Assessment of Viability and Osteogenic Ability of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells After Being Stored in Suspension for Clinical Transplantation

摘要

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were suspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and stored up to 24 h at 4degC, 24degC, and 37degC. More than 80% viability was maintained at any temperature for at least 1 h, then gradually decreased over time. After 24 h, the viabilities at 4degC, 24degC, and 37degC were about 81%, 70%, and 62%, respectively. The MSCs suspended/stored in PBS at 4degC for 24 h also exhibited in vitro osteogenic differentiation capability as evidenced by mineralized matrix formation as well as high alkaline phosphatase activity when cultured in an osteogenic medium. Furthermore, in vivo implantation experiments using the MSCs also demonstrated new bone formation. Because MSCs are known to possess multipotential stem cell characteristics, these data indicate that human MSCs stored in PBS at 4degC could be delivered to distant medical facilities for the purpose of hard tissue and other types of tissue regeneration therapy.