COLLECTION, CULTURE AND PREPARATION OF BONE MARROW-DERIVED STEM CELLS FOR CLINICAL USE IN SMALL ANIMALS

摘要

Stem cells are defined by two important characteristics: They are capable of extensive renewal while remaining in an undifferentiated state, and can differentiate into different tissues or organ-specific cells with specialized functions.1 Bone marrowis a source of adult stem cells known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It is well-known that bone marrow MSCs are capable of differentiating into bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, meniscus, intervertebral disc, fat and nerve cells in the appropriate laboratory conditions.2 Furthermore, it has been postulated that MSCs induce healing in vivo through the secretion of trophic factors that recruit endogenous cells to assist in the regenerative process.3 While the exact mechanism by which MSCs inducing healing is not fully understood, emerging experimental studies and clinical data from small and large animal veterinarians are defining injuries and diseases that favorably respond to MSC treatments.