Bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from horses after euthanasia.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Allogeneic equine multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (eMSCs) are explored for veterinary regenerative therapies.
• Bone marrow from euthanized horses is a potential source for allogeneic eMSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro characteristics of equine bone marrow-derived MSCs (eBM-MSCs) from euthanized (eut-MSCs) versus narcotized (nar-MSCs) horses.
• To assess the viability of using eut-MSCs for therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of eBM-MSCs using flow cytometry for marker expression (CD44, CD90, CD11a/CD18, MHCII, CD105, MHCI).
• Assessment of tri-lineage differentiation potential (osteogenesis, adipogenesis, chondrogenesis).
• Evaluation of proliferation characteristics and age-dependent changes.

Main Results:

• Both eut-MSCs and nar-MSCs displayed typical eMSC marker profiles and tri-lineage differentiation capabilities.
• No significant differences in marker expression (except CD105 and MHCI variability) or proliferation were observed between eut-MSCs and nar-MSCs.
• Age-dependent decrease in proliferation and increase in MHCI expression were noted.

Conclusions:

• Equine bone marrow-derived MSCs from euthanized horses (eut-MSCs) possess suitable in vitro characteristics for therapeutic use.
• Eut-MSCs can be considered for the production of commercially available eBM-MSC products.
• The study supports the potential of utilizing a readily available source of eMSCs for regenerative medicine in horses.