Abstract
Background aims. Amniotic fluid (AF) is a well-known source of stem cells. However, there have been no reports regarding equine AF stem cells. We have isolated equine AF-derived multipotent stem cells (MSC) (eAF-MSC) and show that these cells exhibit self-renewal ability and multilineage differentiation. Methods. AF was obtained from thoroughbred mares and mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated by Ficoll–Paque density gradient. We measured the cumulative population doubling level (CPDL) and characterized the immunophenotype by flow cytometry. To investigate differentiation ability, a trilineage differentiation assay was conducted. Results. eAF-MSC could be isolated and the proliferation level was high. eAF-MSC presented typical MSC phenotypic markers, as determined by flow cytometry. Moreover, eAF-MSC showed a trilineage differentiation capability. Conclusions. Equine AF is a good source of MSC. Furthermore, eAF-MSC may be useful as a cell therapy application for horses.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MEST, 2010-0020265).
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.