Influence of CXCR4 overexpressed mesenchymal stem cells on hematopoietic recovery of irradiated mice

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the homing capacity of CXCR4 overexpressed mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their effect on hematopoietic recovery. The 293FT packaging cell line was transfected with the recombinant lentiviral vector LV-CXCR4-IRES-EGFP and LV-IRES-EGFP to produce lentivirus. Mouse MSC were then infected with viral supernatant. Male BALB/c mice were sublethally irradiated and then were injected intravenously with 5×10(5) MSC. General status and survival rate of mice were observed every day. On day 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28, peripheral blood samples were collected to calculate the number of white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC), the ratio of reticulocyte to platelet, the number of platelet was detected by flow cytometry. The recovery of bone marrow and spleen was pathologically monitored. The proportion of MSC implantation was analysed by PCR. The results showed that the peripheral blood cells displayed the tendency of firstly increasing and then decreasing to their normal level. Generally, recovery of WBC level was earlier in mice infused with MSC (P < 0.05) . The histopathological examination of spleen and bone marrow showed a faster hematopoietic recovery in CXCR4-MSC group than the other two groups. And the donor MSC could be detected in the recipients on day 7, 14, 21 and 28. It is concluded that infusion of CXCR4-MSC enhances the implantation of hematopoietic stem cells and promotes hematopoietic recovery of the sublethally irradiated mice.