Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic fluid and placenta

Diverse progenitor cell populations, including mesenchymal, hematopoietic, trophoblastic, and possibly more primitive stem cells can be isolated from the amniotic fluid and the placenta. At least some of the amniotic and placental cells share a common origin, namely the inner cell mass of the morula. Indeed, most types of progenitor cells that can be isolated from these two sources share many characteristics. This unit will focus solely on the mesenchymal stem cells, the most abundant progenitor cell population found therein and, unlike some of the other stem cell types, present all through gestation. Protocols for isolation, expansion, freezing, and thawing of these cells are presented. Preference is given to the simplest methods available for any given procedure.