Multiple stem cell traits of expanded rat bone marrow stromal cells

Abstract

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) exhibit many traits of a stem cell population. Knowing that BMSC have the ability to self-renew, proliferate and differentiate into a variety of cell types, questions may arise as to whether these traits differ between the cells that have different expansion times. In this study, we examined the stem cell potentiality of BMSC through their characterization, proliferative capacity and the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages in the cultured 2nd passage cells and 10th passage cells. The results were as follows: (1) the 10th passage cells had a larger and more flatted morphology than the 2nd passage cells and also exhibited a decreased labeling for BMSC-related antigens such as CD90, CD73. (2) The cell proliferative capacity was approximately 2 times greater in the 2nd passage cells, and the apoptosis phenomenon was detected in the 10th passage cells. (3) The ability to differentiate into mesodermal tissue (osteocytes, adipocytes), as well as into ectodermal tissue (neurons) was more effective in the 2nd passage cells. Taken together, early stage BMSC would be a valuable cell source for various in vitro applications, as well as cell therapy.