Characterization of human marrow stromal cells: role in progenitor cell binding and granulopoiesis

Adherent cell layers and their associated extracellular matrices form when human marrow is incubated in cultures containing hydrocortisone and horse serum. These stromal layers contain cells positive for alkaline phosphatase; secrete collagens types I and III and fibronectin, bind the anti-actin monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) HHF and CGA-7; stain with oil red O, and express the acetylated LDL receptor. Highly purified CD34 (My10)-positive progenitor cells attach to these stromal layers, and a 16-fold enrichment of CFU-GM in both stromal attachment and semisolid agar assays was observed. Granulopoiesis persisted up to 40 days (mean duration 25 days) after passaged stroma were recharged with stromal cell-depleted target cells in a two-stage liquid marrow culture system. Although equal to marrow fibroblasts in their ability to bind CD34+ myeloid progenitors, stromal layers were better at supporting granulopoiesis. This system provides an in vitro model to characterize the components of stroma and stroma-cytomatrix that enhance marrow progenitor cell localization and maintenance.