Repair of myocardial infarction in rat models by mobilization of autologous bone marrow stem cells

Objective To study the therapeutic effect of mobilization of autologous bone marrow stem cells by G-CSF on myocardial infarction in experimental rats. Methods Rat model were established by coronary ligation. Rat bone marrow stem cells were mobilized by G-CSF. The volume of CD34~+ cells in peripheral blood was examined 1 week after myocardial infarction by flow cytometry. The infiltration of CD34~+ cells in the infarct zones were detected by immunohistochemical methods. At 4 weeks after infarction, the size of the infarction area, capillary density and cardiac function were evaluated by means of HE and immunohistochemisty staining as well as hemodynamic measurements. Results After 1 week, the level of CD34~+ cells in the G-CSF group increased significantly compared with the control group and infiltration of CD34~+ monocytes were found in the junctional zones in the G-CSF group. After 4 weeks, the size of the infarction area was minimized in the treatment group. More angiogenesis and better cardiac function were found in the G-CSF group compared with the control group. Conclusion The therapy of mobilization of autologous bone marrow stem cells by G-CSF is effective in treatment of myocardial infarction in rat models.