Human Fallopian tube as a novel source of multipotent stem cells with potential for islet neogenesis

Presence of stem cells in the female genital tract has been reported; however stem cell status of Fallopian tube remains unexplored. In the present study, we show for the first timean existence of stem cells in a Fallopian tube. A pure population of mesenchymal like cells was obtained from the Fallopian tube samples from patients undergoing hysterectomy. The immunocytochemistry of these cells revealed the presence of classical mesenchymal stem cell markers like smooth muscle actin, vimetin, nestin, desmin, CD44, CD90 and CD117. These Fallopian Tube derived Mesenchymal stem cells could be induced to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteocytes, neuronal and pancreatic lineage under the influence of lineage specific differentiation cocktails. Such documentation of multipotent stem cells in a Fallopian tube may be of significance for instant repair of the tract as and when necessary so as to assist uninterrupted transport of eggs for possible fertilization thus facilitating reproduction.