Journal of Veterinary Science  2013;14(3):367-371

doi:10.4142/jvs.2013.14.3.367

Characterization and clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells from equine umbilical cord blood.

Jun Gu KANG 1 ; Sang Bum PARK ; Min Soo SEO ; Hyung Sik KIM ; Joon Seok CHAE ; Kyung Sun KANG

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

cell transplantation; equine; mesenchymal stem cells; umbilical cord blood

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Tendinitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is a significant cause of lameness in horses; however, recent studies have shown that stem cells could be useful in veterinary regenerative medicine. Therefore, we isolated and characterized equine umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (eUCB-MSCs) from equine umbilical cord blood obtained from thoroughbred mares during the foaling period. Horses that had tendinitis of the SDFT were treated with eUCB-MSCs to confirm the therapeutic effect. After eUCB-MSCs transplantation, the core lesion in the SDFT was found to decrease. These results suggest that transplantation using eUCB-MSCs could be another source of cell treatment.