BACKGROUNDBone marrow cell transplantation has been shown to induce angiogenesis and thus improve ischemic disease. This study evaluated the effect of bone marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNCs) implantation on neovascularization in rats with ischemic bile duct.

METHODSWe established an animal model for ischemic biliary stenosis by clamping manipulation. There were 10 rats in each group: BM-MNCs implantation group, control group and normal group. Rat femur BM-MNCs were isolated using density gradient centrifugation. BM-MNCs or phosphate buffered saline were injected into three points around bile duct tissue in the three groups (25 µl/point). Control rats received injections of saline under similar conditions. At the 21 days after operation, cholangiography was performed. Differentiation of the engrafted cells and capillary density in the bile duct were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTSEngrafted cells could differentiate into endothelial cells. The stricture rate in the implantation group was 40%, significantly lower than that in the control group (100%). The capillary density in the implantation group was significantly higher than in the control group or the normal group.

CONCLUSIONSThe implantation of BM-MNCs induced neovascularization in the ischemic bile duct. It improved the blood supply of the ischemic bile duct to prevent or decrease biliary ischemic stricture.