Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Isolation and Enrichment of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells MSCs and Separation of Single-colony Derived MSCs
Published on: March 22, 2010
Isolation and Characterization of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating
Qiang Fu1, Qian Zhang, Lin Ying Jia
1Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering of Guizhou Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, China.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated from many tissues and organs. However, there is much dispute as to whether MSCs exist in peripheral blood. This may be due to the limited identification methods of MSCs, especially the lack of detection markers for phenotypic characteristics. In this study, as many as 10 surface markers of MSCs derived from rat peripheral blood (rPBMSCs) were analyzed after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization. Our results suggest that mobilized rPBMSCs overexpress mesenchymal markers, including CD90, CD44, CD29, CD73 and CD105, but do not express CD45, CD11b, CD79a, CD34 or HLA-DR. This is in conformity with the standard definition of MSCs by the International Society for Cellular Therapy. In addition, the colony-forming efficiency of the mobilized rat peripheral blood was 15.83 ± 1.61/106, significantly outnumbering that of the nonmobilized group, which was 0.28 ± 0.1/106 (p < 0.01). Combining the growth characteristics with the differential capacities of mobilized rPBMSCs towards forming osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes, we further confirmed the existence of rPBMSCs. Additionally, this treatment could improve locomotive function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Due to their convenient collection, fewer complications, cost effectiveness and suitability for autograft, PBMSCs might be a substitute for MSCs derived from bone marrow and provide promising prospects for the cell-based therapy of SCI.
Insights
Mobilized rat peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) express key MSC markers and differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat cells. These cells show potential for treating spinal cord injury.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in various tissues, but their presence in peripheral blood is debated.
- Limited identification methods and lack of specific markers hinder MSC detection in peripheral blood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence and characteristics of MSCs in rat peripheral blood (rPBMSCs) after mobilization.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of mobilized rPBMSCs for spinal cord injury (SCI).
Main Methods:
- Analyzed surface markers of mobilized rPBMSCs using flow cytometry.
- Assessed colony-forming efficiency and multi-lineage differentiation potential (osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes).
- Evaluated the effect of mobilized rPBMSCs on locomotive function recovery in a rat SCI model.
Main Results:
- Mobilized rPBMSCs overexpressed mesenchymal markers (CD90, CD44, CD29, CD73, CD105) and lacked hematopoietic markers (CD45, CD11b, CD79a, CD34, HLA-DR).
- Colony-forming efficiency was significantly higher in mobilized (15.83 ± 1.61/10^6) versus non-mobilized (0.28 ± 0.1/10^6) peripheral blood.
- Mobilized rPBMSCs demonstrated multipotency and improved locomotive function in SCI rats.
Conclusions:
- Mobilized rat peripheral blood contains functional MSCs meeting the International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria.
- Peripheral blood MSCs offer a promising, convenient, and cost-effective alternative to bone marrow MSCs for SCI cell-based therapy.
