Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Collection and Characterization in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Abstract

To assess the regenerative properties and potential therapeutic value of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in the bottlenose dolphin, there is a need to determine whether an adequate adipose depot exists, in addition to the development of a standardized technique for minimally invasive adipose collection. In this study, an ultrasoundguided liposuction technique for adipose collection was assessed for its safety and efficacy. The ultrasound was utilized to identify and measure the postnuchal adipose depot and aid in the guidance of the liposuction cannula during aspiration. Liposuction procedures from 6 dolphins yielded 0.9-12.7 g of adipose. All samples yielded sufficient nucleated cells to initiate primary cell cultures, and at passage 2, were successfully differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic, neurogenic, and osteogenic cell lineages. The cultured dolphin cells expressed known stem-cell-associated CD markers, CD44 and CD90. Ultrasound-guided liposuction proved to be a safe and minimally invasive procedure that resulted in the successful isolation of ASCs in bottlenose dolphins. This is the first article that conclusively establishes the presence of stem cells in the dolphin.

Evaluation of annual survival and mortality rates and longevity of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at the United States Navy Marine Mammal Program from 2004 through 2013

“…[32][33][34] Unlike humans, however, dolphins can mask overt evidence of infections until disease reaches an advanced stage, an ability that is believed to help them evade predators. 7,9,10,[12][13][14]16,[41][42][43][44][45] These clinical research successes have been, in part, the result of focus on the highest-priority clinical needs, the ability to train dolphins to perform certain behaviors that facilitate examination, access to clinical and longitudinal dolphin health data and archived biological specimens, collaborations with leading national experts, and adequate funding. Currently available diagnostic imaging procedures, such as ultrasonography, radiography, CT, and the use of CT-or ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and biopsy techniques to obtain specimens of diseased tissues, along with the development and use of broth cultures and PCR assays for the detection of various pathogens, have improved the ability to identify and confirm infections in the early stages of disease, characterize the severity of the disease, and monitor the response to treatment.…”

Ultrasound‐guided lipoaspiration for mesenchymal stromal cell harvest in the horse

“…The cells produced meet the minimal criteria for MSC defined by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) (Dominici et al 2006) and International Federation of Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS) (Bourin et al 2013) based on plastic adherence, CD markers and differentiation assays. Current literature also supports lipoaspirate meeting ISCT minimum criteria for MSC in dolphins (Johnson et al 2012).…”

“…Current literature also supports lipoaspirate meeting ISCT minimum criteria for MSC in dolphins (Johnson et al . ).…”

Clinical management of Candida albicans keratomycosis in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

“…Allogeneic, adipose‐derived stem cells were obtained from VetStem Pharma (Poway , CA). The cells had been previously harvested from the sire of the patient and were collected, cultured, identified as ASCs via cell markers, and banked as previously described . The stem cells were thawed the night before the procedure and resuspended with the patient's own serum for an estimated cell concentration of (minimum) 9 000 000 cells/mL.…”