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Several studies have shown the presence of fibroblast-like cells in the stromal fraction of different tissues with a high proliferative and differentiation potential. Platelet alpha granules contain growth factors released into the environment during activation. The effects of different supplements for culture medium (human serum, bovine serum and platelet lysate) on cultured human fibroblast-like cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue, trabecular bone and dental pulp have been compared. Expression of typical stromal and hematopoietic markers was analyzed and proliferative rates were determined. Flow cytofluorometry showed a homogenous pattern in serial-passaged cells, with a high level of stromal cell-associated markers (CD13, CD90, CD105). The presence of platelet lysate in culture media increased the number of cell generations obtained regardless of cell source. This effect was serum-dependent. Cell-based therapies can benefit by the use of products from human origin for "ex vivo" expansion of multipotent cells.

1The novel cation channel blocker, LOE 908, was tested for its effects on Ca2+ entry and membrane currents activated by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores in human endothelial cells.2 LOE 908 inhibited store-operated Ca2+ entry induced by direct depletion of Ca2+ stores with 100 nM thapsigargin or 100 nM ionomycin with an EC50 of 2 giM and 4 giM, respectively. 3 LOE 908 did not affect thapsigargin-or ionomycin-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores up to concentrations of 3 gIM. 4 LOE 908 reversibly suppressed thapsigargin-as well as ionomycin-induced whole-cell membrane currents.5 The LOE 908-sensitive membrane conductance corresponded to a cation permeability of 5.5 and 6.9 fold selectivity for Ca2+ over K+ in the presence of thapsigargin and ionomycin, respectively. 6 Our results suggest that the isoquinoline, LOE 908 is a novel, potent inhibitor of the store-operated (capacitive) Ca2+ entry pathway in endothelial cells.

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The tolerogenic immunophenotype and diminished functionality of CB DCs can be important to create a microenvironment where Treg develop, that in turn may be relevant to observed lower incidence of chronic GVHD after CB transplantation.