Hepatocyte-Like Cells from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Engrafted in Regenerating Rat Liver Tracked with In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cell transplantation using hepatocytes derived from stem cells has been regarded as a possible alternative treatment for various hepatic disorders. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the bone marrow have shown the potential to differentiate into hepatocytes in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Noninvasive imaging techniques allowing in vivo assessment of the location of cells are of great value for experimental studies in which these cells are transplanted. We labeled human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with green fluorescence protein (GFP) and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) using a transfection agent (GenePORTER®). Cellular labeling was evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of labeled suspensions, and Prussian blue staining for iron assessment. hMSCs labeled with SPIO and GFP were injected into the portal veins of immunosuppressed, hepatic-damaged rats. MR imaging findings were compared histologically. To identify the differentiation of hMSCs into hepatocytes and to trace the hepa...