AIMS: Cell transplantation is a new developing treatment modality to improve cardiac function in ischemic damaged heart. We have investigated to determine the effect of transplantation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAdMSC) in mouse acute myocardial infarction model.

METHODS: Thirty-three nude mice underwent left coronary artery ligation and received by either intravenous injection or direct intramyocardial injection into the peri-infarct region 30 minutes after permanent myocardial infarction with hAdMSC. The control group was treated with saline. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography. Cell engraftment, differentiation were evaluated with lentivirus-eGFP transfected hAdMSC. Angiogenesis and fibrosis in the scar tissue were also evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Measurements of LV pressure, dP/dt will be measured with Millar catheter.

RESULTS: Three weeks after cell transplantation, hAdMSC induced a significant improvement in heart function; LVEF(46.7 +/- 6.3 % v.s. 43.6 +/- 7.2 % v.s. 30.0 +/- 8.0 %; im v.s. iv v.s. control) and LVFS ( 20.8 +/- 3.0 % v.s. 18.8 +/- 3.8 % v.s. 11.9 +/- 3.4 % %; im v.s. iv v.s. control). An increase in the degree of angiogenesis and a decrease in fibrosis were also detected.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that direct intramyocardial injection of hAdMSC in acute infarct provides a superior benefit for functional improvement.