[Effects of different delivery routes of CD34+ stem cells on cardiac function in the ischemic cardiomyopathy of rats].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of CD34-positive stem cells delivered by different routes on cardiac function in rats with ischemic cardiomyopathy, and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell transplantation.

METHODS

Sixty-four male Wistar rats were randomized into cell infusion group (n=30), acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model group (n=20) and sham operation group (n=14). AMI model was reproduced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. CD34+ stem cells mobilized with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) were purified by immunomagnetic beads in 30 donor rats. Seven days after the injury about (7-9)x10(7) CD34+ stem cells were infused through the femoral vein or through epicardium of recipient rats respectively. Cardiac function was evaluated before AMI, 1, 2 and 4 weeks after cell delivery. Hemodynamic parameters were determined 4 weeks after cell infusion.

RESULTS

Compared with model group, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), fractional shortening (DeltaFS), left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP) and maximal positive change in filling pressure versus time (+dp/dt max) were improved significantly (all P<0.01), whereas left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximal negative change in filling pressure versus time (-dp/dt max), time constant of left ventricular relaxation (Tc) were lowered in cell infusion groups (all P<0.01). There were no significant differences in cardiac function indexes between intravenous infusion and trans-epicardial injection group (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intravenous and trans-epicardial delivery of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) can significantly improve cardiac function, and both methods may be safe and effective for the treatment of AMI.