Figure 2
Distribution of implanted hMSCs in the spinal cord and distribution of PKH26-labeled hMSCs after hMSC injection, with higher magnification images. Distribution of implanted hMSCs in the spinal cord (A, B). (A) Real-time PCR assays for hAlu after injection of hMSCs (5 × 105 cells) into spinal cord (n = 4). Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. **P < 0.001 (Dunnet post hoc t-test vs injection site). (B) Temporal profile of hMSC survival after injection in animals with or without SCI. The survival of hMSCs in wild-type (WT) mice with SCI decreased drastically with time. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. **P < 0.01 (Dunnet post hoc t-test). (C) Distribution of PKH26-labeled hMSCs (red) after hMSC injection. Within 10 min of injection (day 1), the cells were observed as a cluster in the injection site (injection). At 7 days after SCI, the cells are seen to have migrated along the spinal cord toward the injury site (injury) and detected the PKH26 signals in peri-injury site (arrowhead). Blue: DAPI counterstaining. R: rostral, C: caudal, D: dorsal, V: ventral. (D) Higher magnification images of (C) with human B2M staining (green) shows co-labeling with PKH26-stained cells. One day after SCI and immediately after hMSC injection, no PKH26 signals can be observed in the peri-injury site. However, PKH26-red signals merged with B2M-positive reactions (green) can be observed on the peri-injury site on post-operative day 7. B2M β2-microglobulin, DAPI 4,6-Diamidine-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride, hMSC human MSC, n.s. no significant, PA +/− Adcyap1 (PACAP gene) heterozygous mice, SCI spinal cord injury, wt wild-type.