Proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine secretion of human umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells in vitro.

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Neuhoff S, Moers J, Rieks M, Grunwald T, Jensen A, Dermietzel R, Meier C

Proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine secretion of human umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells in vitro.

Exp Hematol. 2007 Jul;35(7):1119-31. doi: 10.1016/j.exphem.2007.03.019.

PubMed ID
17588481 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB)-derived mononuclear cells were previously shown to exert therapeutic effects in a number of animal models of nervous system impairment. However, the mechanisms underlying the structural and functional improvements are still unclear. As cell replacement seems to be a rare or absent event in vivo, we suggest secondary mechanisms, by which the therapeutic effect of transplanted mononuclear cells might be mediated. We investigated the potential of hUCB-derived mononuclear cells in vitro to proliferate, differentiate, and to secrete factors possibly beneficial for the host brain tissue in vivo. METHODS: Using a succession of distinct culture media, mononuclear cells were stimulated by growth factor combinations, e.g., epidermal growth factor (EGF)/fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) or nerve growth factor (NGF)/retinoic acid (RA). Expression of hematological and neural marker proteins was investigated by immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescence-activated cell analysis. Secretion of proteins was assayed using a human cytokine antibody array, and quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Mononuclear cells were shown to undergo proliferation in the presence of EGF/FGF-2. When cells were cultured in NGF/RA-containing medium, neuronal and glial marker proteins were expressed, indicating differentiation. In the presence of either growth factor combination, cells in vitro secrete interleukins, growth factors, and chemotactic proteins. CONCLUSION: Although capable of incipient differentiation, cytokine secretion of hUCB-derived mononuclear cells envisages the potential of an indirect effect in vivo. Most factors detected in conditioned medium are renowned for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, angiogenic, or chemotactic actions, thus, providing the means for a therapeutic outcome mediated by secondary effects.

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