AIMS: First, it will be investigated if amino-polyvinyl alcohol-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (A-PVA-SPIONs) are suitable for MRI contrast enhancement in bone marrow. Second, the impact of A-PVA-SPION exposure in vivo on the viability and key functions of local bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) will be investigated. MATERIAL & METHODS: Animals were systemically injected with A-PVA-SPIONs, followed by a 7-day survival time. Accumulation of A-PVA-SPIONs was confirmed by MRI, histology and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow for in vitro assessment of their viability and regenerative key functions. RESULTS: In this study, A-PVA-SPIONs were found to accumulate in bone marrow and increase the BMSCs' metabolic activity and migration rate. CONCLUSION: A-PVA-SPIONs appear suitable for contrast enhancement in bone marrow while our data suggest an influence on the BMSCs biology that necessitates future research.