Cadaver human mesenchymal stem cells derived from post mortem frozen arteries

Introduction: Cadaveric human vascular tissues could represent an innovative and interesting alternative source of MSCs that serve as unlimited stem cell reservoir for experimental manipulation as well as regenerative medicine and transplantation procedures. In this study, we demonstrate the successful isolation, propagation, morphological, phenotypic and functional characterization of cadaver mesenchymal stem cells (C-MSCs) derived by post mortem human variously-sized arterial segments. Materials and Methods: C-MSCs were isolated from explanted vascular samples derived from post mortem donors after long-time cryostorage in tissue-banking facilities. Isolated C-MSCs were studied using flow cytometry, histological and immunological staining, gene expression and ultrastructural analysis. Results: C-MSCs are capable of survive to a prolonged ischemic insult and longtime cryopreservation. They appear with spindle-shape morphology, plastic adherent growth, long-living in culture and highly proliferating. Phenotypically, C-MSCs express numerous surface antigens as mesenchymal (CD90, CD44, CD105, CD146, CD73), stemness (Stro-1 and Notch-1), pericyte (PDGFR-β and NG2) and neuronal (Nestin) markers and lack the expression of hematopoietic and vascular markers. Moreover, these cells showed ability to form spheroids when grown in suspension; to generate colonies by one single cell; high immunosuppressive potential and endowed with prompt mesodermal capability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes and leiomyocytes. Discussion: Based on these results, the procurement of plentiful different stem cells type from other sources as post mortem vascular tissue could be a scientific revolution in the field of cell therapy for many patients with severe lesions and diseases