Abstract
Background:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intracoronary administration of freshly isolated, uncultured autologous tissue-derived stromal cells on cardiac function and perfusion after acute infarction in pigs.
Methods:
A transmural myocardial infarction in a porcine model was induced by occlusion of the mid LAD with an angioplasty balloon for 3 h. Upon reperfusion, freshly isolated, uncultured autologous stromal cells (1. 5 × 106 cells/kg) or control solution was injected into the infarct artery. Cardiac function and area at risk were determined by 99mTc-SPECT.
Results:
Eight weeks after infarction, cell treated pigs showed a 20% smaller myocardial perfusion defect compared to control animals (35 ± 9% vs. 44 ± 5% of LV, treated vs. control, respectively, p < 0.05). The reduction of the perfusion defect was associated with a significantly higher myocardial salvage index in the cell group as well as a significant increase in ejection fraction compared to control (EF at 8 weeks 43 ± 7% vs. 35 ± 3%, treated vs. control, respectively, p < 0.05). This functional improvement was reflected by an increased wall thickness of the infarct and border zone in the treated group (11.2 ± 2.2 mm) compared to control (8.6 ± 1.6 mm, p < 0.05) as well as an increased capillary density in the border zone (treated vs. control; 41.6 ± 17.9 vs. 32.9 ± 12.6 capillaries per 0.1 mm2, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates for the first time that recovery and intracoronary delivery of uncultured autologous tissue derived stromal cells at time of vessel reperfusion is feasible and improves ventricular function.
©2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
