Distribution of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in dogs with acute tubular necrosis

Objective To observe the distribution of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the dogs with acute tubular necrosis(ATN).Methods Dog ATN model was established by intramuscularly injecting freshly prepared 0.2﹪ HgCl2,7 mg/kg.Human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured and labeled with DAPI.In the experimental groups,cells were injected either through peripheral vein or left renal artery by transfemoral coronary intervention.Control group received mesenchymal stem cells only through the left renal artery by transfemoral coronary intervention.48 hours later,all dogs were killed and the specimens from kidneys,hearts,livers,and pancreas were collected.The distribution of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in the body,especially in the kidney,was observed by light microscope and fluorescence microscope.Results The human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were found in the kidneys of experimental groups,but not in the hearts,livers and pancreases.In the control group,no human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were found in any of these organs.Conclusion The injected human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells could be attracted to the ATN dogs' kidneys,which indicates that local cues are important for stem cell homing.