The MRI assessment of intraurethrally--delivered muscle precursor cells using anionic magnetic nanoparticles.

Autografting of cultured myogenic precursor cells (MPC) is a therapeutic strategy for muscle disorders, including striated urethral sphincter insufficiency. Implantation of myofibers with their satellite cells into the urethra is a recently described method of MPC transfer aimed at generating a new sphincter in incontinent patients. In this study, we magnetically labeled muscle implants with dextran-free anionic iron oxide nanoparticles (AMNP). The aim was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the labeling procedure and its utility for non-invasive MRI follow-up of cell therapy in a female pig model. After adsorption of AMNP to the implant surface, various cell types, including MPC, were magnetically labeled within the implants. Magnetic labeling did not affect cell proliferation or differentiation. Autograft detection in vivo by 0.3-T MRI was possible for up to 1 month. Ex vivo, Perl's, anti-desmin and anti-myosin heavy chain staining confirmed the co-localization of AMNP and regenerated myofibers. AMNP labeling was thus useful for locating myofiber implant autografts in vivo and for ex vivo monitoring of the biology of this cell transfer method.