Goals of the project:
This project is aimed at non-invasive tracking of magnetically labeled white blood cells and stem cells by MR imaging during certain pathological conditions of the human brain.
Methods:
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HMSCs) were labeled with a mixture of Feridex®, an iron oxide based FDA-approved T2 contrast agent, and protamine sulfate, a FDA-approved agent that helps to transport iron oxide into cells.
Results:
MRI Phantoms and Prussian Blue Staining of HMSCs showed that Feridex® labeling persisted after 8 days in culture.
Future directions:
Feridex labeled cells will be injected into mice and used for in vivo tracking of cell migration and function in animal models of stroke, diabetes, and cancer. |
