In utero xenotransplantation of mice bone marrow-derived stromal/stem cells into fetal rat liver: A preliminary study

Background: Animals can play an important role in preparing tissues for human through the development of xenotransplantation protocols. The most common problem with liver transplantation like any other organ transplantation is organ supply shortage. Objective: To evaluate the in utero xenotransplantation of mouse bone marrow-derived stromal/stem cells (BMSCs) to the liver of rat fetus to produce mouse liver tissue. Materials and Methods: BMSCs were isolated and confirmed from enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-genetic labeled mice. Using a microinjection protocol, mice BMSCs were injected into the liver of rat fetuses in utero on day 14 of pregnancy. After birth, livers were collected and the presence of mice eGFP-positive cells in rat livers was evaluated through polymerase chain reaction. Results: The eGFP mRNA was detected in the liver of injected infant rats. BMSCs of adult mice were capable to remain functional probably as hepatocyte-like cells in liver of infant rats after in utero xenotransplantation. Conclusion: BMSCs have the potential for intrauterine xenotransplantation for the treatment of liver dysfunction before birth. This method can also be used for xenoproduction of liver tissue for transplantation. Key words: Xenotransplantation, Liver, Bone marrow, Stromal/stem cell, Murine.