Epicardium-Derived Cells Formed After Myocardial Injury Display Phagocytic Activity Permitting In Vivo Labeling and Tracking

This study demonstrates that EPDCs formed after MI display strong endocytic activity to take up i.v.-injected labeled nanoemulsions. This feature permitted in vivo labeling and tracking of EPDCs, demonstrating their role in myo- and vasculogenesis. The newly discovered endocytic activity permits in vivo imaging of EPDCs with 19F-MRI and may be used for the liposomal delivery of substances to further study their reparative potential. Significance The present study reports that epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) formed after myocardial infarction can specifically endocytose nanoparticles in vivo and in vitro. This novel feature permitted in vivo targeting of EPDCs with either a perfluorocarbon-containing or rhodamine-conjugated nanoemulsion to track migration and fate decision of EPDC with 19F-magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence microscopy. The liposomal nanoemulsions used in the present study may be useful in the future as a nanomedical device for the delivery of substances to direct cell fate of EPDCs.
Source: Stem Cells Translational Medicine - Category: Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Cardiac Stem Cells, Enabling Technologies for Cell-Based Clinical Translation Source Type: research