Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008; 56 - MO49
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1037871

Clinically applicable imaging of transplanted bone marrow derived stem cells for therapy of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

YH Choi 1, A Ghodsizat 1, T Wittwer 1, T Voelkel 2, C Piechaczek 2, A Ruhparwar 3, G Langebartels 1, M Loebe 4, I Gregoric 5, J Wippermann 1, T Wahlers 1
  • 1Herzzentrum der Universität zu Köln, Klinik für Herz-, und Thoraxchirurgie, Köln, Germany
  • 2Miltenyi Biotec, Berg.-Gladbach, Germany
  • 3Universtiätsklinik Heidelberg, Klinik für Herzchirurgie, Heidelberg, Germany
  • 4Texas Medical Center, Dept. of Cardiac Transplantation, Houston, United States of America
  • 5Texas Heart Institute, Dept. of Cardiac Transplantation, Houston, United States of America

Objectives: Transplantation of bone marrow derived cells is currently under clinical evaluation as a therapy for non-ischemic congestive heart disease. An important aspect in clinical studies is the inability to track the fate of the transplanted cells. We aimed to assess a clinically applicable technique using an 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI] and CliniMAC® nano-particle labelled transplanted CD-133+ cells in murine hearts.

Methods: CD133+ cells were isolated from bone marrow by using CliniMACS® magnetic beads. Positive cells (5×10e6 cells) were transplanted into murine myocardium via the transepicardial (n=3) vs. the intracoronary route (n=3). Control animals received medium injections (n=3). MRI on a 3T scanner were performed to demonstrate the distribution of the cells.

Results: CD133+ cells were identified on MRI gradient within the myocardium. The different distribution pattern after intracoronary injection in cardiomyopathic hearts could be visualized.

Conclusion: Under GMP-conditions magnetically labeled CD133+ cells transplanted to restore cardiac function can be visualized by 3 T MRI at high-field strength.