This study evaluates recovery following transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) aggregates labeled with micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO) in a rodent model of ischemic stroke at 21.1 T. Unlike previous studies using single cells, intact aggregates were implanted directly into the contralateral ventricle. Longitudinal MRI post-implantation was used to investigate T2-weighted lesion volume and sodium (23Na) distribution as well as hMSC aggregate localization and cell migration following middle cerebral artery occlusion. MR results correlate with behavioral assessments and histology of tissue recovery. In particular, sodium decreases indicate recovery of tissue homeostasis following hMSC aggregate implantation.
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