[Feasibility of stem cells transplantation through aorta in adriamycin-induced heart failure]

Stem cells transplantation is a promising strategy for treating myocardial infarction and/or chronic heart failure; however, with respect to nonischemic heart failure, there are some limitations inherent in the current methods of transplantation. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a novel method, i. e. transplantation through the root of aorta when the ascending aorta occluded above the sinus aortae. Japanese white ears rabbits were used as chronic heart failure models by intravenous injection of adriamycin. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) were infused into the root of aorta when the ascending aorta was occluded by a couple of balloons above the sinus aortae. After 4 weeks, ejection fraction was significantly improved in MNC group. In conclusion, we have developed a unique method for efficient and safe cell transplantation based on infusion in aorta. This method, potentially suitable for nonischemic heart failure and could be used to achieve even and global supply of cells in heart.