Studies in our novel hybrid model of transplantion/ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) in rat has demonstrated significant improvement in kidney function post injection of adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) through the renal artery. This therapeutic technique has high translational value in human transplant surgery as ADRCs provide a robust supply of cells from a very accessible source of tissue, don't require culturing, and can be generated/delivered at point of care during the time of transplant. Our aim is to better understand the active cell subsets represented within ADRC's, their mode of action, and their potential deleterious effects.

Initial studies were performed with flow cytometry to understand the cell diversity within the rat ADRC model. Analysis was performed on ADRCs extracted from inguinal and perirenal tissue of the rat. Cells were surveyed for markers that identify viability, immune cells, epithelial cells, pericytes, and mesenchymal stem cells. We show a 15-20% fraction of injected ADRCs were non-viable cells. We also discovered cell subsets rich in lymphocytes and containing variable levels of epithelial and pericyte cells. Stem cell like markers identify 3-5% of the total ADRC cell population.

Our study defines ADRC's as a pleomorphic cell suspension with multiple potential active subsets including lymphocytes, macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells. Further studies will seek to determine which components provide the inhibitory effects on IRI and determine biodistribution and persistence of these cells after intra-arterial injection. Additional analysis also aims to identify secreted factors and subset effects in renal tissue.

CITATION INFORMATION: Lathan R, Ghita R, Hillyard D, Mark P, Clancy M. Cell-Subset Diversity in Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells Used in Renal Ischemic Reperfusion Injury Treatment. Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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