Selectin blockade decreases postischemic recruitment of bone marrow stromal cells

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: Investigate the localization mechanisms of bone marrow stromal cells following transient ischemia-reperfusion injury in a murine flap model.

Study design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: A cutaneous flap based on the inferior epigastric artery was elevated, and transient ischemia of 3.5 hours using a microvascular clamp was achieved. Fucoidan was injected intravenously 24 hours before the ischemic period. Following the period of ischemia, radiolabeled bone marrow stromal cells were injected intravenously, and radioactivity was determined postoperatively.

Results: Attenuation of the uptake of bone marrow stromal cells into postischemic tissue was observed in those mice treated with fucoidan as indicated by gamma counts measured in the flaps when compared with controls (P < . 001).

Conclusions: Decreased uptake of radiolabeled bone marrow stromal cells into postischemic tissues pretreated with fucoidan indicates selectin-mediated bone-marrow stromal cell recruitment in a murine cutaneous flap model.

Keywords: Stem cells; fucoidan; ischemia-reperfusion; selectin.