Analysis and characterization of hematopoietic progenitor cells from fetal bone marrow, adult bone marrow, peripheral blood, and cord blood

Benchmarking single-cell cross-omics imputation methods for surface protein expression

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in single-cell multimodal omics sequencing have facilitated the simultaneous profiling of transcriptomes and surface proteomes within individual cells, offering insights into cellular functions and heterogeneity. However, the high costs and technical complexity of protocols like CITE-seq and REAP-seq constrain large-scale dataset generation. To overcome this limitation, surface protein data imputation methods have emerged to predict protein abundances from scRNA-seq data.

RESULTS

We present a comprehensive benchmark of twelve state-of-the-art imputation methods across eleven datasets and six scenarios. Our analysis evaluates the methods' accuracy, sensitivity to training data size, robustness across experiments, and usability in terms of running time, memory usage, popularity, and user-friendliness. With benchmark experiments in diverse scenarios and a comprehensive evaluation framework of the results, our study offers valuable insights into the performance and applicability of surface protein data imputation methods in single-cell omics research.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, Seurat v4 (PCA) and Seurat v3 (PCA) demonstrate exceptional performance, offering promising avenues for further research in single-cell omics.

Evaluation of Collection and Processing Conditions for Gene Expression Analysis Using Human Myeloid Cells

Background: The population of blast cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients is a desirable specimen for analyzing gene expression in diseases including acute myeloid leukemia. Although the enrichment of blast cells often needs to be performed at a central laboratory, acceptable conditions for sample transport from clinical sites remain to be established. Methods: We evaluated storage temperature, duration, and tube type before initiating sample processing for the analysis of cluster of differentiation (CD)33+ myeloid cells among PBMCs as an alternative to CD34+/CD33+ blast cells. Results: CD33+ myeloid cells were successfully purified by MACS. The cell viability and the RNA integrity were sustained during storage up to 48 hours before sample processing. Storage at 4°C had minimal effects on gene expression, whereas storage at room temperature induced the senescence pathway, characterized by the expression of stress-inducible genes. A CPT tube was also better than an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tube for minimizing gene expression change. Conclusions: Our study provided important clues for establishing a sample handling approach for gene expression analysis with purified cell fractions from human PBMCs. To keep the variation of gene expression to a minimum, samples should be delivered at 4°C within 48 hours before processing.

Robust engraftment of fetal nonhuman primate CD34-positive cells in immune-deficient mice

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) represent one of the most important models for preclinical studies of novel biomedical interventions. In contrast with small animal models, however, widespread utilization of NHPs is restricted by cost, logistics, and availability. Therefore, we sought to develop a translational primatized mouse model, akin to a humanized mouse, to allow for high-throughput in vivo experimentation leveraged to inform large animal immunology-based studies. We found that adult rhesus macaque mobilized blood (AMb) CD34+-enriched hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) engrafted at low but persistent levels in immune-deficient mice harboring transgenes for human (NHP cross-reactive) GM-CSF and IL3, but did not in mice with wild-type murine cytokines lacking NHP cross-reactivity. To enhance engraftment, fetal liver-derived HSPCs were selected as the infusion product based on an increased CD34hi fraction compared with AMb and bone marrow. Coupled with cotransplantation of rhesus fetal thymic fragments beneath the mouse kidney capsule, fetal liver-derived HSPC infusion in cytokine-transgenic mice yielded robust multilineage lymphohematopoietic engraftment. The emergent immune system recapitulated that of the fetal monkey, with similar relative frequencies of lymphocyte, granulocyte, and monocyte subsets within the thymic, secondary lymphoid, and peripheral compartments. Importantly, while exhibiting a predominantly naïve phenotype, in vitro functional assays demonstrated robust cellular activation in response to nonspecific and allogenic stimuli. This primatized mouse represents a viable and translatable model for the study of hematopoietic stem cell physiology, immune development, and functional immunology in NHPs. Summary Sentence: Engraftment of rhesus macaque hematopoietic tissues in immune-deficient mice yields a robust BLT/NeoThy-type primatized mouse model for studying nonhuman primate hematopoiesis and immune function in vivo.

The equilibrative nucleoside transporter ENT1 is critical for nucleotide homeostasis and optimal erythropoiesis

The tight regulation of intracellular nucleotides is critical for the self-renewal and lineage specification of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Nucleosides are major metabolite precursors for nucleotide biosynthesis and their availability in HSCs is dependent on their transport through specific membrane transporters. However, the role of nucleoside transporters in the differentiation of HSCs to the erythroid lineage and in red cell biology remains to be fully defined. Here, we show that the absence of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT1) in human red blood cells with a rare Augustine-null blood type is associated with macrocytosis, anisopoikilocytosis, an abnormal nucleotide metabolome, and deregulated protein phosphorylation. A specific role for ENT1 in human erythropoiesis was demonstrated by a defective erythropoiesis of human CD34+ progenitors following short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of ENT1. Furthermore, genetic deletion of ENT1 in mice was associated with reduced erythroid progenitors in the bone marrow, anemia, and macrocytosis. Mechanistically, we found that ENT1-mediated adenosine transport is critical for cyclic adenosine monophosphate homeostasis and the regulation of erythroid transcription factors. Notably, genetic investigation of 2 ENT1null individuals demonstrated a compensation by a loss-of-function variant in the ABCC4 cyclic nucleotide exporter. Indeed, pharmacological inhibition of ABCC4 in Ent1-/- mice rescued erythropoiesis. Overall, our results highlight the importance of ENT1-mediated nucleotide metabolism in erythropoiesis.

Unbiased phenotypic identification of functionally distinct hematopoietic progenitors

Background

Hematopoiesis is a model-system for studying cellular development and differentiation. Phenotypic and functional characterization of hematopoietic progenitors has significantly aided our understanding of the mechanisms that govern fate choice, lineage specification and maturity. Methods for progenitor isolation have historically relied on complex flow-cytometric strategies based on nested, arbitrary gates within defined panels of immunophenotypic markers. The resulted populations are then functionally assessed, although functional homogeneity or absolute linkage between function and phenotype is not always achieved, thus distorting our view on progenitor biology.

Method

In this study, we present a protocol for unbiased phenotypic identification and functional characterization which combines index sorting and clonogenic assessment of individual progenitor cells. Single-cells are plated into custom media allowing multiple hematopoietic fates to emerge and are allowed to give rise to unilineage colonies or mixed. After colony identification, lineage potential is assigned to each progenitor and finally the indexed phenotype of the initial cell is recalled and a phenotype is assigned to each functional output.

Conclusions

Our approach overcomes the limitations of the current protocols expanding beyond the established cell-surface marker panels and abolishing the need for nested gating. Using this method we were able to resolve the relationships of myeloid progenitors according to the revised model of hematopoiesis, as well as identify a novel marker for erythroid progenitors. Finally, this protocol can be applied to the characterization of any progenitor cell with measurable function.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40709-019-0097-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impaired endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and dysfunctional bone marrow stroma in diabetes mellitus

Background

Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell (EPC) levels are reduced in diabetes mellitus. This may be a consequence of impaired mobilization of EPC from the bone marrow. We hypothesized that under diabetic conditions, mobilization of EPC from the bone marrow to the circulation is impaired –at least partly– due to dysfunction of the bone marrow stromal compartment.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in mice by streptozotocin injection. Circulating Sca-1⁺Flk-1⁺ EPC were characterized and quantified by flow cytometry at baseline and after mobilization with G-CSF/SCF injections. In vivo hemangiogenic recovery was tested by 5-FU challenge. Interaction within the bone marrow environment between CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and supporting stroma was assessed by co-cultures. To study progenitor cell–endothelial cell interaction under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions, a co-culture model using E4Orf1-transfected human endothelial cells was employed.

Results

In diabetic mice, bone marrow EPC levels were unaffected. However, circulating EPC levels in blood were lower at baseline and mobilization was attenuated. Diabetic mice failed to recover and repopulate from 5-FU injection. In vitro, primary cultured bone marrow stroma from diabetic mice was impaired in its capacity to support human CFU-forming HPC. Finally, hyperglycemia hampered the HPC supportive function of endothelial cells in vitro.

Conclusion

EPC mobilization is impaired under experimental diabetic conditions and our data suggest that diabetes induces alterations in the progenitor cell supportive capacity of the bone marrow stroma, which could be partially responsible for the attenuated EPC mobilization and reduced EPC levels observed in diabetic patients.

Fetal bovine bone marrow is a rich source of CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors with myelo-monocytic colony-forming activity

The CD34 glycoprotein is an important marker of hematopoietic stem cells. We used a polyclonal rabbit anti-bovine CD34 antibody to stain fetal and adult bovine bone marrow cells. Flow cytometry revealed a low side scatter (SSC(low)) population of cells that were CD34(+) but negative for leukocyte lineage markers CD11b, CD14 or CD2. Hematopoietic colony assays with CD34(+) and CD34(-) bone marrow cells suggested that the colony-forming potential in SSC(low) bone marrow cells was confined to the CD34(+) fraction. In contrast, this population was not enriched for cells expressing high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, a metabolic marker that has been used to characterize hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, the CD34 antigen can be used to identify and isolate bovine bone marrow cells exhibiting clonogenic potential in vitro. Moreover, the proportion of CD34(+) cells is very high in fetal bovine bone marrow, indicating it as a rich source of hematopoietic progenitors.

Umbilical cord blood cells

The umbilical cord of a healthy neonate contains within it a multipotential treatment for a myriad of diseases and injuries. What was once tossed into the biohazard waste without a second thought is now known to be a goldmine of antigenically immature cells that rival the use of bone marrow for reconstitution of blood lineages. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is emerging as an effective and feasible clinical treatment as its availability increases and benefits are realized. Basic science research has demonstrated a broad therapeutic capacity ranging from cell replacement to cell protection and anti-inflammation in a number of animal disease and injury models. UCB is easily obtained with no harm to infant or mother and can be stored at cryogenic temperatures with relatively little loss of cells upon thaw. The heterogeneous mononuclear fraction has been identified and characterized and transplanted both locally and systemically to treat animal models of stroke, myocardial infarction, Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis, San Filippo, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and age-related neurodegeneration, among others. In the pages to follow, we share protocols for the identification and research use of the mononuclear cell fraction of UCB.

Source of cell injected is a critical factors for short and long engraftment in xeno-transplantation

This study aims to investigate engraftment of human cord blood and foetal bone marrow stem cells after in utero transplantation via the intracoelomic route in the sheep. Here, we performed transplantation in 14 single and 1 twin sheep foetuses at 40-47 days of development, using a novel schedule for injection. (i) Single injection of CD34(+) human cord blood stem cells via the coelomic route (from 10 to 50 x 10(4)) in seven single foetuses. (ii) Single injection of CD34(+) foetal bone marrow stem cells via the intracoelomic route with further numbers of cells (20 x 10(5) and 8 x 10(5), respectively) in three single and in one twin foetuses. (iii) Double fractioned injection (20-30 x 10(6)) via the coelomic route and 20 x 10(6) postnatally, intravenously, shortly after birth of CD3-depleted cord blood stem cells in four single foetuses. In the first group, three single foetuses showed human/sheep chimaerism at 1, 8 and 14 months after birth. In the second group, the twin foetuses showed human/sheep chimaerism at 1 month after birth. In the third group, only two out of four single foetuses that underwent transplantation showed chimaerism at 1 month. While foetal bone marrow stem cells showed good short-term engraftment (1 month after birth), cord blood stem cells were able to persist longer in the ovine recipients (at 1, 8 and 14 months after birth).

Peripheral injection of human umbilical cord blood stimulates neurogenesis in the aged rat brain

Background

Neurogenesis continues to occur throughout life but dramatically decreases with increasing age. This decrease is mostly related to a decline in proliferative activity as a result of an impoverishment of the microenvironment of the aged brain, including a reduction in trophic factors and increased inflammation.

Results

We determined that human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMC) given peripherally, by an intravenous injection, could rejuvenate the proliferative activity of the aged neural stem/progenitor cells. This increase in proliferation lasted for at least 15 days after the delivery of the UCBMC. Along with the increase in proliferation following UCBMC treatment, an increase in neurogenesis was also found in the aged animals. The increase in neurogenesis as a result of UCBMC treatment seemed to be due to a decrease in inflammation, as a decrease in the number of activated microglia was found and this decrease correlated with the increase in neurogenesis.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that a single intravenous injection of UCBMC in aged rats can significantly improve the microenvironment of the aged hippocampus and rejuvenate the aged neural stem/progenitor cells. Our results raise the possibility of a peripherally administered cell therapy as an effective approach to improve the microenvironment of the aged brain.

Human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells can be used as a prophylactic agent for experimental heatstroke

We attempted to assess the prophylactic effect of human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells in experimental heatstroke. Anesthetized rats, 1 day before heat stress, were divided into 2 major groups and given CD34(-) cells (defined by 1 x 10(6) human cord blood lymphocytes and monocytes that contained <0.2% CD34(+) cells) or CD34(+) cells (defined by 1 x 10(6) human cord blood lymphocytes and monocytes that contained >95% CD34(+) cells). They were exposed to ambient temperature of 43 degrees C for 70 min to induce heatstroke. When the CD34(-) cells-treated or untreated rats underwent heat stress, their survival time values were found to be 20-24 min. Pretreatment with CD34(+) cells significantly increased survival time (123-351 min). As compared with normothermic controls, all CD34(-) cells-treated heatstroke animals displayed hypotension, hepatic and renal failure, hypercoagulable state, activated inflammation, and cerebral ischemia and injury. However, these heatstroke reactions all were significantly suppressed by CD34(+) cells pretreatment. In addition, the levels of interleukin-10 in plasma and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors in brain were all significantly increased after CD34(+) cell administration during heatstroke. Our data indicate that human umbilical cord-derived CD34(+) cells can be used as a prophylactic agent for experimental heatstroke.

HUMAN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD-DERIVED CD34+ CELLS MAY ATTENUATE SPINAL CORD INJURY BY STIMULATING VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL AND NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS

Human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells were used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects exerted by cord blood cells in spinal cord injury (SCI). Rats were divided into four groups: (1) sham operation (laminectomy only); (2) laminectomy + SCI + CD34(-) cells (5 x 10(5) human cord blood lymphocytes and monocytes that contained <0.2% CD34(+) cells); (3) laminectomy + SCI + CD34(+) cells (5 x 10(5) human cord blood lymphocytes and monocytes that contained approximately 95% CD34(+) cells); and (4) laminectomy + SCI + saline (0.3 mL). Spinal cord injury was induced by compressing the spinal cord for 1 min with an aneurysm clip calibrated to a closing pressure of 55 g. CD34 cells or saline was administered immediately after SCI via the tail vein. Behavioral tests of motor function measured by maximal angle an animal could hold to the inclined plane were conducted at days 1 to 7 after SCI. The triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling assay were also conducted after SCI to evaluate spinal cord infarction and apoptosis, respectively. To elucidate whether glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can be secreted in spinal cord-injured area by the i.v. transplanted CD34(+) cells, analysis of spinal cord homogenate supernatants by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for GDNF or immunofluorescence for VEGF was conducted. It was found that systemic administration of CD34(+), but not CD34(-), cells significantly attenuated the SCI-induced hind limb dysfunction and spinal cord infarction and apoptosis. Both GDNF and VEGF could be detected in the injured spinal cord after transplantation of CD34(+), but not CD34(-), cells. The results indicate that CD34(+) cell therapy may be beneficial in reversing the SCI-induced spinal cord infarction and apoptosis and hindlimb dysfunction by stimulating the production of both VEGF and GDNF in a spinal cord compression model.

T cell repertoire development in XSCID dogs following nonconditioned allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Dogs with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) can be successfully treated by bone marrow transplants (BMT) resulting in full immunologic reconstitution and engraftment of both donor B and T cells without the need for pretransplant conditioning. In this study, we evaluated the T cell diversity in XSCID dogs 4 months to 10.5 years following BMT. At 4 months posttransplantation, when the number of CD45RA+ (naïve) T cells had peaked and plateaued, the T cells in the transplanted dogs showed the same complex, diverse repertoire as those of normal young adult dogs. A decline in T cell diversity became evident approximately 3.5 years posttransplant, but the proportion of Vbeta families showing a polyclonal Gaussian spectratype still predominated up to 7.5 years posttransplant. In 2 dogs evaluated at 7.5 and 10.5 years posttransplant, >75% of the Vbeta families consisted of a skewed or oligoclonal spectratype that was associated with a CD4/CD8 ratio of <0.5. The decline in the complexity of T cell diversity in the transplanted XSCID dogs is similar to that reported for XSCID patients following BMT. However, in contrast to transplanted XSCID boys who show a significant decline in their T cell diversity by 10 to 12 years following BMT, transplanted XSCID dogs maintain a polyclonal, diverse T cell repertoire through midlife.

Human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells cause attenuation of multiorgan dysfunction during experimental heatstroke

Multiorgan dysfunction ensuing from severe heatstroke includes hypotension, hepatic and renal failure, hypercoagulable state, activated inflammation, and cerebral ischemia and injury. We attempted to assess whether human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cell therapy improves survival during experimental heatstroke by attenuating multiorgan dysfunction. Anesthetized rats, immediately after the onset of heatstroke, were divided into 2 major groups and given CD34- or CD34+ cells (1 x 10(5)-5 x 10(5)/mL/kg body weight) i.v. They were exposed to ambient temperature of 43 degrees C to induce heatstroke. Another group of rats were exposed to room temperature (26 degrees C) and used as normothermic controls. Hypotension, hepatic and renal failure (evidenced by increased serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels in plasma), hypercoagulable state (evidenced by increased prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and D-dimer, and decreased platelet count and protein C in plasma), activated inflammation (evidence by increased TNF-alpha levels in serum), and cerebral dysfunction (evidenced by intracranial hypertension, cerebral hypoperfusion and hypoxia, and cerebral ischemia and injury) were monitored. When the CD34- cell-treated or untreated rats underwent heat stress, their survival time values were found to be 19 to 23 min. Resuscitation with CD34+ cells significantly improved survival time (duration, 63-291 min). As compared with normothermic controls, all CD34- cell-treated heatstroke animals displayed hypotension, hepatic and renal failure, hypercoagulable state, activated inflammation, and cerebral ischemia and injury. However, CD34+ cell therapy significantly caused attenuation of all the above-mentioned heatstroke reactions. In addition, the levels of IL-10 in plasma and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors in brain were all significantly increased after CD34+ cell therapy during heatstroke. Our data indicate that CD34+ cell therapy may resuscitate persons who had a heatstroke by reducing multiorgan dysfunction or failure.

[Effects of liquid crystal-related compounds on human megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis]

In the present study, the effects of liquid crystal-related compounds on the megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis were evaluated in vitro using CD34+ cells prepared from human placental and umbilical cord blood (CB). About 20 kinds of compounds were tested for their effects on the clonal growth of CB CD34+ megakaryocytic progenitor cells (CFU-Meg) in plasma clot culture. The compounds, dissolved in DMSO, were added to the cultures within a concentration range of 10-100 nM. When used alone, none of the compounds supported the clonal growth of CFU-Meg. However, when thrombopoietin (TPO) was used as a growth factor, three compounds increased CFU-Meg clonal growth significantly, producing approximately 1.3-1.4 fold increases in the total number of megakaryocyte colonies in comparison with the control. These compounds promoted mainly mature CFU-Meg-derived small colonies, suggesting that their target is relatively mature CFU-Meg. These effective compounds were examined in liquid culture supplemented with TPO alone for 14 days. Although there was no evident promotion of the total number of cells harvested from the culture, two compounds suppressed cell growth significantly. Only one compound enhanced the generation of CFU-Meg in the harvested cells. Although these results do not indicate a strong correlation between the chemical structure of each compound and biological effectiveness, the incorporation of phenylpyridine and phenylpyrimidine and binding of a hydroxyl residue into the structure may play an important role in the activity. Thus, liquid crystal-related compounds whose biological action was previously unknown have been shown to act as regulators of hematopoiesis.

Flow cytometric assessment of hematopoietic cell subsets in cryopreserved preterm and term cord blood, influence of obstetrical parameters, and availability for transplantation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize the lymphocyte and the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HPC) subsets of cryopreserved premature cord blood (PCB) compared to term cord blood (TCB) by flow cytometry, to study the influence of birth conditions, and to assess its availability for transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four-color flow cytometric analysis was performed on 43 PCB and 40 TCB cryopreserved samples using a panel of 24 different mAbs, directed against lymphoid and HPC surface markers. The CB volume was estimated by the weight of the newborn to determine the absolute MNC and CD34(+) cell content/CB sample. Clinical and obstetrical data were recovered. Statistical comparisons and a multiple regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

No consistent differences were found in the mononuclear cell (MNC) or CD34(+) cell concentration (x10(6)/L) between PCB and TCB. The percentage of primitive HPC (CD34(+)CD38(-), CD34(+)CD38(-)CD90(-)HLA-DR(-), CD34(+)CD38(-)CD90(-)HLA-DR(+)) and primitive lymphoid progenitors (CD34(+)CD7(+), CD34(+)CD7(+)CD19(-)CD117(-)) were higher in PCB than in TCB. Correspondingly, TCB had an increased percentage of committed HPC. No sample of PCB contained >2 x 10(7) MNC/kg (and only 48% had >1 x 10(5) CD34(+) cells) for a recipient of 20 kg body wt, as the minimum threshold recommended for CB transplantation. Obstetrical factors modulated mainly lymphocyte subsets and fewer HPC subpopulations. Acute fetal distress increased CD34(+) cells, especially the immature subsets. Maternal treatment with dexamethasone and intrauterine growth retardation decreased CD3(+) cells. No other obstetrical factors played a detrimental effect on CB cells if used for transplantation.

CONCLUSION

PCB is richer in immature cells both in lymphocyte and HPC populations, and its use for transplantation, at least in special cases, should be reconsidered.

Infusion of human umbilical cord blood cells protect against cerebral ischemia and damage during heatstroke in the rat

Intravenously delivered human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC) have been previously shown to improve both morphologic and functional recovery of heat-stroked rats. To extend these findings, we examined both the morphologic and functional alterations in the presence of HUCBC or human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) 24 h before initiation of heatstroke. Anesthetized rats, 1 day before the initiation of heatstroke, were divided into three major groups and given the following: (a) serum-free lymphocyte medium (0.3 ml) intravenously; (b) PBMC (5 x 10(6) in 0.3 ml serum-free lymphocyte medium); or (c) HUCBC (5 x 10(6) in 0.3 ml serum-free lymphocyte medium). Another group of rats were exposed to room temperature (26 degrees C) and used as normothermic controls. In vehicle-treated heatstroke rats, their mean arterial pressure, cerebral blood flow, and brain PO(2) were all lower than in normothermic controls after the onset of heatstroke. However, their body temperatures and striatal levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-dependent NO, ischemia and damage markers (e.g., glycerol, glutamate, and lactate/pyruvate ratio), and neuronal damage in the striatum were all greater. The heatstroke-induced arterial hypotension, cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and increased levels of iNOS-dependent NO in the striatum were all significantly reduced by pretreatment with HUCBC, but not with PBMC. Moreover, HUCBC were localized by immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis in the injured brain structures and spleen. These findings indicate that HUCBC transplantation, in addition to having therapeutic values, can be a good choice for preventing heatstroke occurrence.

Effects of hypoxia on megakaryocyte progenitors obtained from the umbilical cord blood of term and preterm neonates

BACKGROUND

Placental insufficiency is associated with early-onset thrombocytopenia in preterm neonates. Prior studies demonstrated a reduction in circulating megakaryocyte (Mk) progenitors, suggesting decreased platelet production. We hypothesized that decreased Mk production is the result of a direct inhibitory effect of hypoxia on the proliferation of Mk progenitors, or a hypoxia-induced change in the fetal hematopoietic environment.

OBJECTIVE

To test the effects of hypoxia on the clonogenic maturation of Mk progenitors obtained from term and preterm cord blood CD34(pos) cells, either cultured alone or in conjunction with CD34(neg) light density mononuclear cells (LDMCs).

METHODS

CD34(pos) cells and CD34(neg) LDMCs were isolated from the cord blood of term and preterm deliveries, and mobilized peripheral blood CD34(pos) cells were obtained from healthy adults. CD34(pos) cells were then cultured alone or co-cultured with CD34(neg) LDMCs in a semisolid, serum-free media containing rTpo, IL-3, and IL-6. Cultures were exposed to 20%, 5%, or 1% oxygen for 10-12 days. Mk colonies were then quantified following immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Pure CD34(pos) cells from preterm (n = 5) and term (n = 5) neonates and from adults (n = 4) generated similar numbers of Mk colonies in all three oxygen concentrations. However, the number of Mk colonies in preterm co-cultures was progressively lower with decreasing O(2) concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxia did not appear to directly inhibit colony formation of Mk progenitors from preterm and term cord blood CD34(pos) cells. However, co-culture studies showed a decrease in Mk colony formation with hypoxia, suggesting an indirect inhibitory effect of hypoxia on Mk clonogenic maturation mediated by non-progenitor cells in the hematopoietic microenvironment.

Effects of anoxia on megakaryocyte progenitors derived from cord blood CD34pos cells

BACKGROUND

Severe hypoxic insults to the fetus and neonate are associated with the development of thrombocytopenia. The thrombocytopenia in some cases is the result of disseminated intravascular coagulation, but that mechanism fails to account for all, perhaps the majority, of cases.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that human fetal megakaryocyte (Mk) progenitors are directly adversely affected by transient anoxia.

DESIGN AND METHODS

To test this, we isolated CD34pos cells from the umbilical cord blood of 10 healthy term neonates, and exposed these to 0% or 20% O2 for 24 h, with or without recombinant thrombopoietin (rTpo, 50 ng/mL). After 24 h, a portion of the CD34pos cells were harvested for flow cytometric evaluation of apoptosis. The remaining cells were cultured for an additional 10-12 days, under normoxic conditions, in a collagen-based serum-free system containing rTpo, IL-3, and IL-6. In this way, we sought to determine the effect of transient anoxia on clonogenic capacity of Mk progenitors.

RESULTS

Contrary to our hypothesis, anoxia did not increase either apoptosis or cell death of the CD34pos cells. The addition of rTpo was protective, with a significant decrease in apoptosis and cell death (P < 0.0001), and an increase in the number of Mk colonies cultured (P = 0.04). There was no difference between the normoxic and anoxic groups in proliferative potential of the Mk progenitor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The thrombocytopenia observed in neonates following an acute hypoxic event is not likely due to a direct deleterious effect of hypoxia on Mk progenitors.

Intravenous versus intrastriatal cord blood administration in a rodent model of stroke

Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells that have been used to reconstitute immune cells and blood lineages. Cells from another hematopoietic source, bone marrow, have been found to differentiate into neural cells and are effective in the treatment of stroke. In this study, we administered hUCB cells intravenously into the femoral vein or directly into the striatum and assessed which route of cell administration produced the greatest behavioral recovery in rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). All animals were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine (CSA). When spontaneous activity was measured using the Digiscan automated system, it was found to be significantly less when hUCB was transplanted 24 hr after stroke compared with nontransplanted, stroked animals (P < 0.01). Furthermore, behavioral recovery was similar with both striatal and femoral hUCB delivery. This is in contrast to the step test, in which significant improvements were found only after femoral delivery of the hUCB cells. In the passive avoidance test, transplanted animals learned the task faster than nontransplanted animals (P < 0.05). Together, these results suggest that hUCB transplantation may be an effective treatment for brain injuries, such as stroke, or neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, intravenous delivery may be more effective than striatal delivery in producing long-term functional benefits to the stroked animal.

Novel cellular approaches to repair of neurodegenerative disease: from Sertoli cells to umbilical cord blood stem cells

Neural transplantation is a promising approach to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury that has been shown to be efficacious in many animal models. However, the use of fetal tissue limits the acceptability and widespread application of this technique. In this review we discuss possible alternative cell sources that may be used to repair the brain and spinal cord, with a focus on Sertoli cells, hNT Neurons, bone marrow and umbilical cord blood derived stem cells.

Umbilical cord blood transplants

With the establishment of cord blood banks, the number of related and unrelated umbilical cord blood transplants is increasing worldwide. Close links have been established with the cord blood banks. Available data showed that umbilical cord blood transplants offer overall results comparable to those obtained with related or unrelated bone marrow transplants. Several differences were found: engraftment with cord blood was delayed, resulting in an increased incidence of early transplant complications, and the incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease was significantly reduced with cord blood grafts, even in HLA-mismatched transplants and in adults. In patients with leukemia, the rate of relapse appeared to be similar to that documented in bone marrow transplant recipients. These data confirm the potential benefit of using umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells for allogeneic transplants.

Dose-response relationship of megakaryocyte progenitors from the bone marrow of thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic neonates to recombinant thrombopoietin

Megakaryocyte (MK) progenitors from the marrow of adults undergo dose-dependent clonogenic proliferation in response to recombinant thrombopoietin (rTpo). It is unknown whether progenitors from the marrow of thrombocytopenic neonates display rTpo dose-dependent proliferation and whether they are more or less sensitive to rTpo than progenitors from non-thrombocytopenic neonates or adults. To assess this, we cultured marrow from four thrombocytopenic and four non-thrombocytopenic neonates, and from six healthy adults, in a serum-free system in the presence of increasing concentrations of rTpo (0-100 ng/ml). Marrow from the thrombocytopenic and non-thrombocytopenic neonates generated three times more MK colonies/105 light density cells (129 +/- 39 and 167 +/- 30 respectively) than marrow from adults (54 +/- 30, P < 0.0001) at a rTpo concentration of 50 ng/ml. Neonatal and adult samples had a rTpo dose-dependent increase in MK colonies. However, neonates reached a maximal number of colonies at a rTpo concentration of 10 ng/ml, compared with 50 ng/ml in adults, resulting in a larger area under the rTpo dose-response curve for neonatal progenitors (P = 0. 0047). Neonates also generated more large MK colonies than the adults (24% vs. 2% at 100 ng/ml).