Autologous bone marrow mesenchymal cell transplantation improves left ventricular function in a rabbit model of dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could differentiate into cardiomyocytes. In this study, we wished to determine whether we could improve ventricular function in a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) model in the rabbit by injecting stem cells directly into the ventricular wall. Methods and results Japanese rabbits were treated with doxorubicin to induce dilated cardiomyopathy. BMSCs were isolated from isogenic adult rabbits and expanded ex vivo . DCM-model animals received an injection directly into the ventricular wall with either BMSCs or saline (sham-operated control; a third control group underwent no operation). Heart function in all three groups was evaluated by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Hearts were later excised for histological and immunostaining analysis. Left ventricular function was significantly better in BMSC-transplanted animals than in controls. Cellular staining of BrdU and N-cadherin, indicating the presence of bone-marrow-derived cells, was found in BMSC-transplanted animals but not in control and sham-operated animals. Conclusions BMSC transplantation can improve left ventricular function in DCM. Direct injection into the ventricular wall is an effective approach for stem cell delivery.