Quantity and proliferation rate of mesenchymal stem cells in human cord blood during gestation

Lan-Lan Ma1, Fan-Biao Meng, Ping Shi

  • 1Key Laboratory of Cell Biology of China Ministry of Public Health, Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, China Medical University, Shen Yang, Peoples Republic of China.

UCB (umbilical cord blood) as a resource of MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) is widely accepted, but the quantity and characteristics of UCB-MSCs from different gestational ages have not been well studied. We have quantified the number of MSCs in UCB at different gestational ages using a multi-colour flowcytometer and compared the cell proliferation rates of these UCB-MSCs. Defining MSCs as CD44+/CD105+/CD34-/CD45 population, their numbers declined in the UCB at the gestational age. Proliferation rates were significantly higher in UCB before term than at full term. Non-full term UCB samples may be a better source of MSCs.