Abstract #0555

Soto A, Kedziorek D, Gilson W, Tal A, Crawford D, Young R, Pittenger M, Bulte J, Kraitchman D, Karmarker P

The purpose was to determine the regional persistence and migration of targeted SPIO-labeled mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a canine model of myocardial infarction over 2 months. Dogs were subjected to a coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion to create an AMI. Autologous MSCs were then delivered to each dog. Images were obtained to localize injection sites for 2 months to assess persistence in comparison to infarct transmurality. MSCs have a higher tendency to remain in the infarct which indicates this area may be the preferred for targeting. Reduction in injection sites represents cell death and migration within the heart.