Human umbilical cord perivascular cells (HUCPVCs) derived from regions surrounding the umbilical cord vessels represent an attractive cell source for cellular therapies, given their proliferative potential and the accessibility of donor material compared with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). However, these cells remain poorly characterised. Using flow cytometry, HUCPVCs were shown to express conventional MSC markers CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146, CD166 and integrins alpha1 to -5, alphaV, alphaVβ3, alphaVβ5, β1 and β3, but not CD14, CD34, CD45, STRO-1 or integrin alphaVβ6. HUCPVC marker profiles were consistent between three donors and at different passage numbers. Immunostaining for smooth muscle cell (SMC) markers; alpha-SMA, SM22alpha and smoothelin revealed that HUCPVCs shared expression of these markers with SMCs. However, in comparison with SMCs, HUCPVCs deposited more extensive fibronectin-rich matrices. When compared with hBM-MSCs, HUCPVCs differentiated along adipogenic and osteogenic lineages more slowly and did not progress to terminal phenotypes. mRNA expression of recently identified mesenchymal progenitor cell markers, ROR2, EPHA2, PLXNA2, CDH13 and CD9, was confirmed in HUCPVCs from two donors. In addition, all these markers (except EPHA2) were detected in the umbilical cord vessel wall cells of three donors, confirming their expression in both cultured HUCPVCs and cells of the primary tissue. To determine the roles of these markers in HUCPVCs, they were depleted individually using siRNA. Knockdown (KD) efficiencies of 90-97% were achieved. CD9 KD cells appeared elongated compared to cells treated with control siRNA, and these cells along with ROR2, EPHA2 and PLXNA2 KD cells exhibited larger cell areas than controls. All KD cells also showed decreased proliferative potential by day 6 compared with control siRNA or lipofectamine treated cells. A decrease in total β1 integrins was detected in the CD9 KD cells. Up-regulation of ROR2 and PLXNA2 mRNA expression was detected in HUCPVCs from two donors, when they underwent osteogenic differentiation. ROR2 and PLXNA2 knockdown resulted in increases in PLXNA2 and ROR2 mRNAs respectively, when cells were cultured in osteogenic medium compared with basal conditions. In addition, each individual knockdown revealed that the KD cells showed trends in increasing RUNX2 mRNA expression after 13-16 days in osteogenic medium. These data suggest that ROR2 and PLXNA2 may co-operate in promoting an osteogenic phenotype. Culturing HUCPVCs on non-mineralised BVSMC-derived matrices had very little impact on their differentiation status. In contrast, when HUCPVCs were cultured on mineralised BVSMC-derived matrices in osteogenic medium, their ability to further deposit mineralised matrix was enhanced by 7 days; no accompanying changes in RUNX2, ROR2 or PLXNA2 mRNA expression were detected. Taken together, early up-regulation of RUNX2, ROR2 and PLXNA2 appears to be important in driving osteogenic differentiation in HUPCVCs, whilst subsequent down-regulation of these markers may be required for mineralisation to occur. HUCPVCs express ROR2, PLXNA2, CDH13 and CD9 in vitro and in situ; these markers have distinct roles in regulating cell proliferation, shape and differentiation which may be regulated via changes in β1 integrins. It is not known why HUCPVCs might differentiate along adipogenic and osteogenic lineages more incompletely than hBM-MSCs. Further comparative characterisation of HUCPVCs and hBM-MSCs is a prerequisite for exploiting their vast clinical potential.

Liu Bao Yi. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 83-104). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.v / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.vi / LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xii / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xivv / LIST OF TABLES --- p.xv / PUBLICATION RELATED TO THIS THESIS --- p.xvii / Chapter PART 1 --- INTRODUCTION AND LITERATURE RESEARCH / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- MECONIUM STAINED LIQUOR --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1 --- AMNIOTIC FLUID --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Function of Amniotic Fluid --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Composition Of Amniotic Fluid --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Regulation Of Amniotic Fluid --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Abnormality Of Amniotic Fluid Volume --- p.4 / Chapter 2.2 --- MECONIUM STAINED LIQUOR --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Formation And Composition Of Meconium --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Peristalsis Of Fetal Gastrointestinal Tract --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Meconium Stained Liquor(MSL) --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Maturation Theory --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Cord Compression Theory --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- Fetal Hypoxia Theory --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Fetal Effect Of Meconium In Amniotic Cavity --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Meconium Aspiration Syndrome --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Clinical Significance And Limitation Of Studies --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3 --- Purpose Of Study --- p.14 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- OXIDATIVE STRESS AND FETAL HYPOXIA --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1 --- OXIDATIVE STRESS --- p.16 / Chapter 3.2 --- FREE RADICALS --- p.16 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Sources Of Free Radicals --- p.17 / Chapter 3.2.1.1 --- Biological Source Of Free Radicals --- p.17 / Chapter 3.2.1.2 --- Intracellular Source Of Free Radicals --- p.17 / Chapter 3.2.1.3 --- Composition Of Free Radicals And Reactive Oxygen Species --- p.18 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Cellular Components At Risk From Free Radicals Damage --- p.20 / Chapter 3.2.2.1 --- Proteins --- p.20 / Chapter 3.2.2.2 --- Nucleic Acids And DNA --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.2.3 --- Membrane Lipids --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Lipid Peroxidation --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Chemical Substances Of Membranes --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- The Reactions Of Lipid Peroxidation --- p.22 / Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Lipid Peroxidation In Pregnancy --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Protection Against Lipid Peroxidation --- p.24 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Isoprostanes --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.5.1 --- Definition --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.5.2 --- Formation Of Isoprostanes --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.5.3 --- Metabolism Of Isoprostanes --- p.27 / Chapter 3.2.5.4 --- Biological Characteristics Of Isoprostanes --- p.29 / Chapter 3.2.5.5 --- Isoprostanes As Mediators Of Oxidantive Stress --- p.29 / Chapter 3.3 --- FETAL HYPOXIA --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Fetal Metabolism And Energy Supply --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Free Radical Generation And Fetal Hypoxia-Reoxygenation --- p.33 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Fetal Hypoxia And Fetal Brain Injury --- p.34 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Measurement Of Fetal Hypoxia --- p.35 / Chapter 3.3.4.1 --- Acid-Base Balance --- p.35 / Chapter 3.3.4.2 --- Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring --- p.36 / Chapter 3.3.4.3 --- Apgar scores --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3.4.4 --- Pulse Oximetry --- p.37 / Chapter 3.3.4.5 --- Lipid Peroxides --- p.38 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- AMNIOINFUSION --- p.40 / Chapter 4.1 --- AMNIOINFUSION --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2 --- AMNIOINFUSION FOR OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS --- p.40 / Chapter 4.3 --- AMNIOINFUSION FOR MECONIUM STAINED LIQUOR --- p.41 / Chapter 4.4 --- PURPOSE OF THE STUDY --- p.42 / Chapter PART 2 --- CLINICAL PROTOCOLS AND MEASUREMENT OF ISOPROSTANES / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- CLINICAL PROTOCOLS --- p.43 / Chapter 5.1 --- ETHICS --- p.43 / Chapter 5.2 --- CLINICAL PROTOCOLS --- p.43 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Artificial Rupture Of Membranes (Amniotomy) --- p.43 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Classification of Meconium Stained Liquor --- p.44 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Electronic Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring --- p.44 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Monitoring The Progress of Labour --- p.44 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Analysis --- p.45 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Apgar Score --- p.45 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Meconium Aspiration --- p.46 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Clinical Outcome --- p.46 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- MEASUREMENT OF ISOPROSTANES --- p.50 / Chapter 6.1 --- BLOOD PREPARATION --- p.50 / Chapter 6.2 --- REAGENTS --- p.50 / Chapter 6.3 --- GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY AND MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC-MS) --- p.51 / Chapter 6.4 --- PROCEDURES --- p.51 / Chapter 6.5 --- DATA RELIABILITY --- p.53 / Chapter PART 3 --- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- MECONIUM STAINED LIQUOR (MSL) DURING LABOUR AND NEONATAL CORD BLOOD 8-IS〇-PGF2α CONCENTRATION --- p.54 / Chapter 7.1 --- OBJECTIVE --- p.54 / Chapter 7.2 --- MATERIALS AND METHOD --- p.55 / Chapter 7.3 --- STATISTICAL ANALYSIS --- p.56 / Chapter 7.4 --- RESULTS --- p.57 / Chapter 7.5 --- DISCUSSION --- p.65 / Chapter 7.6 --- CONCLUSION --- p.67 / Chapter CHAPTER 8 --- EVALUATION OF PROPHYLACTIC AMNIOINFUSION FOR INTRAPARTUM MECONIUM STAINED LIQUOR --- p.69 / Chapter 8.1 --- OBJECTIVE --- p.69 / Chapter 8.2 --- MATERIALS AND METHOD --- p.69 / Chapter 8.2.1 --- Study Group: 226}0ب MSL+AI' --- p.69 / Chapter 8.2.2 --- The Procedure Of Amnioinfusion --- p.70 / Chapter 8.2.3 --- Other Study Group --- p.71 / Chapter 8.3 --- STATISTIC ANALYSIS --- p.71 / Chapter 8.4 --- RESULTS --- p.72 / Chapter 8.4.1 --- Comparison Between The 'MSL+AI' And 'MSL-AI' Groups --- p.72 / Chapter 8.4.2 --- Comparison Between 226}0بMSL+AI'And 'Clear Liquor' Groups --- p.74 / Chapter 8.5 --- DISCUSSION --- p.77 / Chapter 8.6 --- CONCLUSION --- p.79 / Chapter CHAPTER 9 --- COMMENTS AND FUTURE RESEARCH --- p.80 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.83

Qin, Yun. / "April 2002." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 229-254). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) pathophysiology occurs as a primary traumatic event followed by secondary injury, resulting in the loss of neurons, oligodendrocytes and demyelination of residual axons. Unfortunately, endogenous spontaneous regeneration of oligodendrocytes is minimal. Previously, a method to generate multi-potential stem cells (MPSC) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been reported using lineage negative cells (Linneg) grown in fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4), stem cell factor (SCF) and fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 ligand (Flt-3l) supplemented serum free medium. These MPSC have the ability to differentiate into bone, muscle and endothelial cells. In this thesis, the ability of MPSC to differentiate into oligodendrocytes was investigated as a potential treatment for SCI. Culturing MPSC under conditions that mimic normal timing of oligodendrocyte differentiation resulted in cells that expressed oligodendrocyte markers in vitro and were morphologically similar to them. I next investigated the ability of MPSC to improve functional recovery in a SCI compression injury model. Although the cells did not differentiate into oligodendrocytes in vivo as we initially hypothesised, a modest but significant improvement in hindlimb function was observed. A cytokine assay revealed that MPSC secrete elevated levels of anti-inflammatory, angiogenic and neurotrophic factors, possibly contributing to indirect mechanisms of repair by reducing secondary injury. Shiverer mouse neonates were next used as an alternative non-injury model to investigate the differentiation potential of MPSC. We hypothesised that transplanting MPSC into a host with an immature immune system and an actively myelinating environment would lead to engraftment and differentiation into oligodendrocytes. However no MPSC that differentiated into oligodendrocytes could be detected. Altogether, our in vitro data adds support for the reprogramming of cells, with further studies needed to test the functionality of resulting oligodendrocyte-like cells. Although MPSC failed to differentiate in both in vivo models, several potential therapeutic targets to treat SCI were found.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) pathophysiology occurs as a primary traumatic event followed by secondary injury, resulting in the loss of neurons, oligodendrocytes and demyelination of residual axons. Unfortunately, endogenous spontaneous regeneration of oligodendrocytes is minimal. Previously, a method to generate multi-potential stem cells (MPSC) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been reported using lineage negative cells (Linneg) grown in fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4), stem cell factor (SCF) and fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 ligand (Flt-3l) supplemented serum free medium. These MPSC have the ability to differentiate into bone, muscle and endothelial cells. In this thesis, the ability of MPSC to differentiate into oligodendrocytes was investigated as a potential treatment for SCI. Culturing MPSC under conditions that mimic normal timing of oligodendrocyte differentiation resulted in cells that expressed oligodendrocyte markers in vitro and were morphologically similar to them. I next investigated the ability of MPSC to improve functional recovery in a SCI compression injury model. Although the cells did not differentiate into oligodendrocytes in vivo as we initially hypothesised, a modest but significant improvement in hindlimb function was observed. A cytokine assay revealed that MPSC secrete elevated levels of anti-inflammatory, angiogenic and neurotrophic factors, possibly contributing to indirect mechanisms of repair by reducing secondary injury. Shiverer mouse neonates were next used as an alternative non-injury model to investigate the differentiation potential of MPSC. We hypothesised that transplanting MPSC into a host with an immature immune system and an actively myelinating environment would lead to engraftment and differentiation into oligodendrocytes. However no MPSC that differentiated into oligodendrocytes could be detected. Altogether, our in vitro data adds support for the reprogramming of cells, with further studies needed to test the functionality of resulting oligodendrocyte-like cells. Although MPSC failed to differentiate in both in vivo models, several potential therapeutic targets to treat SCI were found.

No description available.

Orientador: Aureo Evangelista Santana / Banca: Júlio Carlos Canola / Banca: Maria Angélica Dias / Resumo: Estudos recentes demonstrac.am a presença de células-tronco no sangue do cordão umbilical (SCU) humano, representando uma fonte alternativa para reconstituição tecidual. Em eqüídeos, o estudo do SCU é recente e ainda não existem relatos sobre a colheita e análise do SCU na referida espécie. Neste experimento foram realizadas colheitas de SCU e da jugular de neonatos eqüinos (n=05) e asininos (n=05), imediatamente após o nascimento. Em seguida, foram colhidas amostras de sangue de suas respectivas mães. Alíquotas de sangue foram acondicionadas tubos com e sem EDT A. As amostras de SCU e da jugular do potro e de sua mãe foram submetidas à contagem global de hemácias e leucócitos e à determinação do volume globular e da concentração de hemoglobina com o auxílio de um contador automático de células. As contagens diferenciais de leucócitos foram conduzidas em esfregaços sangüíneos corados com Metanol, May-Grunwald e Giemsa (MMG). Os índices eritrocíticos de Wintrobe foram obtidos por relações matemáticas estabelecidas entre o número de hemácias, taxa de hemoglobina e volume globular. A dosagem de proteínas séricas totais foi obtida pelo método colori métrico do Biureto e o fracionamento eletroforético das proteínas séricas em gel de agarose. No SCU eqüino foram observados valores significativamente maiores para contagem de hemácias, hemoglobina e CHCM e menores para VCM, PT, a, b e g-globulinas, contagens global e diferencial de leucócitos, exceto contagem de NB e monócitos, comparativamente aos valores obtidos no sangue de suas mães. No SCU asinino observaram-se valores significativamente maiores para hemoglobina e menores para VG, PT, albumina, a, b e g-globulinas, contagens global e diferencial de leucócitos, exceto para basófilos, NB e monócitos, quando comparados aos valores obtidos no sangue de suas progenitoras. / Abstract: The presence of stem-ceiis in human umbilical cord blood (UCB) was demonstrated in recent studies, representing an alternative source to tissue reconstitution. Equine UCB study is recent, and stiii doesn't have reports about neonatal foals UCB collect and analysis. In this work, were collected UCB and circulating blood of 10 newborns, been 5 horses and 5 donkeys, immediately after birth. Following, mare's blood was coilected. Biood samples were packed in tubes with and without EDTA. UCB samples and foal's and its mother's circulating blood samples were submitted to red blood cell (RBC) and total white blood cell counts and determinations of packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration using an electronic cell counter. The differential leukocyte counts were carried out in MMMG-stained blood smears. The Wintrobe erythocytic indices were obtained through mathematics relations among RBC count, PCV and hemoglobin. Total serum proteins (TSP) dosage were obtained through the Biureto's method and the serum proteins electrophoresis in agarose gel were carried out. Equine UCB, showed higher values of RBC count, hemoglobin concentration and MCHC, and lower values of MCV, TSP, a, b e g-globulins, total and differential leukocytes counts, except to BN and monocytes counts, when compared to mare's blood. Donkey UCB showed a higher values of hemoglobin and lower values of PCV, TSP, albumin,a, b e g-globulins, total and differential leukocytes counts, except to basophiis, BN and monocytes when compared to mare's blood. / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2003-07-28Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:50:50Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 godoy_rf_me_jabo.pdf: 244050 bytes, checksum: f7e3914be427a5572c20fa8a31244cb7 (MD5) / Estudos recentes demonstrac.am a presença de células-tronco no sangue do cordão umbilical (SCU) humano, representando uma fonte alternativa para reconstituição tecidual. Em eqüídeos, o estudo do SCU é recente e ainda não existem relatos sobre a colheita e análise do SCU na referida espécie. Neste experimento foram realizadas colheitas de SCU e da jugular de neonatos eqüinos (n=05) e asininos (n=05), imediatamente após o nascimento. Em seguida, foram colhidas amostras de sangue de suas respectivas mães. Alíquotas de sangue foram acondicionadas tubos com e sem EDT A. As amostras de SCU e da jugular do potro e de sua mãe foram submetidas à contagem global de hemácias e leucócitos e à determinação do volume globular e da concentração de hemoglobina com o auxílio de um contador automático de células. As contagens diferenciais de leucócitos foram conduzidas em esfregaços sangüíneos corados com Metanol, May-Grunwald e Giemsa (MMG). Os índices eritrocíticos de Wintrobe foram obtidos por relações matemáticas estabelecidas entre o número de hemácias, taxa de hemoglobina e volume globular. A dosagem de proteínas séricas totais foi obtida pelo método colori métrico do Biureto e o fracionamento eletroforético das proteínas séricas em gel de agarose. No SCU eqüino foram observados valores significativamente maiores para contagem de hemácias, hemoglobina e CHCM e menores para VCM, PT, a, b e g-globulinas, contagens global e diferencial de leucócitos, exceto contagem de NB e monócitos, comparativamente aos valores obtidos no sangue de suas mães. No SCU asinino observaram-se valores significativamente maiores para hemoglobina e menores para VG, PT, albumina, a, b e g-globulinas, contagens global e diferencial de leucócitos, exceto para basófilos, NB e monócitos, quando comparados aos valores obtidos no sangue de suas progenitoras. / The presence of stem-ceiis in human umbilical cord blood (UCB) was demonstrated in recent studies, representing an alternative source to tissue reconstitution. Equine UCB study is recent, and stiii doesn't have reports about neonatal foals UCB collect and analysis. In this work, were collected UCB and circulating blood of 10 newborns, been 5 horses and 5 donkeys, immediately after birth. Following, mare's blood was coilected. Biood samples were packed in tubes with and without EDTA. UCB samples and foal's and its mother's circulating blood samples were submitted to red blood cell (RBC) and total white blood cell counts and determinations of packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin concentration using an electronic cell counter. The differential leukocyte counts were carried out in MMMG-stained blood smears. The Wintrobe erythocytic indices were obtained through mathematics relations among RBC count, PCV and hemoglobin. Total serum proteins (TSP) dosage were obtained through the Biureto's method and the serum proteins electrophoresis in agarose gel were carried out. Equine UCB, showed higher values of RBC count, hemoglobin concentration and MCHC, and lower values of MCV, TSP, a, b e g-globulins, total and differential leukocytes counts, except to BN and monocytes counts, when compared to mare's blood. Donkey UCB showed a higher values of hemoglobin and lower values of PCV, TSP, albumin,a, b e g-globulins, total and differential leukocytes counts, except to basophiis, BN and monocytes when compared to mare's blood.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Anatomy and Physiology / Mark L. Weiss / Umbilical cord matrix or Wharton’s Jelly is a mucous connective tissue ensheathing the cord blood vessels and contains mesenchymal-like stem cells. Previously, we have shown that pig umbilical cord matrix stem (pUCMS) cells transplanted into normal rat brain were recovered up to 6 weeks post-transplantation, where a sub-population of pUCMS cells exhibited neuronal morphology and expressed a variety of neuronal markers. Here, approximately 150 pUCMS cells were transplanted into non-immunesuppressed rats that previously received a brain lesion by neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), which specifically affects midbrain dopaminergic neurons, leading to pathologic findings similar to that of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The pUCMS cells proliferated up to 8 weeks post-transplantation and there was a significant increase in the percentage and number of pUCMS cells expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), which is a marker for dopaminergic cells. We conclude that 1. Xenotransplants of pig UCMS cells are not rejected by rats at least up to 8 weeks after transplantation and 2. The pig UCMS cells proliferate and differentiate after transplantation into PD model rats. The surface antigen and gene expression profile of human umbilical cord matrix stem (hUCMS) cells resemble that of mesenchymal stem cells. Apomorphine-induced rotatory behavior was used to analyze the motor deficits of the PD model rats. In different experiments 1000, 2500 and 25000 hUCMS cells were transplanted into the brain of non-immunesuppressed PD model rats. There was a dose-dependent decrease in apomorphine-induced rotations; the maximum benefit was found in the rats that received 1000 hUCMS cells. The graft cells were recovered at 2 days and 1 week, but not at 6, 10 or 12 weeks post-transplantation. Quantitative assessment of host TH-positive midbrain dopaminergic neurons revealed a positive correlation between the behavioral improvement and TH-positive cell number in the low-density (1000 cells) transplant group, showing that the hUCMS cells may play a role in rescuing damaged host dopaminergic neurons and promote improvement of motor deficits in PD-model rats. In summary, hUCMS cells appear to be mesenchymal stem cells that can be harvested in great numbers from a non-controversial, inexhaustible source. Human UCMS cells show therapeutic benefit in PD model rats, but the mechanism by which they promote improvement is presently unknown.

No description available.