Abstract 242: Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Have Similar Biological Properties and Both Improve Cardiac Function of Infarcted Rat Hearts

Background: Adipose stem cells (ASC) from subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues have been studied individually. However, it is unclear whether ASC from the two sources have different biological properties and, more importantly, whether one sub-type of ASC is more effective in treatment of CHF. This study was designed to address these concerns. Methods: Morphology, yield, proliferation, surface markers, and cytokine secretion of rat subcutaneous ASC (S-ASC) and visceral ASC (V-ASC) were analyzed. A rat model of myocardial infarction (MI) was established by occlusion of the LAD. 7 days after MI, S-ASC (n = 11), V-ASC (n = 11), and cell culture medium (Control, n = 7) were injected into the infarct rim, respectively. Cardiac function of the infarcted hearts was monitored with MRI for 6 months. Results: Both S-ASC and V-ASC exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology and expressed stromal cell markers (CD29, CD90 and CD105). No significant expression of hematopoietic markers (CD11b, CD34 and CD45) was found. U...