Sheep with bad kidneys: intra-renal arterial mesenchymal stem cell administration

Paris, France -

Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells are most likely going to be the first stem cell type approved in the US for regenerative, non-hematopoietic purposes. Currently the company Osiris Therapeutics is leading the way by performing pivotal Phase III trials using these cells.

The use of mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of ischemic kidney injury was recently reported in a large animal model (Behr et al. Intra Renal Arterial Injection of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells in an Ovine Model in the Postischemic Kidney. Nephron Physiol. 2007 Oct 16;107(3):p65-p76).

Ischemia reperfusion injury was induced in kidneys of sheep by temporary blockade of the renal artery using a balloon catheter.

Subsequent to injury bone marrow derived autologous mesenchymal stem cells were administered.

Engraftment of mesenchymal stem cells into kidneys and development of tubules and glomeruli from administered cells was observed morphologically, as well as by phenotyping.

These data provide proof of priniciple in a large animal model that intra-renal artery administration of mesenchymal stem cells is feasible and provides cellular integration.