Effect of the implantation of autologous bone marrow stem cells in treatment of ischemia hindlimb

Objective To investigate an easier and safer therapy for ischemic arterial disease of the lower extremity.Methods Autologous bone marrow stem cells were directly injected into the ischemic hindlimb muscles at 7 points in rat models.Four weeks after the implantation of autologous bone marrow cells,selective angiography was carried out.The capillary density was determined histochemically in the resected specimens.Results In angiography,collateral arteries were significantly increased in ischemic hindlimbs.The capillary density was significantly higher in therapy group (5/400×) than in ischaemia group (2/400×).Conclusion Direct intramusclar injection of autologous bone marrow stem cells was a novel and simple therapy for ischemia hindlimb.