CXCR4⁺ Sorted Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Enhance Their Functional Benefits and Improve Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction

Figure 5

CXCR4⁺ sorted ASCs exhibited more robust engraftment into infracted myocardium than did unfractionated ASCs in vivo. (a) CXCR4⁺ and GFP⁺ ASCs were detected at 4 weeks posttransplantation in CXCR4⁺ sorted ASC-treated rats. (b) CXCR4⁺ sorted ASCs showed much higher engraftment than unfractionated ASCs. (c) SPIO-labeled ASCs were transplanted into viable myocardium bordering infarct zone and engrafted into infarcted myocardium with duration of recovery. (d) More cells containing blue-stained particles were detected in CXCR4⁺ sorted ASC-treated rats than in unfractionated ASC-treated rats. Scale bar represents 50 μm. versus unfractionated ASCs. Abbreviations: CXCR4: CXC-chemokine receptor 4; ASCs: adipose-derived stem cells; GFP: green fluorescent protein; DAPI: 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole.

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