[Long-term culture of dermis-derived multipotent stem cells and the effects of collagen sponge on their growth in vitro].

Autologous multipotent stem cells are most relevant cells for regenerative medicine and show prosperous future in the treatment of human diseases. Previous reports have indicated that multipotent stem cells (MSCs) can be obtained from bone marrow and adipose tissues. In this study, we proved that dermis may be another source of these cells. MSCs were isolated from the dermis of newborn rats one day old by adhesion competition and successive culture. These cells conserved the ability to differentiate to osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes by induction media containing dexamethasone. After long term of more than 6 months, till 25th generation, the cells still maintained the characteristics of stem cells: high activity of self-renewal and multipotency. Mixed collagen matrix from dermis could promote the growth of dermis-derived multipotent stem cells and collagen sponge stent could promote their three-dimensional growth in vitro.