Dual-modality imaging of endothelial progenitor cells transplanted after ischaemic photothrombotic stroke

Publication date: Available online 2 November 2019Source: Life SciencesAuthor(s): Jie Ding, Yi Zhang, Cong-Xiao Wang, Pei-Cheng Li, Zhen Zhao, Chao Wang, Gao-Jun TengAbstractAimsStroke is a refractory cerebral blood circulation disorder. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in the repair and regeneration of vascular injury through the combination of cell replacement and bystander effects. Here, we evaluated the biological function of EPCs in treating a mouse model of cerebral ischaemic stroke, using dual-mode bioluminescence and magnetic resonance imaging to trace EPCs in vivo.Main methodsWe constructed a viral vector with a luciferase-enhanced green fluorescent protein (Luc-eGFP) reporter gene for bioluminescence imaging (BLI) detection, and simultaneously synthesized the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, nano-sized superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO), to co-label human umbilical cord blood-derived EPCs (hEPCs). The labelled hEPCs were transplanted into mice with stroke, and the biological behaviours of the cells in-vivo were studied using BLI and MRI, and methods of molecular biology and histology.Key findingsComparing the two cell transplantation routes by BLI confirmed that many cells transplanted via the left ventricular route homed to ischaemic brain tissue. The dual-modality-imaging showed the prognosis of in-vivo tracking cells after transplantation in ischaemic tissues at different time points. Histological staining and neurological functio...
Source: Life Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: research