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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
In vitro Labeling of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: August 3, 2008
MRI of magnetically labeled mesenchymal stem cells in hepatic failure model
Kyu Ri Son1, Se Young Chung, Hyo-Cheol Kim
1Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, and Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, South Korea.
Aim:
To track intravascularly transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an experimental rabbit model of hepatic failure.
Methods:
Human MSCs labeled with FDA-approved SPIO particles (Feridex) were transplanted via the mesenteric vein into rabbits (n = 16) with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic failure. Magnetic resonance (MR) examinations were performed with a 3.0 T clinical scanner immediately before and 2 h and 1, 3, and 7 d after transplantation. Signal intensity (SI) changes on T2*-weighted MRI were measured, and correlation between MR findings and histomorphologic findings was also investigated.
Results:
SI on T2*-weighted MRI decreased significantly in the liver 2 h after injection of human MSCs and returned gradually to the levels found before injection in 7 d. Changes in SI in the liver at 2 h, 1, 3, and 7 d were 41.87% ± 9.63%, 10.42% ± 4.3%, 5.12% ± 1.9%, 3.75% ± 1.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). Histologic analyses confirmed the presence of MSCs in the liver, localized mainly in the sinusoids in early period (2 h and 1 d) and concentrated to the border zone in late period (3 and 7 d). The number of iron-positive cells in the liver at 2 h and on 1, 3 and 7 d after transplantation was 29.2 ± 4.8, 10.1 ± 3.7, 6.7 ± 2.2, and 5.8 ± 2.1, respectively (P = 0.013).
Conclusion:
Intravascularly injected SPIO-labeled MSCs in an experimental rabbit model of hepatic failure can be detected and followed with MRI.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) successfully tracked superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in rabbits with liver failure. This study demonstrates MRI
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold therapeutic potential for liver diseases.
- Tracking transplanted cells non-invasively is crucial for evaluating cell therapy efficacy.
- Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles offer MRI contrast enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using MRI to track SPIO-labeled MSCs transplanted into a rabbit model of hepatic failure.
- To correlate MRI findings with histological data to confirm cell localization and survival.
Main Methods:
- Human MSCs were labeled with FDA-approved SPIO (Feridex).
- SPIO-labeled MSCs were transplanted via the mesenteric vein into rabbits with induced hepatic failure.
- MRI scans (3.0 T, T2*-weighted) were performed at multiple time points post-transplantation.
- Signal intensity (SI) changes and cell counts were analyzed and correlated with histological findings.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in liver SI was observed on T2*-weighted MRI 2 hours post-transplantation, indicating MSC presence.
- SI gradually returned to baseline levels by 7 days, reflecting cell distribution changes.
- Histology confirmed the presence of iron-positive MSCs in the liver sinusoids and border zones.
- The number of iron-positive cells decreased over time, correlating with MRI signal changes.
Conclusions:
- MRI can effectively detect and monitor intravascularly transplanted SPIO-labeled MSCs in a rabbit model of hepatic failure.
- This imaging technique provides valuable insights into cell distribution and retention in the liver.
- MRI-based cell tracking is a promising tool for preclinical evaluation of stem cell therapies for liver disease.
