Pediatr Int. 2015 Jul 24. doi: 10.1111/ped.12764. [Epub ahead of print]

Mesenchymal stem cell treatment in hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats.

Gulasi S¹, Atici A¹, Yilmaz SN¹, Polat A², Yilmaz M³, Lacin MT⁴, Orekici G⁵, Celik Y¹.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To evaluate effectiveness of tracheally delivered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on lung pathology in hyperoxia-induced lung injury (HILI) model in neonatal rats.

METHODS:

For HILI model, rat pups were exposed to 85-95% oxygen during the first 10 days of life. Rats were divided into six groups: (1) room-air normoxia (n = 11); (2) room-air, sham (n = 11); (3) hyperoxia-exposed / normal saline as placebo (n = 9); (4) hyperoxia-exposed/culture medium of MSCs(n = 10); (5) hyperoxia-exposed/ medium remaining after harvesting of MSCs (n = 8); and (6) hyperoxia-exposed/ MSCs (n = 17). Pathologic changes, number and diameter of alveoli, α-smooth muscle actin expression and localization of MSCs in the lungs were assessed.

RESULTS:

Number of alveoli increased and alveolar diameter decreased in the mesenchymal stem cell group so that there was no differences when compared with the normoxia group (respectively p = 0.126 and p = 0.715). Expression of α-smooth muscle actin decreased significantly in themesenchymal stem cell group compared with the placebo group (p < 0,001). Green fluorescent protein positive cells were found in lung tissue from all rats given MSCs. Some green fluorescent protein positive MSCs also expressed surfactant protein-C.

CONCLUSION:

It can be concluded from this study that MSCs become localized in damaged lung tissue and suggest recovery that approximates the room air control.

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