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Delayed Intramyocardial Delivery of Stem Cells after Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in a Murine Model
Published on: September 3, 2020
Cyclophosphamide improves the function of post-infarct hearts by reducing old infarct area and accelerating the
Yu Misao1, Masazumi Arai, Takamasa Ohno
1Department of Cardiology, Regeneration Medicine and Bioethics, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
Insights
Cyclophosphamide (Cy) shows promise for treating the post-infarct heart by improving cardiac function and remodeling. This myelosuppressive agent increased circulating CD34+ cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit in heart attack recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Myelosuppressive agents like cyclophosphamide (Cy) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) can elevate circulating CD34+ cells.
- These agents may offer therapeutic benefits in the context of post-myocardial infarction cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of cyclophosphamide (Cy) in a rabbit model of post-infarct cardiac dysfunction.
- To evaluate the impact of Cy on cardiac function, remodeling, and neovascularization following ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits underwent 30-minute ischemia-reperfusion followed by intravenous administration of Cy (20 mg/kg), 5FU (15 mg/kg), or saline (S) after 24 hours.
- Cardiac function and remodeling were assessed one month post-infarction.
- Circulating CD34+ cell counts, neovascularization, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Cyclophosphamide (Cy) significantly improved cardiac function and reduced infarct area one month after infarction compared to saline.
- Treatment with Cy led to an increased number of circulating CD34+ cells.
- Enhanced neovascularization and induction of matrix metalloproteinase-1 were observed in the Cy group.
Conclusions:
- Cyclophosphamide (Cy) demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for post-myocardial infarction treatment.
- The observed improvements may be linked to Cy's ability to increase circulating CD34+ cells and promote neovascularization.
Background:
Myelosuppressives such as cyclophosphamide (Cy) and 5-fluorouracil (5FU), which can increase circulating CD34+ cells, may have a beneficial effect in the post-infarct heart.
Methods And Results:
Twenty-four hours after 30-min ischemia-reperfusion, rabbits were intravenously treated with Cy (20 mg/kg), 5FU (15 mg/kg) or saline (S). Cy significantly improved cardiac function and remodeling and decreased the old infarct area 1 month after infarction, compared with those given S. The number of circulating CD34+ cells was higher and neovascularization and matrix metalloproteinase-1 was induced in the Cy group.
Conclusion:
Cy has potential for post-infarct treatment.

