Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Vascularization of the Artificial Cavity Used as a Site for Islet Transplantation

Daniel Jirak¹, Jan Kriz¹, Peter Girman¹, Eva Vodraskova¹, Klara Zacharovova¹, Eva Dovolilova¹, Vit Herynek¹, Frantisek Saudek¹, Milan Hajek¹

To improve transplantation outcomes, artificial sites for islet transplantation are tested. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells on the blood supply of the artificial cavities for islet transplantation created subcutaneously or within the greater omentum in a preclinical rat model. Neovascularization within biocompatible devices with/without mesenchymal stem cells was assessed during the four weeks following implantation by dynamic contrastenhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Our results indicate that artificial device containing the mesenchymal stem cells provides superior blood supply for the transplanted cells and longer optimal time for cell transplantation.