Distribution of infused umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis

AbstractAims: Stem cell transplantation for the treatment of kidney diseases is dependent on choice of transplant pathway. We evaluated the safety of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells through peripheral infusion and their distribution in a rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). Method: Cryopreserved umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were infused via tail vein injection into rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction and Sham-operated. Blood, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and lung were collected at 14, 21, and 28 days after infusion. Testing included microscopic observation of kidney morphological changes and immunohistochemical testing to identify and count the number of MAB1281 (labeled human cells) positive cells in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of different treatment groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the Sham-operated group and Sham-operated + cell transplantation group at different time points. Human cells were identified mainly in the lungs, s...