Isolation and culture of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells harvested from postmortem adipose tissues

This study aimed to confirm whether human postmortem ASCs can be collected and culture-expanded from cadavers. Axilla subcutaneous adipose tissues were harvested during forensic autopsy and enzymatically digested to obtain a heterogeneous cell mixture, including the ASCs population. The mixture was seeded onto collagen-coated cell culture dishes and spindle-shaped adhesive and proliferative ASCs were confirmed. Senescent cells were also present, visualized as large and flattened cells. When maintained in a cool environment, ASCs were able to survive in the postmortem tissues for up to 7 days after death. We conclude that postmortem ASCs can be readily isolated and culture-expanded from adipose tissues.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research