Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from porcine bone marrow (pBM) of the Os femoris and the Crista iliaca

Abstract

MSC increasingly gain attention for clinical cell therapy of liver diseases. Before translation into the clinics feasibility must be proven preferably in large animal models.The aim of the study was to demonstrate in the large animal model of the pig whether MSC from bone marrow (pBM‐MSC) of the Crista iliaca and from BM of the femur/shank display differences in regard to their hepatogenic differentiation potential.MSC were isolated either from BM of the Crista iliaca or Os femoris. Mesenchymal features were analysed by flow cytometry. Functional properties like the synthesis of urea and glycogen were compared during hepatogenic differentiation.pBM‐MSC from both sources were negative for hematopoietic markers CD14, CD45 but positive for mesenchymal markers CD44, CD29, CD90, CD105. pBM‐MSC from both sources could be differentiated along the adipocyte, osteocyte and hepatocyte lineage. With differentiation progressing glycogen and urea synthesis increased featuring typical hepatocyte functions. After 21 days of differentiation urea synthesis amounted to 3 nmol/10.000 cells × 24h comparable to the rate in primary pig hepatocytes after 8 days of culture.pBM‐MSC from various sources are not different in respect to their mesenchymal features and their hepatogenic differentiation potential. Hence, hollow bones might be particularly useful to isolate allogeneic bone marrow cell transplants.