HOPKINS RESEARCHERS DEVELOP NEW WAY TO TRACK MIGRATION OF STEM CELLS USED TO TREAT DAMAGED HEARTS - video and pictures

HOPKINS RESEARCHERS DEVELOP NEW WAY TO TRACK MIGRATION OF STEM CELLS USED TO TREAT DAMAGED HEARTS

VIDEOS:


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Distribution of IV-injected 111In oxine-labeled MSCs in a dog myocardial infarct (MI) model. Fused SPECT/CT images show an initial distribution/trapping of cells in the lung at day 1 (left), with a redistribution to liver, spleen, and the MI as early as day 2 (middle). Cells persist in the MI area for at least through day 5 (right).

PHOTOS:

Sagittal (left) and coronal (right) view fused SPECT/CT images on days 1 (A), 2 (B), and 7 (C) in an animal that demonstrated focal uptake in the anterior midventricular region of the heart. D to F, At the last imaging time point (days 5 to 8), an anterior apical region of MSC uptake (arrow) is shown in 3 representative animals in the coronal view. This more anterior apical distribution was present independent of whether an early focal hot spot was observed (yellow arrowhead, F only).

Combined SPECT/CT images on days 1 (A), 2 (B), and 7 (C) in a dog that demonstrated focal uptake in the anterior midventricular region of the heart. D to F, At the last imaging time point (days 5 to 8), a region of MSC uptake (arrow) is shown in 3 representative animals.

Registration of SPECT/CT with MR images of the heart demonstrating focal uptake of MSCs in the peri-infarcted region. A, Short-axis view of alignment of CT (gold) with MRI (gray scale) and SPECT (red) showing focal uptake in the septal region of the MI in a representative dog. B, Focal uptake on SPECT (red) in another animal demonstrating localization of the MSCs to the infarcted myocardium (MI) in the short-axis (B) and long-axis (C) views.

Combined SPECT/CT and MR images of the heart demonstrating focal uptake of 111In oxine-labeled MSCs in the peri-infarcted region. A, CT image (gold) combined with MRI (gray scale) and SPECT (red) shows focal uptake in the myocardial infarct (MI) area. B, Focal uptake on SPECT (red) in another animal demonstrating localization of the MSCs to the MI in the two views (B,C).