settle and multiply in the terminal organ of a host mouse. This finding appears to contribute to future stem cell therapy by homing phenomenon of MSC.